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.
Be part of an upcoming FYRES experience!
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 2026.
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 2026–2027 academic year.
Application Information
Deadlines
Fall 2026 Class
Apply by midnight on 11 May 2026 for first consideration to become part of the Fall 2026 FYRES class. See information below for the process and links to the student application and teacher recommendation forms. (After 11 May, applications will be considered in the order they are received until the course is full.)
FYRES Research Mentors and Coordinator for 2026-2027
Apply by midnight on 10 April to become a FYRES Research Mentor or the FYRES Coordinator for academic year 2026-2027. See below for information about qualifications needed and how to apply.
To apply to be part of the FYRES 2026 class:
- Apply by midnight on 11 May 2026 for first consideration to become part of the FYRES class. After 11 May, applications will be considered in the order they are received until the course is full.
- Complete the application to join the FYRES 2026 class. Ask a person who has seen you in a learning situation (a teacher, coach, youth group leader, etc.) to complete this short recommendation form for you.
- 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 an online recommendation. Please provide the recommender with the link to the online recommendation form.
- 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.
- If you are requesting a recommendation 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.)
FYRES Research Mentor applications are currently being accepted the 2026-2027 academic year. Our goal is 6 Mentors. Please contact Deanna van Dijk about how many positions are unfilled.
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 a comparable course from another institution) 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 2026, FYRES Research Mentors must be available for the weekly lab period on Thursday afternoons (2-7pm) 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.
FYRES Coordinator applications are currently being accepted.
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 for fieldwork and research activities, public outreach and communications, assisting with data collection and storage, distributing research results, and recruiting students. Request a copy of the position description from Deanna van Dijk (dvandijk@calvin.edu) if you would like 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 connect with Deanna van Dijk, reach out at one of the places below
- email dvandijk@calvin.edu
- place paper copies in the mailbox at North Hall 079 (an envelope is recommended for confidentiality)
- mail Deanna van Dijk, Department of Geology, Geography, and Environment, Calvin University, 3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546.
Email Professor Deanna van Dijk at dvandijk@calvin.edu.