See FAQ’s below for some common questions; for additional questions, please contact:
- Sharon Cooper: scooper@ldeo.columbia.edu
- Jon Lewis: jclewis@iup.edu
I am a non-STEM student but this sounds interesting. Can I apply?
Yes! We are interested in students from a few specific non-STEM fields participating for reasons of STEM awareness. Students in English, Education, Art, Film Studies, pre-Law and Journalism are especially encouraged to apply.
I have already declared my major in Geoscience but I’m only a freshman. Should I apply?
Yes. We are very keen to have students early in their studies participate.
I’m at a community college studying a non-STEM field that is not one STEMSEAS listed above, but I’m considering changing to a STEM field and completing a 4-year degree. Am I eligible?
Yes, We are very interested in students transitioning between 2-year and 4-year institutions.
Can high school students apply?
Students who have graduated from high school, are already 18 years old and plan to enroll at a 2-year or 4-year institution in the coming year may apply.
I am not a U.S. citizen but attend a U.S. university/college. Am I eligible?
Sorry but no. You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national OR permanent resident.
I am a U.S. citizen but attend school in another country. Am I eligible?
Yes.
Are graduate students eligible?
Not as participants, as this program is specifically for undergraduates. However, we have one paid position on every expedition for a graduate student mentor. You can apply for those positions here.
I am a STEM major about to graduate this May, can I participate?
Yes. Although our focus is primarily on undergraduates, we are also interested in students making the transition from college to the workforce or graduate study.
I am a STEM major and I have done similar things. I am eager to have more experiences at sea. Should I apply?
Yes, but recognize that we are trying to provide experiences for students who are not as far along in their studies (e.g., freshman) or who are not certain which STEM field, if any, is right for them.
What research will we do on the ship?
The voyages are all transits between research expeditions so there will be no set research projects underway during the transits. However, we will attempt to make use of the ship to demonstrate an array of scientific research practices and techniques. Sometimes, we’ll be able to collect samples along the way and we will use these to run a suite of standard analyses. We also hope to generate data about both the water column and the seafloor that we will process. Some of these data may be contributed to globally shared databases. If samples are collected, it is possible that our mentors will analyze them for specific parameters that will then be shared. These data certainly could be used as the basis of a student-driven research project. Be aware, however, that STEMSEAS is primarily an exploratory, introductory and “sampler” program, not an in-depth research experience.
I get sick easily on buses, trains and planes. Should I apply? Will I get seasick?
If you are prone to motion sickness, in all likelihood you would find sailing on a research vessel more than just miserable. Take this into consideration. A lot of students do get seasick the first day or two; for most, it goes away after that.
