If hands-on learning, outdoor experiences and Lake Michigan coastal dunes interest you, then consider joining the FYRES program as a first-year student or upper-level research student.

Each year, FYRES has room for 24 first-year students in the fall course. You do not need to major in science or have previous research experience to participate. You should be interested in learning, appreciate the outdoors and be willing to work towards goals. If your goals including either getting science core credit in an innovative, hands-on course or exploring your interests in an Earth- or environment-focused major, then apply for FYRES Fall 2024.

Each year, FYRES needs 6 upper-level students with Earth science majors and research experience to participate as research mentors. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in a research experience with mentoring and leadership opportunities, then apply for a FYRES Research Mentor position for the 2024–2025 academic year.

Application Information

Deadlines

Fall 2024 Class

Apply to become a FYRES student in Fall 2024. The application deadline is 10 May.  

FYRES Research Mentors needed for 2024-2025

The application process is open for 6 FYRES Research Mentors to start in Fall 2024. See details below to apply.

The application process for a FYRES Coordinator is now closed.

To apply to be part of the FYRES class: 

  • Complete the application to join the FYRES 2024 class. Send the link to the recommendation form to your recommender.
  • The application deadline is 10 May 2024.
  • Interested students are encouraged to apply even if the deadline is passed because usually there are some spots left to be filled in the summer.
  • Applicants may request expedited review by checking a box on the application form. This may be helpful for students who need information about FYRES acceptance to help with making decisions about other opportunities.
  • Applications are reviewed when both the application (submitted by the student) and the recommendation (submitted by the recommender) are received.

The Recommendation:

  • Applicants should ask an appropriate person to complete the online recommendation.
  • The person should be someone who knows the student's work, such as a high school teacher or guidance counselor. The person does not have to be a science teacher. The person can be a group leader, such as a youth group leader, choir or theater director or a team coach. The goal of the recommendation is to have someone who has seen the student in a learning or working situation provide some comments.
  • The applicant should provide the recommender with the link to the online recommendation form. 
  • If you are requesting a recommendation close to the May deadline or during the summer when timing is important, be assured that the timestamp on the submitted student application reserves a spot for application consideration. A reasonable target is for recommendation completion within a week of your request to the recommender.
  • During the summer, if you are having trouble getting in contact with the initial person you would like to provide the recommendation, then consider whether there is another person you can ask. (It is fine to make a change from what you listed on your application.)

Questions at any stage of the application process:  Email Deanna van Dijk at dvandijk@calvin.edu. 

FYRES Research Mentor applications are now being accepted for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Are you interested in being part of the FYRES project as a FYRES Research Mentor?

FYRES Research Mentors are paid academic-year undergraduate research students. FYRES Research Mentors work 10 hours per week in the fall semester, working closely with first-year students to teach them research methods and guide their fieldwork on Lake Michigan coastal dunes and/or on-campus at Perseverance Dune. In the spring semester, Mentors continue working on the research project (5-7 hours per week) towards a conference presentation and final report.

Necessary Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

To be eligible to become a FYRES Research Mentor, a student must

  • be a Calvin University geosciences major: geography, geology, environmental studies or environmental science.
  • have completed GEO 252 Geomorphology or GEO 181 FYRES (or both).
  • have prior research experience. Completion of the research project in GEO 252 Geomorphology or GEO 181 FYRES with a grade of B or better counts as research experience.
  • demonstrate academic ability with an overall GPA of 2.8 or above.
  • demonstrate potential for research and mentoring less-experienced students.
  • be available for the scheduled FYRES activities in the fall semester.
  • In Fall 2024, FYRES Research Mentors must be available for the weekly lab period on Thursday afternoons (1:15-6:15pm) and several GEO 181 class periods.

If you are interested in applying, but do not meet one of the eligibility requirements, either talk to Deanna van Dijk or provide an explanation in your application about why you should be considered for a position without meeting that requirement.

Application Process: Interviews and Notification

To apply for the position of FYRES Research Mentor, complete the online application form and provide a current (unofficial) transcript to Deanna van Dijk. 

After applications are received and reviewed, candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to a short interview with Deanna van Dijk. The interviews are opportunities to further highlight/explore candidate qualifications and fit with the FYRES Research Mentor program.

Applicants will be notified by email about their application status.

Questions at any stage of the application process:  Email Deanna van Dijk at dvandijk@calvin.edu. 

Applications are no longer being accepted for the FYRES Coordinator position for the 2024-25 academic year.

Are you interested in being part of the FYRES project as the FYRES Coordinator?

The FYRES Coordinator is a student who coordinates activities, outreach and data collection for the First-Year Research in Earth Sciences program during the academic year.  Responsibilities include providing logistical support, assisting with data collection and storage, maintaining the FYRES website, distributing research results, and recruiting students.  See the position description for more information.

Necessary Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

The ideal FYRES Coordinator:

  • has prior experience with the FYRES program, such as experience as a FYRES student or FYRES Research Mentor.
  • must be in good academic standing with an overall GPA of 2.8 or above.
  • must be able to communicate effectively.
  • must be organized and detail-oriented, with an ability to follow directions for implementing required tasks.
  • must be courteous, prompt, dependable, honest and able to maintain confidentiality.

Application Process

To apply for the position of FYRES Coordinator, submit the following

  • your resume
  • a copy of your transcript
  • a cover letter describing your interest in the position as well as your relevant skills, abilities and qualifications

to Deanna van Dijk at one of the places below

  • email to dvandijk@calvin.edu
  • place paper copies in the mailbox at North Hall 079 (an envelope is recommended for confidentiality)
  • mail to Deanna van Dijk, Department of Geology, Geography, and Environment, Calvin University, 3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546.

Questions at any stage of the application process:  Email Deanna van Dijk at dvandijk@calvin.edu. 

Questions?

Email Professor Deanna van Dijk at dvandijk@calvin.edu.

Sign up for email notifications for:

  • A reminder when the application process for FYRES 2024 opens or the application deadline is getting close.
  • Notification when new FYRES research results are posted on the website.
  • Notification when FYRES has upcoming events, such as research presentations in December.

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