2027 Conservation Research Program Application

Student Eligibility 

This program is open to all W&M undergraduate students who: 

• Graduation Timing: Plan to graduate on or after the completion of the year-long program in December 2027. 
• Enrollment Status: Are currently enrolled as full-time W&M undergraduate students and will be on campus during the spring and fall semesters. 
• Commitment: Understand and commit to all program requirements. 
• Previous Participation: Have not previously participated in the year-long program. 

Program Requirements 

W&M students are completing projects in collaboration with external conservation partners as needed to address their conservation objectives. To ensure that we are meeting our commitment to the external partners, students enrolled in the year-long Conservation Research Program must: 

• Full Commitment: Commit to the entire program from January to December 2027. Enrollment and presence on campus during the spring and fall semesters are mandatory. Students should plan to spend 10 weeks of summer either in Williamsburg or participating in travel if required for their project. 
• Weekly Meetings: Organize and lead weekly meetings with faculty mentor(s) and conservation partners. 
• Lab Meetings in Spring & Fall: Actively participate in two weekly lab meetings during the spring and fall: one on Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 PM ET and another on Friday from 12:00–1:00 PM ET.  
• Lab Meetings in Summer: Actively participate in weekly online lab meetings every Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM throughout the Summer. 
• Professional Development & Training: Actively participate in all required professional development and training sessions throughout the program. 
• Summer Research: Complete the summer research by dedicating 30 hours per week for 10 weeks, including travel if required, to the Program. 
• Project Deliverables: Complete all required CRP project deliverables, including a research proposal, research poster and presentation, oral presentations and final research report to partners by December 2027. 
• Research Credits: Register for a minimum of 2 credits of independent research during both the spring and fall semesters. Note that enrollment in summer classes is not permitted. 
• Summer award: Acknowledge that you will receive a $4,000 scholarship for summer research. Be aware that paperwork and procedures may differ for U.S. citizens and international students. 
• Travel Requirements: Fulfill the travel requirements specific to your selected project. Plan and manage your own travel and project budget. You may apply for additional travel support from the IIC if required for your project. 
• Task Completion and Communication: Complete all project tasks by the program’s deadlines and maintain regular communication with partners, faculty, and the research manager throughout the program. 
• Compliance: Adhere to all William & Mary, Institute for Integrative Conservation, and partner travel and program stipulations. 
• Professional Conduct: Represent W&M and IIC professionally, treating partners, research teams, and local communities with respect.  
• Inclusive Environment: Contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and partners. 

Travel Requirements 

If travel is required for any of the projects you select, you will be responsible for travel planning, budget management, and logistics. You will have support from IIC’s Research Program Manager and conservation partners, but you are ultimately responsible for managing your own safety, health and logistics for travel. Please review and acknowledge the following travel requirements: 

• Pre-Departure Orientation: Attend mandatory pre-departure orientations as scheduled to ensure you are fully prepared for your travel and project requirements. 
• Travel Insurance: Obtain appropriate travel insurance coverage as required by William & Mary and the Institute for Integrative Conservation. 
• Health and Safety: Comply with all health and safety guidelines, including any vaccinations or health precautions necessary for your travel destination. Note that students are responsible for all health-related expenses. 
• Documentation: Secure, maintain, and carry all required travel documentation, including passports, visas, and any project-specific permits. 
• Travel Arrangements: Coordinate with the Research Program Manager and partners to plan your travel arrangements, including transportation and accommodation, ensuring alignment with the project's needs, health and safety requirements, and budget constraints. Students are responsible for ensuring they have appropriate travel documents (visas, etc.) and follow all health precautions for travel. 
• Travel Budget: W&M students are responsible for working alongside the IIC research team and partners to plan their travel logistics, itinerary and budget. Students are responsible for their own travel expenses with their $4000 award, but may apply for IIC travel support if needed. Health-related travel expenses, travel documents (passport and visas), and personal travel expenses are not covered by the IIC. 
• Reporting: Submit a travel planning report, including a trip summary, health and risk management plans, emergency contact numbers, and budget details. 
• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant travel policies and procedures established by William & Mary, the Institute for Integrative Conservation, and any project partners. 

By acknowledging these requirements, you ensure compliance with program policies and contribute to a successful research experience.

IIC Support 

Students in the year-long Conservation Research Program will receive the following support from the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC): 

• Mentorship: Ongoing guidance from faculty mentors and the Research Program Manager throughout the program to assist with research completion and development of conservation leadership skills. 
• Research Award: A $4,000 award to support full-time research over the summer. Note: The application process and paperwork may vary for U.S. citizens and international students. To receive this award, students must not enroll in summer courses. 
• Travel and Research Expenses: Students may submit a proposal for additional IIC support for travel and research expenses, in alignment with William & Mary and IIC policies, if needed and required for their project. 
• Housing: Students are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing through the summer, except accommodation during travel, which is covered by the IIC. 
• International Travel Insurance: If international travel is necessary for the project, the IIC will cover the cost of the required William & Mary international travel insurance. Students are responsible for securing and paying for any additional insurance related to travel. 

Application Instructions

To apply for the 2027 year-long Conservation Research Program, students must submit the following application materials by October 25, 2026.  

 1. Complete Qualtrics Survey: Fill out the survey link below with the following information.

• Student Information: Name, email, graduation year, major/minor, 93 number, and financial aid status. 
• Acknowledgement of Program Requirements: Indicate that you understand and agree to the Program and travel requirements. 
• Project Prioritization: Identify your top three projects and reflect on how you uniquely fit each project.

 2. One-page cover letter  that demonstrates your preparation and alignment with the goals of the program

• Please submit a one-page cover letter (PDF format) that demonstrates your fit for the 2027 Conservation Research Program. Similar to a job application, your letter should be tailored specifically to this program and reflect your genuine interest and alignment with its goals. 

In your letter, please include the following:

• Your motivation for applying to the Conservation Research Program 
• The unique skills and perspectives you bring to the program. While previous research or work experience is not required, we encourage you to reflect on relevant life experiences (e.g., involvement in clubs, organizing events, being the oldest sibling, past jobs, or personal hobbies) that have shaped your strengths. 
• Your top three project preferences and reason(s) for selecting them 
• How you plan to collaborate with external conservation partners and contribute to an interdisciplinary team 
• How you would approach the travel components of the research, if travel is required 
• The values that guide your work and how they connect to the mission of the IIC 

We ask that your cover letter reflect your authentic voice and perspective. You're welcome to use AI tools to help brainstorm or structure your ideas, but please ensure that the final letter is written by you. AI checker may be applied. 

 3. Current resume that lists your relevant courses, jobs, and experiences 

Please submit a current resume (PDF format) that highlights your relevant academic and professional experiences in preparation for the 2027 Conservation Research Program. Similar to a job application, your resume should be tailored specifically to this opportunity. 

While prior research experience is not required, we are seeking students who have demonstrated relevant skills, such as managing timelines, organizing meetings, and working in professional or collaborative environments. These experiences can come from a variety of settings, including coursework, jobs, clubs, sports teams, or family responsibilities. 

• When preparing your resume, we encourage you to consider including: 
• Experience managing projects, such as setting goals, creating timelines, and completing tasks, in any context (e.g., course assignments, clubs, work, or personal initiatives). 
• Experience organizing meetings, whether for academic projects, extracurricular activities, family events, or job responsibilities. 
• Any conservation-related experience, or experiences relevant to the specific projects you are interested in. 
• Skills that may contribute to the success of the research project. 
• Experience working as part of a team. 

We are looking for your authentic voice and perspective in your resume. You are welcome to use AI tools to help brainstorm ideas or structure your resume, but the final version should reflect your own work and writing.  

4. One-minute video showcasing your enthusiasm for conservation and this opportunity 

Create a 1-minute video (MOV, MP4) that highlights your enthusiasm for the Conservation Research Program. Think of it as a short pitch—similar to a job interview introduction. 
 
In your video, please: 

• Share why you’re excited about the program 
• Highlight the unique skills, perspectives, or experiences you bring 
• Explain how the program aligns with your academic and career goals 
• Reflect on how you would work alongside partners and as part of an integrative team 
• Demonstrate how you would prepare yourself for travel involved in the projects you selected (if applicable) 
• Briefly mention how you’ve prepared—or plan to prepare—for this experience 

The video is intended to complement your cover letter, so there is no need to repeat the information you have already provided in the cover letter. Instead, use this opportunity to share something additional about yourself: What makes you unique, anything you think you bring to the CRP, etc.  

Note: Your video does not need to be professionally edited. We’re looking for creativity, authenticity, and genuine enthusiasm, not polish. 

5. Unofficial transcript 

Upload an unofficial transcript from William & Mary as part of your application. You can download your unofficial transcript from Banner. If you have any questions about how to access your transcript, get in touch with the Registrar’s Office. 

 The IIC Research Committee will review transcripts to help assess overall preparedness for the program. GPA and coursework will be considered as one part of a holistic review. The focus is on overall fit, not just academic performance. 

6. Professional Reference 

• Please list the name, title, and email address of one professional reference who can speak to your fit for the Conservation Research Program. We will contact the reference via email as part of the application review process. 
• This reference may be a professor, staff member, employer, club advisor, or other professional mentor. This cannot be a current William & Mary student or a relative.

Characteristics of a Strong Application 

• Commitment to Conservation: Clearly express your dedication to biodiversity conservation and your approach to addressing complex conservation challenges.  
• Unique Perspectives: Highlight your unique perspectives, skills, and passions related to conservation. 
• Project Skills: Demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to complete the research project effectively. 
• Professional Qualities: Show evidence of resiliency, professionalism, and organizational skills required to lead a research project successfully. 
• Alignment with Values: Reflect the values of the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) and align with its mission.
• Project Fit: Carefully review the project descriptions and consider how you would contribute uniquely to each project.  
• Travel and Skills: If a project requires travel, language fluency, or specific skills, ensure you communicate your ability to meet these requirements in your application. 

Successful applicants will effectively convey their fit for the program, their commitment to conservation, and the unique contributions they bring to the field.