Program Options
Year-Long Program
W&M students work with W&M faculty mentors and conservation partners to design, conduct and disseminate a research project over the course of a calendar year.
In the spring, the student works with a faculty mentor and a conservation partner mentor to complete a literature review and research proposal. In summer the student, supported by an IIC research stipend and travel funds, works full time to complete the research. In fall the student completes a report and communicates finding to stakeholders. Students in the program participate in weekly lab group meetings throughout the program, where they learn research, communications, and leadership skills.
Partner timeline for year-long program:
- Prior Spring: IIC announces RFP, partners submit research proposals for next program cycle
- Prior Fall: IIC selects projects, identifies students, and works with partners to narrow the scope of the projects.
- Spring: Students complete research proposal, with faculty and partner mentorship
- Summer: Students complete research, with faculty and partner mentorship
- Fall: Students complete report, with faculty and partner mentorship
The CRP request for proposals from partners opens every spring (usually in March or April)
Semester-Long Program
The semester-long Conservation Research Lab engages students in a lab where they work with conservation partners to complete short-term projects with clearly defined objectives. This is a great option for projects that do not require an extensive literature review and for projects that can be done over 2-3 months. We accept proposals on a rolling basis for the upcoming semester.
Conservation GIS lab
The Conservation GIS lab supports partners with short-term GIS projects with clear objectives. Students in this lab can work with partners to create maps, storymaps, or conduct analyses that guide conservation outcomes. We accept proposals on a rolling basis for the upcoming semester.
