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National Field Trips

The Henry L. Gholz SEEDS National Field Trips

The SEEDS program hosts National Field Trips to bring undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and interest to explore the science of ecology. We sponsor diverse students currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at a US institution to travel to different research stations to engage with scientists and professional with hand on learning experiences and workshops to discuss career development and the future of our science field. Diverse People for a Diverse Science!

Read more about our past SEEDS Field Trips. 

SEEDS is hosting an International Field Trip to the Canadian Rockies!

October 2-6, 2024

The SEEDS program is proud to announce a new International Field Trip to the Barrier Lake Field Station, a part of the Biogeoscience Institute of the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada! Located at the entrance of the Canadian Rockies, the Barrier Lake Station is 80km west of Calgary in the Kananaskis Valley. The station provides a stunning location for research, teaching, conference and workshop facilities operating year-round.

The station stations draw scholars from around the world to conduct research of the highest caliber and offers an extensive science program including independent scientists and research programs involving multidisciplinary and collaborative efforts. The surrounding landscape transiting from Calgary to foothills to mountainous terrain leads to diverse and unique ecosystems and research themes. Participants will be learning about a wide range of ecology fields; Animal Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Biology / Ecohydrology, Meteorology, and Watersheds / Vegetation Dynamics and Forestry / Ecosystem Sustainability and Environmental Economics / Human, Domestic Animal, and Wildlife Disease Interactions. 

Note: The Barrier Lake Field Station is located in a fairly remote area, the nearest town is 40min away and with very little cell reception. There is WIFI at the station. The station also has a newly renovated dining and science buildings and housing is provided in dorm style rooms shared with other SEEDS participants. 

Eligibility

  • To be eligible, applicant must be a US Citizen. 
  • Must have a valid US Passport (that does not expire before April 6, 2025) or acquire one before Oct 1, 2024.  
  • Must be enrolled in an Associates or Bachelors degree at a college/university within the United States at the time of travel.
  • Preference is given to first and second year, and those that have NOT had opportunities to engage in ecology research or field experience.
  • Students from underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note: this trip requires participants to have a valid US Passport at the time of travel. While SEEDS cannot provide passport support or assistance, you can check with your college resources which might often provide assistance. To learn more about obtaining your US passport, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Selection Criteria

SEEDS looks for future leaders within the science of ecology, a strong candidate must demonstrate: 

  • A sincere interest in exploring a career in ecology.
  • The potential to contribute to the ecology program at their home institution and in their communities. 
  • The capacity to support the mission of SEEDS – to stimulate and nurture the interest of underrepresented students to participate and be leaders in ecology 
  • A strong statement of interest essay. 
  • Students applying from SEEDS Chapters have a higher chance of being selected. To check the status of your SEEDS Chapter, please visit our Chapter Map. 

Logistics for the Field Trip 

The SEEDS Program will cover all the selected participants expenses for this field trip including travel, lodging, ground transportation and meals. This is a fully funded opportunity, students who are chosen to participate will work with SEEDS staff to arrange their travel itineraries, housing arrangements, ground transportation and dietary needs. SEEDS staff establishes an agenda with the station host and takes care of all the necessary arrangements for a great participant experience! You just need to worry about making it to and from your home airport. 

Field Trip Agenda

  • Science Workshops and discussions 
  • Hands-on field research experience
  • Cultural components to the location we visit.
  • Career panel discussion with professionals and graduate students
  • Student presentations
  • Reflections on motivations and challenges students face in science
  • Time for group daily journal entries which are then compiled into a single report

Applications Materials

These are the materials you will need to complete the application for this field trip. 

  • Applicant contact and academic information.
  • Statement of Interest: In a short (up to 400 word) essay(1) describe the nature of research that you intend to pursue; (2) specify how this Field Trip experience would further your educational and career goals; (3) summarize your ecology experience thus far (activities, coursework, research or work experience, etc.); (4) explain how you will contribute to the mission of the SEEDS program during and after the Field Trip. Uploaded in PDF format. 
  • Resume or CV. Uploaded in PDF format. 
  • Reference: Name and email contact of a professional reference. 

Click on the APPLY image above to visit our application portal. 

The application portal will close on May 27, 2024 at midnight EST.

SEEDS National Field Trips are funded by the National Science Foundation