International Research Experiences for Students-Raptor Research (IRES-RR) offers international research experiences in Spain to up to five students per year (graduate and undergraduate) on a competitive basis. Participation includes a spring semester seminar course for academic credit at Boise State University if desired, a paid eight-week summer research experience in southern Spain, and travel to the autumn annual conference of the Raptor Research Foundation to present research findings. The Spring semester seminar course (typically early Mar. - late Apr) course will be held both in-person or online to prepare students with science foundations, responsible conduct of research, formulation of research teams and study design with foreign mentors, and travel logistics. The summer international component (typically mid-June - mid-August) will include paid travel, group lodging, and stipends to participate in environmental research with international research partners and the mentor team. Research topics address the effects of climate change on bird migration in the Strait of Gibraltar, cost/benefit analyses of renewable energy integration on birds, studies of raptor behavior near renewable energy facilities using camera traps, and wildlife mortality distribution in relation to wind farms, among other topics. The ability to speak Spanish is not required, but students have opportunities to learn and improve Spanish speaking and comprehension. They also will gain international research travel acumen, and be part of an international research team working on research in a diverse and multicultural setting. Essential communication of scientific methodology and findings is the focus of participation in a mini research symposium at the international site and at the annual conference of the Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) typically in October.
raptors, birds of prey, avian migration, zoology, wildlife biology, wildlife management, ecology, environmental science, climate science, conservation, conservation genetics, ecology, animal behavior, genetics, parasitology, wildlife management, quantitative ecology, field biology, field ecology, owls, hawks, eagles, falcons, birds, predator-prey dynamics, international, Spain, Idaho, preparation for graduate school, undergraduate research, graduate research, international scientists, NGO, non-governmental organization, applied science, conference presentation, scientific publication, ornithology, zoology, wind energy, renewable energy, population dynamics, physiology, endangered species, phenology, modeling, forecasting, data science.
Applicants must certify eligibility below. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic and/or research experience preparation, enthusiasm for the IRES experience, and will have two positive letters of recommendation submitted by faculty or supervisors familiar with their work. Strong candidates will be self-driven, emotionally mature, and study disciplines in ecology, environmental science, behavior, conservation, wildlife biology, and/or climate and data science. We are especially interested in receiving applications from members of groups that are underrepresented in science, persons with disabilities, those returning from military service, and students who are eligible for Pell grants.
