Program Overview

International Research Opportunity: Sri Lanka

The University of Nevada, Reno offers a unique international research opportunity in Sri Lanka, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant. This 8-week summer program allows undergraduate students to conduct research in and around Wasgamuwa National Park, focusing on human-elephant conflict (HEC) and its causes.

Project Description

The project aims to understand the parameters of HEC, including competition for resources and habitat, and to develop innovative solutions to mitigate this conflict. Students will work with the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) and other research institutions in Sri Lanka, using GIS technology and community-based participatory research to develop research questions and collect field data.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible, students must be full-time undergraduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in December 2024 or later, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply, with a focus on recruiting STEM and humanities students. The program requires students to enroll in two courses in the spring of 2024 to prepare for field work and to attend weekly meetings with project faculty.

Program Structure

The program consists of the following components:

• Two courses in the spring of 2024 to prepare for field work
• 8 weeks of field work in Sri Lanka during the summer
• Weekly meetings with project faculty
• Development of a research project in conjunction with a faculty advisor
• Presentation of research at the fall undergraduate research symposium

Living Accommodations

While in Sri Lanka, students will live at the SLWCS's Pussellayaya Field House, which provides basic amenities, including meals, showers, and bathrooms. Students will have the opportunity to explore other parts of Sri Lanka during their free time.

Example Itinerary

The program itinerary includes:

• Spring 2024: Enrollment in two courses and weekly meetings with project faculty
• Summer 2024: 8 weeks of field work in Sri Lanka, including training, workshops, and field research
• Fall 2024: Analysis of field data and presentation of research at the undergraduate research symposium

Application Process

Applications are accepted until October 26, and students must provide:

• Personal and academic information
• University transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume/CV
• Two essays (each one single-spaced page)
• A short answer explaining experience with social media, community engagement, and/or communications and outreach

Resources for Applicants

Applicants are encouraged to review resources on human-elephant conflict, interdisciplinary research, and the project's partners, including the Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society and the Centre for Conservation Research Sri Lanka.