JR Academy 2023

The 2025 OCEAN CORE (Ocean Core Exploration As New investigators Community Outreach and Research Experiences) Academy (June 8-15, 2025) is being offered by the International Ocean Discovery Program's (IODP) U.S. Science Support office (USSSP). This is meant to be an extension and new (land-based) twist on our previous JR Academy program.

During OCEAN CORE Academy, students will participate in a wide range of Earth and ocean science activities, create and implement small research projects related to ocean floor cores/data, use state-of-the-art research equipment, learn science communication skills and be exposed to a variety of careers, while working at and living nearby to the Gulf Coast Repository in College Station, TX.

Eligibility:

Must be at least 18 years old and enrolled in or accepted to a U.S. accredited institution of higher learning.

Student Selection Criteria:

Motivation, interest and enthusiasm for IODP science and science communication
Ability to benefit from and contribute to the OCEAN CORE Academy experience
From a wide range of backgrounds and experience

DEADLINE: April 4, 2025 (but reach out to us if you need an extension)

Components of a completed application include:

this application form
a letter of recommendation from a current or former professor/teacher or employer
a copy of your most recent transcript (can be unofficial), uploaded below

If you are selected, travel and expenses to/from College Station will be provided, as well as room and board during the program. You will need to have a little bit of funds to pay for local transportation/taxis/shuttles; you will be reimbursed for these after the Academy.

Questions can be directed to Sharon Cooper: scooper@ldeo.columbia.edu

Full Name (as it appears on a government-issued ID)*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

School Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

E-mail*

example@example.com

Birthdate:*

Phone Number*

Gender*

MaleFemaleOther

College/University currently attending or accepted to attend:*

Expected graduation date:*

Date

Are you Hispanic or Latino?

YesNo

What is your ethnicity and/cultural identity? (check one or more that apply).

Are you the first generation in your family to attend university?

YesNo

Was your family eligible for free school lunch when you were growing up?

YesNo

Are you fluent in speaking and writing English?*

YesNo

Are you conversational or fluent in any other languages?*

YesNo

If yes, which one(s)?

A. Are you currently enrolled at a 2-year/community college institution?*

YesNo

B. If you are enrolled at a 2-year institution, are you considering going on for a 4-year degree?

YesNo

If you answered yes to being enrolled in a 2-year institution, skip down to Question AA.

C. Are you in the process of earning a 4-year degree?

YesNo

D. If yes, are you considering going on for an advanced degree?

YesNo

E. Did you transfer from a 2-year/community college institution?*

YesNo

F. If you transferred from a 2-year institution, when did you do so?

AA: What is your ultimate educational goal?*

What is your intended major? (If undeclared, just give us your best guess)*

If you plan to seek a minor, in what field?

What is your ultimate career goal at this point?*

If you have prior travel experience, list some of the locations you have visited. If not, leave blank - that's ok, too.

If you have any prior research or laboratory experience, tell us about it! If not, that's ok too!

Other: Is there anything special that you would like the review committee to know about your background?

Optional: Please let us know if you have any special skills with the following (and if you don't, that's ok too):

Do you intend to pursue a science or science-related career (e.g., a career that uses science, like a scientist, science teaching, science writing, technology law, etc.)?*

In just a couple of sentences, please describe your interests in science communication! (e.g., presenting at public events, conferences, creating videos or other visual infographics, and other creative ways to share science with the public.)*

Personal Statement: Briefly (3-4 paragraphs) describe your career goals, why you are interested in this program and what you hope to gain from it.*

How did you find out about the OCEAN CORE Academy opportunity?*

If accepted as a part of OCEAN CORE Academy, you will be expected to:

take part in 2 pre-Academy webinars and at least 1 post-Academy webinar
actively participate with a positive attitude during the duration of the program, which will include evenings
follow all program drug, alcohol and safety policies
create and implement a post-Academy science communication project
keep your contact info current so we can follow-up with surveys about your experiences down the road

Typing your full name here indicates your commitment to these responsibilities and certifies that the information given in this application is complete and accurate:*

Upload your most recent official or unofficial transcript.*

Provide the name and contact information for the person (professor, academic advisor, employer, etc) who is writing a recommendation letter for you. You should discuss this application with this person beforehand. Your recommender can access the form here.

Name of person submitting recommendation letter:*

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

This person is a*

professoradvisor or counseloremployerOther

I waive my right to see this recommendation letter.

YesNo

OCEAN CORE Academy Student Application 2025

Demographic questions (optional)