Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center

Costa Rica Research Training 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.

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

2025 Program

The 2025 Costa Rica Research Expedition will feature hands-on cacao microbiome research. We will investigate plant-microbe-insect interactions using advanced portable DNA sequencing, addressing real agricultural challenges while gaining skills in field sampling and genetic analysis. The program will afford participants the opportunity to engage in authentic scientific research and immerse in local culture while working with farmers at Finca La Iguana Chocolate, a family owned organic chocolate farm in a small Costa Rican agrarian village. The expedition will be ideal for students with a general interest in scientific research, and especially for those interested in the areas of microbiology, entomology, or sustainable agriculture – no prior experience required! This program will be a chance to apply STEM knowledge to real-world problems, develop critical research skills, and gain valuable field research experience in an international setting. Spanish is not required for this program.

Program Details

  • The 2025 CSU-LSAMP Costa Rica Winter Research Expedition will run January 4 - 20, 2025. 
  • Register for an upcoming info session:
  • 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