Student Grant Program
Barnegat Bay Student Grant Program
2026 Summer Research Experience
Each summer, Save Barnegat Bay invites dedicated students to participate in hands-on scientific research focused on protecting Barnegat Bay and its watershed. Through fieldwork, mentorship, and data-driven inquiry, students contribute meaningful research while developing real-world scientific skills.
Participants work alongside science mentors, complete structured field research, and present their findings at the conclusion of the program. Students who successfully fulfill program requirements receive an Academic Grant award in recognition of their commitment and achievement.
Students may apply through one of two research pathways:
- Summer Research Team Project
- Independent Research Project
Applications are due Friday, April 10 at 11:59 PM.
If you have any questions as you navigate the application process, we’re happy to help — please contact opportunities@
Dedication
Dedicated to Paul D. “Pete” McLain – Driven by his passion for preserving Barnegat Bay, the late Paul ‘Pete’ McLain founded this program in 2007. As a dedicated wildlife biologist, conservationist, and advocate for academic research, Pete envisioned a future where students would commit their careers to deepening our understanding of the bay and its delicate ecosystem.
Student Grant Research Descriptions
Water Quality Team Project
Students selected to participate in the Water Quality Team Project will be contributing important water quality and pathogens data.
Location: The location for this project will be located along hot spots around the Barnegat Bay Watershed.
Objective: The goal of the Student Grant Team for this project will be to monitor select locations along Barnegat Bay and upstream sites for fecal indicator bacteria (Enterococcus/E.coli), physical parameters, and to assist with sampling and testing. Students will collect water samples periodically from selected sites and will analyze the same for Enterococcus/E.coli at the EcoCenter Laboratory using IDEXX & Coliscan easygel equipment. Students will also monitor field physical conditions using a YSI multimeter. Students will maintain laboratory notebooks and will work closely with Dr. John Wnek (MATES) for the duration of the project. Students will have the chance to meet leaders on this project and participate in meetings and events regarding this effort
Deliverables: Each team of students will be producing a research poster. Each student will contribute to a final written team report. This report will be reviewed by the Student Grant Committee. Team members will be trained in water quality sampling and bacteria analyses. Students are expected to share their results/findings at a mid-point meeting with Project partners, provide a final presentation to the local community, and write a team report upon completion of the project. The sampling and testing will take place from late May through late July with the final presentations taking place in early August. If arranged in advance, students may be eligible to earn research credits at his/her/their college.
Requirements: Students familiar with laboratory skills and water quality issues with ability to handle basic laboratory equipment preferred. Overall, students must be able to work well in a team setting and possess problem-solving skills. Students need to be able to work in the field. Students will use the water quality lab at Save Barnegat Bay and interact with experts. Students are required to drive to the sampling locations and must have a valid driver’s license to drive in the state of NJ.
Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ) Survey Team Project
Location: The Sedge Islands Marine Conservation Zone is located off Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park, NJ. Students will drive to a dock located in the park approximately 8 miles past the gatehouse to the Sedge dock.
Objective: The goal of SIMCZ Team Project is to inventory fish, crabs, and shrimp species found in three substrates (submerged aquatic vegetation, macroalgae, and sand) inside and outside the SIMCZ.
Procedure: Students working on the SIMCZ Team Project will continue with the same methods from previous years. Students will join the mentor for this project and a captain aboard a Carolina Skiff. The boat will be used to access areas inside and outside the SIMCZ that has submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), macroalgae, and sand. At each location the boat will be anchored, and two 1-meter diameter metal cylinders will be placed in the water. The area within the cylinder will be sampled using D-framed nets. Each scoop of the net will be placed into containers for the students to sort through and collect all species of fish, shrimp and crabs. After having five consecutive empty scoops the sampling in that cylinder is complete. Students will then measure up to 20 of each type of fish, shrimp and crab and count any remaining specimens. The cylinders will then be retrieved, and the boat will move on to the next sampling area. There will be a total of 12 cylinders sampled per day for 10 days between June and August.
Requirements: Students will meet at the Sedge Island dock to board the boat at 6:00am. Students will be required to bring lunch, water, sunscreen, etc with them for the day. Students will be on the boat until the sampling is completed for the day (expect a 6-8 hour day). There will be an opportunity for bathroom breaks at the Sedge Island Natural Resource Education Building (which is located within the SIMCZ near the sampling area). Sampling dates will be selected by the mentor, captain and students participating in this study at the initial Student Grant meeting.
ReClam the Bay Independent Project
For more information and to apply for this position please contact Reclam the Bay Board Member & Research/scholarship Committee Chair: John Meim
Independent Research Project
Since 2007, Save Barnegat Bay has funded projects ranging from water quality, biodiversity, pesticide impacts, energy, dune plant communities, and more! The sky is the limit for independent proposals. If your project idea takes place ANYWHERE inside the watershed, we will consider it in the application pool.
