A research project is at the heart of the Summer Student Fellowship program. 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, ocean sampling 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.

WHOI actively recruits underrepresented minorities in ocean science as defined by the National Science Foundation (African-, Hispanic- and Native-Americans, and Pacific Islanders) in all of our education programs, as well as programs of the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative, such as the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program.  

Summer Student Fellowships are awarded to undergraduate students who are completing their junior year at colleges or universities and are studying in any of the fields of science or engineering including but not limited to the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, oceanography, and marine policy. Students must have at least a tentative interest in the ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, mathematics, or marine policy.

Persons from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

WHOI actively recruits underrepresented minorities in ocean science as defined by the National Science Foundation (African-, Hispanic- and Native-Americans, and Pacific Islanders) in all of our education programs, as well as programs of the Woods Hole Diversity Initiative, such as the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program. 

• junior

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

Apply online at https://www.whoi.edu/what-we-do/educate/undergraduate-programs/summer-student-fellowship/ssf-program-overview/.

In addition to the on-line application form, the following are required:

• A current CV or resume that shows educational background and work experience;
• A current unofficial transcript, a PDF document. (Note: An Official Transcript will be required from any applicant who receives a Summer Student Fellowship.);
• At least three letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant's academic credentials (Recommendation forms are available through the link on the References page.);
• A completed Course Record worksheet (within the application) listing undergraduate coursework by subject category, primary textbook used for each course, and the grade received for completing the course;
• A research statement, no longer than three double-spaced, typewritten pages, that addresses the following five questions:
  1. How would a summer of research at WHOI benefit your education and career plans?
  2. What skills do you expect to obtain from this research experience?
  3. What skills do you have that would make you a good researcher?
  4. Have you previously been involved in research projects as part of your classwork, a job or an internship? If so, what skills did you apply or gain from this experience?
  5. What areas of marine research are you interested in and why? You may refer to a specific lab at WHOI or a general area, see WHOI Areas of Research

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to research and education to advance understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicating this understanding for the benefit of society.

More information can be obtained by contacting: education@whoi.edu.