Duke Marine Lab Scholars Programs
A multi-component scholars program supported by the Provost’s Office of Duke University, is designed to promote a community of exceptional undergraduate scholars and to provide individuals in this community with mentorship, resources, and co-curricular activities that enhance and enrich their education.
Marine Lab Scholars
To be designated a Marine Lab Scholar, students must complete four courses
in marine science at the Marine Lab, with a grade
point average of 3.5 or above in these courses. Marine Lab Scholars are
eligible to apply to become Rachel Carson Scholars, selecting
academic- service-, or research-focused programs. In the inaugural year
of the program (January–December 2008), students who enrolled in courses
at the Marine Lab for just one summer session are also eligible to be
Rachel Carson Scholars.
Rachel Carson Scholars
Rachel Carson Scholars will spend an additional semester or both summer sessions enrolled at the
Marine Lab and will enjoy programs designed to build collaborations and
to provide enhanced mentoring through frequent student-faculty interactions.
Faculty will meet regularly with Rachel Carson Scholars for meals and
informal field excursions, with the goal of building solid lines of communication
and community among the Carson scholars and the faculty. Rachel Carson
scholars will receive travel support up to $1000 per student to attend
a professional meeting with a faculty mentor, and are eligible to apply
for up to $5000 in support of research or service. Students are responsible for all tuition, room & board costs associated with their enrollment at the Marine Lab. Acceptance into the Rachel Carson Scholars program will not affect a student's financial aid package and does not preclude students from applying for additional sources of financial assistance.
Students accepted into the
Rachel Carson Scholars program will pursue one of three different paths:
Rachel Carson Academic Scholars
- Identify a faculty mentor at the Marine Lab;
- Complete at least three marine science courses with a grade point average of 3.5 or better;
- Complete an oral presentation or exam that demonstrates the student’s broad knowledge of marine science; and
- Attend a national or regional meeting with other Rachel Carson Scholars and faculty mentors.
Rachel Carson Research Scholars
- Identify a faculty research advisor at the Marine Lab;
- Prepare a research proposal and compete for up to $5000 in research funds;
- Undertake an independent research project;
- Complete an honor’s thesis based on this research; and
- Present results of this research at a national or regional meeting with other Rachel Carson Scholars and faculty mentors.
Rachel Carson Service Scholars
- Identify a faculty service advisor at the Marine Lab and a service internship institution;
- Develop a written internship plan and compete for up to $5000 in service funds;
- Prepare and present a final report (typically an honor’s thesis); and
- Attend a national or regional meeting with other Rachel Carson Scholars and faculty mentors, presenting results if appropriate.
During a summer or semester, students will undertake a service project focused on an effort in marine science, conservation or policy. Marine Lab faculty have developed a network of local, national, and international opportunities in marine conservation science and policy and expect to partner students with these opportunities, based on the student’s interest.
If you have questions about the program and how to enroll please contact:
Katie Wood, Undergraduate Program Coordinator