A unique experience for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in international marine research.
Program Overview
The HERITOR project requires a full-year commitment and sustained, high-level engagement in both research and outreach. Fellows will enroll in Undergraduate Biological Research during both the spring and fall semesters, participate in an intensive 8-week research and outreach residency in Cape Verde during June and July, and engage in STEM outreach activities at Bridgewater State University in the fall.
Participants are expected to maintain active involvement, fulfill all research and outreach responsibilities, and communicate consistently with faculty mentors and collaborators. The program emphasizes rigorous, high-quality scientific research and requires critical thinking, perseverance, attention to detail, and a willingness to take on complex challenges.
This will be a demanding academic experience and requires strong time management, initiative, and a commitment to both independent and collaborative work.
Who Can Apply
The program is open to second- and third-year undergraduate Biology, Geology, and Chemistry majors at Bridgewater State University. We are also recruiting one graduate student to serve as a Graduate Mentor for the program.
Apply to be a HERITOR Fellow »
What You Will Do
As a HERITOR Fellow, you will:
- Engage in a year-long program that takes place in both Massachusetts and Cape Verde
- Prepare for research and outreach in Cape Verde through enrollment in an Undergraduate Biological Research course (spring semester).
- Conduct fieldwork and data analysis in Cape Verde for 8 weeks during the summer (June-July).
- Work in teams with students from Uni-CV, mentored by U.S. and Cape Verdean experts.
- Participate in STEM community outreach activities in both Cape Verde and the U.S.
- Complete data analysis, manuscript development and research and community outreach presentation enrollment in an Undergraduate Biology Research course (fall semester).
- Contribute to research manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Co-present research at national or international professional conferences.
Benefits for Students
- Gain invaluable international research experience.
- Develop critical scientific, technical, collaborative, and leadership skills.
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Cape Verde.
- Co-author scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Present research findings at major professional conferences in ecology and conservation.
- Develop communication and leadership skills through community outreach.
Financial Considerations
- Program expenses, including travel, housing, meals, and cultural activities, while in Cape Verde, are covered by the National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students program.
- Students will receive a weekly stipend ($700/week for 8 week) for their contribution to the research.
- Students also receive a stipend up to $250 for individual items needed for research in marine environments.
Timeline
Fellows will enroll in Undergraduate Biological Research in the spring 2026 semester, conduct research in Cape Verde in June and July 2026, and enroll in Undergraduate Biological Research in the fall 2026 semester. They will participate in STEM outreach activities during the summer and fall of 2026.
Application Process
Applications are open to second- and third-year BSU students without prior international research experience.
Interested students will need to submit the following no later than Nov. 15, 2025:
- A completed application
- College transcript, which you will upload via the application form
- Two letters of recommendations, one of which must be from a BSU faculty member
Applicants will also be interviewed by project leadership.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2025.
Apply to be a HERITOR Fellow »
The HERITOR Project is funded by National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students award #2504650.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
To ensure you get a strong, effective letter of recommendation, please follow these steps to make your request.
1. Choose the Right Faculty Members
Your application requires two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a BSU faculty member. Select faculty/mentors who know you and your academic work well. Think of faculty you had for a course where you were particularly engaged, excelled on a project, or participated actively in class discussions. The goal is to choose someone who can speak to your specific skills, not just your grade. Your second letter of recommendation may come from another faculty member, or a supervisor who is familiar with your work. If you have transferred to BSU, you may submit your second letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your previous institution.
2. Ask Well in Advance
Please give faculty/mentors ample time to write a thoughtful letter by making your request at least 3-4 weeks before the application deadline. This is a professional courtesy that also ensures you'll get a high-quality letter.
3. Provide All the Necessary Information
Make it as easy as possible for faculty to write a great letter for you. Your request should include a concise and organized package of materials. We recommend providing the following:
- Your resume or CV
- Your unofficial transcript
- A brief description of the HERITOR program and its goals
- The link to the HERITOR project website
- A short personal statement about why you are interested in the program
4. Draft a Professional Email
Your email should be clear and concise. Here is what to include:
- State your purpose immediately: Start with a clear request for a letter of recommendation that speaks to your ability to participate in an international research and outreach opportunity.
- Remind them who you are: Mention the specific course you took with them and the semester.
- Connect their class to the program: Refresh their memory of a specific project, paper, or topic you worked on in their class. Explain how the skills you gained (e.g., critical thinking, research methods, collaboration) are relevant to the HERITOR program.
- Provide the deadline and instructions: Clearly state the letter is due before Nov. 15, and ask them to email the letter to HERITOR@bridgew.edu.
- Attach your materials: Make a clear, bulleted list of all the documents you have attached to the email.
- Express your gratitude: Thank them for their time and consideration.