Opportunities
Note: Research opportunities for the remainder of the 2024-2025 academic year are limited, and primarily consist of computer-based projects such as data entry, processing (e.g. camera trap scoring), and analysis. However, I am always open to discussing opportunities for motivated undergraduates to take on independent research projects under my guidance focused on land-sea connectivity.
I typically work with a team of 4-6 undergraduate interns, and together we conduct coastal ecological research focused on marine and terrestrial ecosystem connectivity, social-ecological systems, intertidal community ecology, and related topics. These projects have various levels of commitment, with the typical minimum time commitment being ~2-6 hours per week for one academic quarter.
In 2025 Winter and Spring quarters, I am seeking undergraduate assistance for one project, the "California Coast Coyote Project." This research investigates marine resource consumption and dietary diversity of coyotes along the California Coast, as well as interactions among coyotes, seals, and other coastal wildlife. The primarily responsibility of undergraduate assistants would be to participate in our weekly group camera trap photo scoring sessions (which are currently from 4-5pm on coastal campus) and score camera trap photos for at least one hour independently each week (i.e. ~2 hours per week committment).
I encourage all interested undergraduates to fill out the research questionnaire at the bottom of this webpage and contact me (Frankie) directly via email.
Depending on intern interest and compatibility, there may be opportunities for undergraduate interns to take part in research fieldwork, lead synergistic research projects, and/or participate as a co-author on peer-reviewed publications.
My mentoring philosophy is that interns working with me more than 2-3 hours per week should be compensated either academic credit or a stipend, but I (sadly) do not currently have stipend funding available. If you would like to work more than a couple hours per week, I encourage potential interns to communicate with me about (1) an interest in seeking academic credit, which involves a 6-hour per week committment, or (2) putting together funding proposals that can cover stipends and other research-associated expenses. Funding opportunities for UCSC undergraduate students that may be applicable include: Koret Scholarship, UROP, CAMINO, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars, Deans’ Chancellors’ or Steck Awards, and others.
In 2025 Winter and Spring quarters, I am seeking undergraduate assistance for one project, the "California Coast Coyote Project." This research investigates marine resource consumption and dietary diversity of coyotes along the California Coast, as well as interactions among coyotes, seals, and other coastal wildlife. The primarily responsibility of undergraduate assistants would be to participate in our weekly group camera trap photo scoring sessions (which are currently from 4-5pm on coastal campus) and score camera trap photos for at least one hour independently each week (i.e. ~2 hours per week committment).
I encourage all interested undergraduates to fill out the research questionnaire at the bottom of this webpage and contact me (Frankie) directly via email.
Depending on intern interest and compatibility, there may be opportunities for undergraduate interns to take part in research fieldwork, lead synergistic research projects, and/or participate as a co-author on peer-reviewed publications.
My mentoring philosophy is that interns working with me more than 2-3 hours per week should be compensated either academic credit or a stipend, but I (sadly) do not currently have stipend funding available. If you would like to work more than a couple hours per week, I encourage potential interns to communicate with me about (1) an interest in seeking academic credit, which involves a 6-hour per week committment, or (2) putting together funding proposals that can cover stipends and other research-associated expenses. Funding opportunities for UCSC undergraduate students that may be applicable include: Koret Scholarship, UROP, CAMINO, Doris Duke Conservation Scholars, Deans’ Chancellors’ or Steck Awards, and others.
Photo Credit: Lindy Fung. All content © Frankie Gerraty