Summer Authentic Research Experiences (SARE)

Overview: Summer Authentic Research Experiences (SARE) is designed to engage Idaho undergraduates in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields related to GEM3 research and increase the number, diversity and preparation of skilled scientists and engineers in GEM3 fields (bioinformatics, computational biology, conservation genetics, ecosystem management, environmental science, and social science).

Each student receives hands-on, paid (up to $6,000) summer research experiences (full-time or part-time educational opportunities available), where they study topics broadly related to the GEM3 project. Each SARE educational opportunity is designed as a learning experience and not employment. The novelty of the approach is the statewide integration of the GEM3 research, and opportunities for undergraduate students to network across the institutions through research team interactions, data collection, fieldwork (e.g., participating in focus groups designed to assess land and water management), and research activities (e.g., support for Unmanned Aircraft Systems flights, field work, and modeling).

SARE Eligibility: All Idaho STEM faculty, and students currently enrolled at an Idaho academic institution, are eligible. GEM3 especially seeks to increase the participation of students from underrepresented groups in STEM (underrepresented minorities (URM), low-income, rural and/or first-generation students, and women in Idaho's STEM enterprise). SARE provides students with an intensive laboratory and/or field experience, while creating an important bridge between academic year education and between institutions.

Idaho 2-yr and 4-yr Colleges:

Idaho EPSCoR strongly encourages participation of students and faculty from Idaho's 2-yr and 4-yr colleges. For faculty, there are many ways to participate and funding is also available for faculty from 2-yr and 4-yr colleges who would like to lead a research project; thus, an application to serve as a research mentor or co-mentor with a university faculty mentor for a SARE student will also serve as an application for funding. Funding includes one month of summer salary and fringe benefits.  [*2-yr and 4-yr college faculty wanting to serve as a research co-mentor with university faculty must coordinate with university faculty prior to submitting an application.]

SARE Selection and Placement:

• Faculty who wish to host SARE students should submit their research description by priority review date of January 17, 2023. **Please note that only faculty are allowed to apply. Graduate students and Postdocs interested in hosting a SARE student must have a supervising faculty member apply on their behalf.
• Students who wish to apply to the SARE program can submit their applications beginning February 1, 2023.  Priority review will begin February 17, 2023. 
• A limited number of paid positions are available during the summer at UI, ISU, BSU and Idaho 2-4 year colleges (see PDF flier for details).
• Positions will range from full-time (approximately 330 hours) to a quarter time (approximately 80 hours) during the summer, for a total of up to $6,000. **SARE educational opportunities must start between May 15th and May 30th and end between July 21st and August 4th. 
• Up to $500 will be provided to the faculty supervisor for research supplies and/or student travel.