The Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM) is open to current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. This 14-month program provides a unique opportunity to work with local ecologists and participate in ecological research projects. WERM students learn content and develop basic research skills during their first summer through hands-on projects and coursework.
After building on their skills at weekend workshops during the academic year, students embark on a final research project under the guidance of a science mentor for their second summer. The application deadline for this program is March 31st, 2019. For more information and the online application please go to http://www.wavehill.org/
Become a WERM!
Wave Hill’s Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship is a 14-month program offering motivated New York City high school students a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of the principles of ecology, focusing particularly on ecological restoration in New York City, and to participate in important field research with working scientists―all while getting paid!
The WERM Application is now open.
The Application Deadline is Sunday March 31.
Apply Here
Program runs from June 2019–August 2020.
- Summer 2019
- Program runs from June 27 to August 20, 2019.
- In June, required family orientation and intern-training sessions will take place. These sessions will not conflict with school attendance.
- Sessions run from approximately 9AM to 5PM, Monday through Friday.
- Academic Year 2019–2020
- Meets most Saturdays from mid-September through mid-June.
- Three to four meetings take place on weekdays when school is not in session.
- Optional community serivces opportunities are available on weekday afternoons and on Sundays.
- Summer 2020
- Summer phase runs from July to approximately August 22, 2020.
- Sessions take place five days per week for approximately 30 hours per week.
- Schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:30AM to 4PM.
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th or 11th grade in a New York City high school
- Strong interest in science research and the urban environment
- Strong academic record, especially in the sciences
- Able and motivated to work independently
- Available to participate in all three phases of the program as described above
Program Compensation and Benefits
- Total compensation for 14-month program is at least $3,900, including stipend, merit scholarship and transportation benefits.
- Nine college credits can be earned for successful completion of coursework.
- 30 hours of community service are available (with opportunities to earn more hours).
- The program includes career and college advice and access to an alumni network.
Program Description
Summer 2019
The program begins with two intensive courses—Mapping NYC's Urban Environment: An Intro to GIS and Restoration of NYC Natural Areas—through the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Each combines formal instruction with hands-on work in the field and in a computer lab. The summer also includes data collection in Wave Hill's woodlands, guest speakers, field trips and review sessions. By the end of this first summer, students have been exposed to the principles of forest and restoration ecology, standard methods for data collection and the use of GIS as a tool for scientific inquiry and analysis.
Academic Year 2019–2020
The academic year is dedicated to building an understanding of the different methodologies used in scientific research, as well as to acquiring knowledge of the ecology of New York City’s natural areas. Through a series of weekly WERMShops, students meet local scientists, read scientific journals, explore local natural areas and practice data-collection methods using GPS and GIS.
Examples of past WERMShops include:
- Tour of research projects and Rutgers University's Hutchinson Memorial Forest
- Kayaking with the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance
- Hiking in Mianus River Gorge
- Freshwater-ecology data collection in Van Cortlandt Park
WERMShops take place most Saturdays. Students should plan to be available from 9:30AM to 4:30PM, though many sessions are much shorter.
Students also earn community service hours by participating in ecological monitoring and restoration work at Wave Hill. Putting their newly acquired techniques to use, they collect data that contributes to existing research efforts, and help us improve our woodlands.
In the spring, students are split into small teams and paired with a mentor to begin laying the groundwork for their final project.
Summer 2020
The second summer, each participant spends time working on small-group research projects with his or her mentor, and putting in an additional 10 to 15 hours a week working with his or her team. Students will also take a 3-credit research methods course through The College of Mount Saint Vincent that will meet weekly to support students in their research. The projects culminate in a final poster, which is presented at a celebratory graduation symposium in August.
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