Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

Costa Rica Winter Research Expedition

The CSU-LSAMP Costa Rica Winter Research Training Expedition is a beginning research experience in which students learn the foundations of inquiry-based research, including experimental design, research methods, and analysis while exploring the spectacular ecosystems of Costa Rica. Students receive instruction in the development of research questions, fundamentals of experimental design, sampling, hypothesis testing, and the responsible conduct of research, while engaging in hands-on activities across a wide variety of habitats and landscapes. Students with little or no research experience will benefit from participating in group research activities in terrestrial agroecology. 

The CSU-LSAMP Costa Rica Winter Research Training Expedition is restricted to only CSU Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (CSU-LSAMP) participants. Travel expenses (flights, local ground transportation, lodging, and meals) will be covered for all CSU-LSAMP student participating in the expedition. First and second year students are especially encouraged to apply. Read on for information on how STEM undergraduates can become LSAMP participants.

Applications for the 2024 CSU-LSAMP Costa Rica Winter Research Expedition are now closed. Details on future expeditions will become available in fall 2024. 

researcher in the forest
Forestry Research
Terrestrial Crustacean
Terrestrial Crustacean
White Faced Capuchin Monkey
White Faced Capuchin Monkey

Program Details

  • The 2024 CSU-LSAMP Costa Rica Winter Research Expedition will run January 1-19, 2024; students will fly on the 1st, landing in Costa Rica on January 2nd.
  • Total immersion in tropical biodiversity: rainforest, cloud forest, mangroves, coffee plantations
  • Selection of students is based on application questionnaire, academic transcripts, references, and interview
  • Lower division students are particularly encouraged to apply, but the program is open to all CSU-LSAMP undergraduates.

Program Leaders: John "Buck" Banks, UROC Director, CSUMB

Students conducting lab work in Costa Rica