Field Course- Taphonomic and Ecological Processes in Tropical Environments

Taphonomic and Ecological Processes in Tropical Environments
Summer Field Course in Graduate Research
Gerace Research Centre, San Salvador, Bahamas
June 19 - July 21, 2017

Course Information: http://geraceresearchcentre.com/fieldcourse.html

Instructors:
Michal Kowalewski, University of Florida (kowalewski@ufl.edu<mailto:kowalewski@ufl.edu>)
Troy A. Dexter, Gerace Research Centre (researchgrc@gmail.com<mailto:researchgrc@gmail.com>)

Overview: This 5-week course will focus on graduate-level research in taphonomy and ecology of late Quaternary to Recent environments of San Salvador Island (the Bahamas), including both marine and terrestrial settings. Each student participant will lead an independent project based on field, experimental, or laboratory data. The instructors will assist students, both logistically and intellectually, in developing projects that can generate publishable quality data. San Salvador field sites and laboratory facilities offer opportunities for conducting topically diverse projects from experimental ecology and taphonomy to Quaternary paleoecology and biosedimentary processes.

Where: Gerace Research Centre, located on San Salvador Island, one of the outermost of a chain of some 700 islands that comprise The Bahamas

Who: Students interested in taphonomy, paleoecology, marine ecology, carbonate deposystems, reef paleoecology, coastal environments (both marine and terrestrial), and Quaternary paleoenvironments are particularly encouraged to apply. The course is aimed at graduate students who aspire to develop strong research portfolios. Advanced undergraduate students interested in research-oriented careers are also encouraged to apply. Students from all countries are eligible for admission.

Application Process: Please submit (1) one completed application form and (2) your most up-to-date Curriculum Vitae to kowalewski@ufl.edu<mailto:kowalewski@ufl.edu>. One reference letter should be emailed separately by the academic advisor. The application is due on Feb 1, 2017. Maximum enrollment: 16. The application form can be downloaded at the course website or directly at the following address: http://geraceresearchcentre.com/pdfs/TaphonomyApplicationForm.doc. Please contact instructors if you have any questions regarding the course or the application process.

Fees and Anticipated Expenses: The course fee is anticipated to be $2500 per student and will cover (1) lodging and all meals, (2) access to all facilities at the research centre, (3) transportation to and from field sites around the island, and (4) instructional and advising activities. The fee also includes health insurance for the duration of the course. The fee does not include transportation to San Salvador ($800 to $1000 from the mainland USA). The total anticipated cost per student is expected to be around $3300-$3500 per student.

Given more expensive airfare for non-US flights, the total cost is likely to be higher for international students. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aids/scholarships at their home institutions.

NOTE: Additional financial aid may be available from the course organizers. For details see the application form.