Summer Student Fellowship
A research project is at the heart of the Summer Student and Minority Fellowship programs. All Fellows are expected to work on a project selected in collaboration with their sponsor(s) that will provide meaningful results in one summer’s work. Project topics span the vast spectrum of research in ocean sciences and engineering conducted in WHOI’s science departments and the Woods Hole Field Station of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Fellowship recipients have the opportunity to attend and participate in a busy schedule of talks, seminars and a hands-on, one-day, at-sea practicum cruise onboard the R/V Tioga focusing on data collection and sampling methods with advanced oceanographic technology and instruments. The cruise is especially designed for Fellows and not only provides practical training but also brings the group together socially through a shared field experience.
Fellows also have many occasions to interact with current MIT/WHOI Joint Program graduate students, from the Q&A session designed specifically for that purpose to the Ethics in Science Workshop.
The online application link is now OPEN on the Admissions page! Applications will be accepted from November 5, 2012 through February 15, 2013.
Here is what some past fellows had to say:
"This experience has given me invaluable insights into the broad spectrum of WHOI projects and activities ranging from fundamental oceanography principles to harmful algal blooms and autonomous vehicles. The WHOI SSF has truly laid the foundation for my scientific career. Thank you!" SSF '10
"I really appreciated the Summer Lecture Series--I think that one of the best parts of the SSF program is that you become exposed to all different areas of Oceanography, and the lecture series was one of the primary methods for doing so! I feel like I learned so much, and it really broadened my horizons." SSF '11
"I have never been more satisfied with my advisors. I owe all my summer knowledge to them. They have inspired me to pursue the field of oceanography." SSF '11
"...a day out on the water is always a good day." SSF '11
Multimedia
Summer Student Fellow Audio SlideshowIn 2009, the WHOI Summer Student Fellowship program celebrated its 50th year of bringing bright, talented students to Woods Hole to learn more about ocean science, conduct independent research alongside world-class scientists, and get a better understanding of what studying for a Ph.D. and being a professional scientist are all about.
SLIDESHOWAdditional Information
2012 Summer Research Highlights
In 2012, 32 Summer Student Fellows (SSF) representing 30 U.S. and International colleges and universities were selected from a group of 192 applicants. Read about some of their experiences and research projects here.
PopSci's 25 Most Awesome College Labs 2011
WHOI's Summer Student Fellowship was named one of the "25 Most Awesome College Labs" by Popular Science.
A Summer of Science on the Sea
WHOI Summer Student Fellowships offer a taste of research life. Article from Oceanus Magazine.
Profiles of 2009 Summer Student Fellows
In 2009, twenty-eight Summer Student Fellows (SSF) representing 25 colleges and universities were chosen from a record high 241 applicants. Read descriptions of some of the fellows and the work they did.
In an Octopus's Garden
Undergraduate students spend a summer getting hands-on oceanographic research experience and working with world-class scientists and engineers in WHOI's Summer Student Fellowship program. Read a blog by fellow Ellie Bors who wrote about her experience working with biologist Tim Shank.