How to Apply

If you are interested in participating in the GEOPAths GO Jamaica Program, APPLY HERE

2025 applications are due February 1st 2025 (Flyer here).

Tentative field dates are mid to late June (3 weeks).

For questions, contact: geopaths@jsg.utexas.edu.

What questions will be on the application form?

The application consists of several short response questions which will be used to evaluate your suitability for this program. We highly recommend that you prepare answers to these questions in a word document and copy your answers into the application form to avoid losing any of your responses.

In the second section, please provide your personal information (name, contact information etc.) and answer a few demographic questions. The demographic information will be aggregated and summarized for funding agencies but WILL NOT be used as part of the application for the GEOPAths GO program.

NOTE: You do not need to be an Earth science major to apply. 

Applications submitted using generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) (i.e. ChatGPT, CoPilot, etc.) will not be reviewed.

An example of the selection criteria (rubric) can be found HERE.

GEOPAths Application – Part I : Information about your research background and why you want to apply to the program

• Background Information
  • What is the name of your current institution?
  • What is your major?
  • How far along are you in your undergraduate degree?
  • Anticipated Graduation (Semester & Year)
  • List up to 6 college-level Earth science courses you have completed or are enrolled in.
  • List up to 6 upper-level college courses in any science discipline, other than Earth science, that you have completed or are enrolled in.
• Why you’re a great candidate for GEOPAths GO Jamaica
  • Describe your scientific and research interests, career goals, and what you hope to gain by participating in the GEOPAths GO Jamaica program. (1,000 – 3,000 characters)
  • One of the goals of the program is to combine scientific research and hands-on learning with service to the local community (also known as “Service learning”). Describe how science for the benefit of a local community might be important to you. How does this relate to service-learning activities that you have participated in previously? (1,000 – 3,000 characters)
  • What experiences do you hope to gain through participating in a service-learning project tied closely to scientific research? (500 – 1,000 characters)
  • What technical skills do you wish to learn or improve through participation in the GEOPAths GO Jamaica program, and how does this relate to the technical skills you already have? (1,000 – 3,000 characters)
  • As a part of the GEOPAths GO Jamaica program, mentees will work together to practice mentorship, research, and service. We expect all participants to set an example of inclusive peer-to-peer mentorship and help create a sense of belonging. How do you see yourself contributing to this mission? (1,000 – 3,000 characters)
  • We have several projects that students may work on this summer as a part of the GEOPAths GO Jamaica program, they can be found at www.jsg.utexas.edu/geopathsgojamaica/research-projects/. What interests you about the 2025 projects? (500 – 1000 characters)
  • Have you applied to a research training position before?
    • Were you accepted into the training program?
    • If Yes: Briefly describe your experience in this training program. (up to 1500 characters)
    • If No: Did you receive any feedback as to why you were not selected? If so please describe (up to 500 characters). Note, that the information you provide here will not negatively affect your chances of acceptance to GEOPAths GO Jamaica.
    • I understand that this program involves international travel, fieldwork, and labwork, and I am comfortable with all of these program elements. If no or maybe is selected, please elaborate on your response, especially if you have concerns that could be mitigated by the organizers. (up to 500 characters)
• At a later point in the application process, we may ask you for a letter of recommendation written by someone who can comment on:
  1. your curiosity and enthusiasm for science,
  2. your potential to undertake a guided/semi-independent research project, and
  3. your commitment to contributing to a constructive and supportive team environment.
• If you know of someone who can write a letter for you, give them a heads-up now. If not, that is OK, but start thinking about who might be able to serve this role for you.

GEOPAths Application – Part II: Your personal information (name, contact information etc.) and a few demographic questions. The demographic information will be aggregated and summarized for funding agencies but WILL NOT be used as part of the application for the GEOPAths GO program.

• Personal Information
  • What is your name? 
  • What is your telephone number?
  • What is your email address?
  • What is your mailing address?
• Demographic Information
  • Which pronouns do you use? (list and open-ended response provided)
  • Which race(s) do you identify as? (list and open-ended response provided)
  • Are you Hispanic, Latinx, or none of these?
  • Do you identify as a person with a disability or other chronic condition?
  • What is the highest grade or level of schooling that your parent has completed? (asked twice)

APPLY HERE: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BtIptE3miy8P4i

Application Due Date: February 1st, 2025

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