The Rachel Carson Scholars Program provides Duke University undergraduate students with direct research experience in marine science and conservation. Named in honor of Rachel Carson—a marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose work advanced the global environmental movement—scholars will acquire the necessary skills to be the next generation of marine conservation leaders.

Scholars are trained through small seminar experiences, experiential learning, enhanced faculty-student mentorship, scientific research, and professional development. All scholars spend at least one semester at the Duke University Marine Laboratory (DUML) and have funding available for research, travel to professional conferences, and Marine Lab travel courses. In addition to the training that they receive, a community of scholars will be developed within each cohort of scholars, among alumni of the program, and with the scholars in the two parallel Marine Lab Scholars programs, the Repass-Rodgers Scholars and the Scholars in Marine Medicine.

Eligibility Criteria for Rachel Carson Scholars Program 2025 at Duke University

The Duke University Marine Lab part of the program involves two components: course work and directed research with a faculty mentor.

1. Scholars will enroll in courses based on their specific interests; these courses will provide depth of knowledge and experience in a specific area of marine science and conservation.
2. Scholars will be expected to be an active part of their faculty mentor's lab group. Scholars will carry out scientific research at the Duke University Marine Lab as an independent research study with their faculty mentor. We expect that each project will culminate with an honors thesis and ultimately result in a publication.

Scholars will spend at least one semester at the Marine Lab campus, although we encourage scholars to spend as much time as they would like at the Marine Lab campus.

Benefits of Rachel Carson Scholars Program 2025 at Duke University

Rachel Carson Scholars will be eligible to apply for:

1. Research funding (up to $2,500)
2. Conference funding to participate in a professional scientific meeting (up to $1,500)
3. Travel course funding (up to $1,500; funds can be used for research funding if not used for travel course)

How to Apply

Each fall, the Duke University Marine Lab will select Rachel Carson Scholars for the upcoming academic year.

First-years, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply. Scholars will be announced in December.

Application

The application process includes submitting the following items as one PDF document with the file name LastName_FirstName_GradYear_RCApplication:

1. Statement. Prepare a one-page (12-pt font, 1-inch margins) statement describing how you will benefit from the Rachel Carson Scholars Program and how this program will help you reach your academic and career goals. The application statement should include research ideas and preferences of Marine Lab faculty with whom to carry out research. It is beneficial to reach out to faculty whom you are interested in working prior to writing your application statement.
2. Resume. Your resume should be one page and include relevant experience, coursework, and your GPA.

All application materials should be emailed to the Rachel Carson Scholars Program at rcscholars@duke.edu by the deadline. Applications with statements or resumes not meeting the formatting standards listed above will not be considered. Semi-finalists will be selected from the pool of applicants for interviews with the program director or may be asked to provide additional information.

Deadline

October 17, 2025 by 11:59 PM

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Rachel Carson Scholars Program 2025 at Duke University