2026 CRP Application Information

Application Tips

The application asks W&M students to briefly reflect on their interest in the Program and describe how they will apply their unique skills, talents, and perspectives to a research project and as a member of the student research cohort.

Successful applicants demonstrate that they are a good fit for the Program, express their commitment to conservation, show respect for and commitment to collaborating with diverse partners and actors, and reflect on the unique perspectives and skills they bring to the conservation field.

A good application:

• Expresses the student's commitment to biodiversity conservation and to navigating complex conservation challenges.
• Highlights the student’s unique perspectives, skills, and passions.
• Demonstrates the student has the skills required to complete the research project.
• Shows that the student has the resiliency, professionalism, and organizational skills needed to effectively lead a research project.
• Exemplifies the self-reflection, humility, and respect required of students working alongside external conservation partners and local communities on research.
• Demonstrates the student shares IIC values.

The IIC Research Committee is looking for applicants who overall show a commitment to the program, a willingness to learn and work hard, a respect for communities, cultures and perspectives different from their own, and a passion for tackling hard conservation challenges to ensure both people and nature thrive.

Review the following materials from a CRP application clinic hosted by Andrew Martin from Career Development & Professional Engagement and Lori Jacobson from the W&M Writing and Communication Center.

CRP Application Tips

Example Cover Letters and Resumes

Student Eligibility

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

• Will be enrolled as a full-time W&M student, on campus, in the spring and fall semesters of 2026.
• Understand and commit to the full year-long Program. This includes registering for 2 credits in the spring, working full time over the summer, and registering for 2 credits in the fall.*
• Commit to working 30 hrs per week over 10 weeks throughout the summer to complete the research.*
• Understand and are prepared for any travel required for the project. Not all projects require travel.
• Plan to graduate on or after December 2026.
• Have not previously participated in the CRP year-long program. 

This is a competitive program. Previous applicants who were not successful are encouraged to reapply. 

*Students enrolled in the Program cannot take summer courses.

Program Requirements

W&M students accepted in the Conservation Research Program are matched with and then complete projects that have been proposed by external conservation partners as needed to support their conservation outcomes. For successful completion of the Program and to meet the commitment to our external partners, students enrolled in the Program must understand and meet the following requirements.

• Full Commitment: Commit to the entire program from January to December 2026. Enrollment and presence on campus during the spring and fall semesters are mandatory. Depending on the projects and travel required, students are expected to spend their 10 weeks of summer either in Williamsburg or participating in travel, if required for their project. 
• Weekly Meetings: Organize, lead, and follow up on weekly meetings with faculty mentors and conservation partners throughout the full Program.
• Lab Meetings: Actively participate in weekly lab meetings every Friday from 2:00 to 2:50 PM ET in the spring and fall. And summer lab meetings on Tuesdays from 12:30-1:30 PM ET via Zoom.
• Summer Research: Dedicate 30 hours per week for 10 weeks, including travel if required, throughout the summer to complete the research. 
• Project Deliverables: Effectively manage project deadlines throughout the Program, ensuring that partners and faculty have adequate time to provide feedback on deliverables prior to deadlines. Ensure that well-organized project materials and a comprehensive report are provided to partners by December 2026.  
• 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: W&M students will receive a $4,000 award to complete their 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. 
• Communication: Maintain regular communication with partners, faculty, and the research manager on the status of your research project, travel, and health/safety throughout the program. 
• Compliance: Adhere to all William & Mary, Institute for Integrative Conservation, travel destination, and partner travel and Program policies and procedures. 
• 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. 

If students to do not meet the Program requirements, they may be required to return the award.

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, budget, and logistics for travel. Applicants must review and agree to follow the travel requirements below.

• 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 (e.g., visas) 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 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 from IIC donors 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. 

Background Information 

Fill out the survey linked below with the following information.

• Student Information: Name, email, graduation year, major/minor, 93 number, and financial aid status. The financial aid information will not be used in selection, but just to inform how you are receiving the award.

• Acknowledgement of Program Requirements: Indicate that you understand and agree to the requirements. 

• Acknowledgement of Travel Requirements: Indicate that you understand and agree to the travel requirements. 

Review 2026 Projects and Select Your Top Three

The IIC matches W&M students accepted into the Program with projects proposed by external conservation partners. To match students with projects and partners, we ask students to review all 2026 Conservation Research Program Projects and identify their top three priority projects so we can best match students with projects that align with their interests, skills, and goals. 

Review the 2026 Projects. Identify your top three projects and reflect on your relevant experiences and how you would prepare yourself for that project. Please consider the following:

• Skills and pre-requisites. If there are pre-requisite classes or skills, please provide information on whether you have met the requirements. If you do not have the pre-req, please still select the project but explain how you would take initiative to gain the skills needed.
• Travel or fieldwork required. Please review the description of any travel involved and ask questions about the travel or fieldwork required to ensure that it is a good fit for you. Please note that many of the projects require travel, hiking, and staying in remote areas and at field stations for extended periods of time. 

2026 Conservation Research Program Projects

One-Page Cover Letter

Please submit a one-page cover letter (PDF format) that demonstrates your fit for the 2026 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 plan for collaborating with external conservation partners and contributing to an interdisciplinary team.

• A brief description of the top three projects you selected and why you are a good fit for the projects.

• Your approach to the travel components of the research, if travel is required.

• How you envision your participation in the Program aligning or informing your future career goals.

• The values that guide your work and how they connect to the mission of the IIC.

Current Resume

Please submit a current resume (PDF format) that highlights your relevant academic and professional experiences in preparation for the 2026 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. 

1-Minute Video (MOV, MP4)

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 aim to include these key elements:

• Introduction - Name, year, and major(s). A sentence that captures your excitement for the Program.

• Motivation - Why conservation research matters to you. What excites you about learning through discovery?

• Fit - Connect your goals to what the Program offers. Specifically how you envision this program aligning with your potential career goals.

• Closing - End with confidence and gratitude.

You don’t need to repeat everything from your cover letter. Instead, use this as an opportunity to show us what makes you unique and what motivates you to apply.

Your video does not need to be professionally edited. We’re looking for creativity, authenticity, and genuine enthusiasm, not polish. If you cannot upload your video using this link, please email it to elgarroutte@wm.edu.

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. 

Note: 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. 

Professional Reference

Please list the name, title, and email address of one professional reference from W&M 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.