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Fall 2013 Undergraduate Research applications will open June 2013.

"The thing I cherish most about the IDEA program is the graduate school preparation. While in the program, I was given graduate level research tasks. The program introduced me to and prepared me for a lot of issues that I may encounter getting into and attending graduate school."
- Joseph Roberts, NCCU student and IDEA participant

IDEA provides paid geoscience research opportunities and graduate school preparation at UNC-Chapel Hill to full-time undergraduate students during both the summer and academic year. IDEA faculty and undergraduate students also mentor high school students during the summer science institute for high school students which is held at Elizabeth City State University. Our goal is to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in the geosciences and provide the support and training necessary to pursue a graduate degree. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation, Opportunities for Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences Program.

IDEA summer group
2012 summer research students with participating faculty mentors, graduate students and staff.

Who is Eligible?

IDEA provides paid research assistantships to full-time undergraduate students attending UNC-Chapel Hill, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central University and other North Carolina HBCUs. The summer science program for high school students is available to students who live in Elizabeth City and the surrounding counties of Pasquotank, Perquimans, Gates, Chowan, and Camden counties. Go to the links below under Programs Available through IDEA for details.

Why Geosciences?

Geosciences include all science fields that study aspects of water, earth, atmosphere and ocean. Geoscientists study some of the world's most important problems including freshwater availability, water pollution, climate change, natural hazards, marine systems and gas and oil exploration. There is a shortage of geoscience talent in the U.S. while the need for trained geoscientists continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, geoscience jobs are expected to increase by 35% by 2018.

"I chose geology because I liked how applicable it is. You can visualize and find purpose for your work, so it is easier and more enjoyable to do. Also, geology is a really big field, so you can do almost anything with it. There is geochemistry, geophysics, marine science, etc."  -Ashley Foguel, UNC student and IDEA participant

Programs Available through IDEA