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Costa Rica Research Training Expedition

The Costa Rica 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.

CSU STEM Pathways & Research Alliance

The CSU-SPaRA 2027 Costa Rica Research Expedition is an international research experience in which students learn the foundations of inquiry-based research,  including experimental design, research methods, field data collection, and  analysis while exploring soil health, microbial communities, and insect diversity in sustainable cacao (source of chocolate) agricultural ecosystems in Costa Rica.

Students will 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 on a family-run sustainable cacao farm and in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities nestled in a tropical forest. Research will consist of work in both field and laboratory settings; even STEM students with little or no research experience are encouraged to apply, and will benefit from participating in field and laboratory research activities. 

The CSU-SPaRA 2027 Costa Rica Research Expedition is restricted to CSU SPaRA participants. Travel expenses (flights, local ground transportation, lodging, and meals) will be covered for all students participating in the research expedition.

Program Details

  • Program will run January 3 - 18, 2027.
  • Total immersion in tropical agroecological research in diverse STEM fields, including soil science, microbiology, and insect ecology. 
  • Selection of students is based on application questionnaire, academic transcripts, references, and interviews. 
  • The program is open to all CSU-SPaRA undergraduates. 

Program Leaders: John "Buck" Banks, UROC Director, CSUMB, and Arun Jani, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Agriculture, and Chemistry, CSUMB

Eligibility

Students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply.

  • Only CSU-SPaRA students from any CSU campus will be eligible to participate. 
  • Students with an interest in an intensive tropical research experience or any STEM research field.

What are the program dates?

The 2027 program will run January 3rd to January 18th.  

Is there any course credit associated with participation in this program?

There is no course credit associated with this program.

Do I have to be a STEM major to participate in this program?

Yes, because to be eligible for the SPaRA program and the full scholarship provided to SPaRA applicants, you must be a STEM major. The focus of the program is on Life Sciences research and the statistical and field-based research approaches necessary to investigate this field.

Does the application require transcripts?

The application does request transcripts.

Does the application require letters of recommendation?

As part of your application you will be asked to have two different references submit an evaluation of you and your personal and professional characteristics. Two references are required for a complete application. 

The application process will ask you to provide your references' email address. Your reference will receive an email that includes a link for them to complete their reference of you. 

How do I apply for the CSU-SPaRA scholarship if I am already a CSU-SPaRA participant?

If you are already a SPaRA participant you simply need to indicate on your application that you are a CSU-SPaRA participant by checking the appropriate box next to the question "Are you a current CSU-SPaRA student?" on the first page of the application.

How will I know what to bring? And what not to bring?

The Instructors and Facilitators for this program have many years of experience leading students on field research excursions in Costa Rica. They have used this experience and perspective to create detailed lists of exactly what to bring and what not to bring. If you are selected for this program you will very quickly receive all the information you need about how to prepare. If you still have questions you will be able to contact the instructors with any concerns or details you have.

International Air Travel: How is this arranged? Will I be flying and traveling internationally alone?

If you are feeling apprehensive about the prospect of traveling alone internationally, don't worry. If you are admitted to the Winter Research Expedition, your flight and travel arrangements will be arranged for you.

What are living accommodations like?

Living accommodations vary widely depending on what part of the country the group is in, but they are generally communal. Expect to regularly be sharing rooms with your peers. Accommodation will vary from shared hotel rooms to open-air bunk houses.

How many students are typically selected each year to participate?

The number of participants may be up to 10.