The Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) is an 8-week summer field course for students interested in undergraduate-level Polar sciences. Participants receive a wide range of training in Earth & climate sciences, alpine travel and safety skills, and science communication while traversing the Juneau Icefield from Southeast Alaska to northern British Columbia.
Important dates:
December 13, 2024: Summer Program and Scholarship applications due. Applications submitted by the due date are given first priority. Those received after the due date will be considered on a rolling basis.
Late January 2025: Application decisions sent out.
Early June - Early August 2025: JIRP 2025 Expedition.
Who can apply?
The JIRP curriculum is geared towards undergraduates. JIRP is also appropriate for graduate students with limited experience in Earth and climate science, rising high school seniors who demonstrate academic drive, and non-traditional students who are interested in moving towards Earth science. Applicants must be 18 years old by the first day of the program. We do not require students to be currently enrolled in school.
There are no specific prerequisites for JIRP, just a willingness to learn! This is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in glacial science who do not have access to relevant coursework at their home institutions. No backcountry or skiing experience is required for our safety training.
What is covered in the JIRP curriculum?
The JIRP academic curriculum focuses on glaciology, climate processes, glacial geomorphology, periglacial ecology, and interactions between these systems. Students learn through academic workshops, field trips, and lectures with rotating faculty from around the world. Faculty focus on the primary topics listed above but also cover Alaskan geologic history, geomatics, remote sensing, geophysics, scientific literacy, and science communication. Students also work with research teams on the Juneau Icefield to acquire hands-on experience with modern fieldwork.
The JIRP field safety curriculum teaches students how to live and work safely in alpine and Polar environments. Students will learn basic backcountry skills, including packing a backpack, hydration/nutrition, and wilderness first aid. During our 2-week safety orientation, we progress to covering technical rope skills, backcountry travel on crampons and skis, group management, and route finding. After safety orientation, JIRP students use their skills every day of the season to further their scientific and academic objectives.
Where can I find more information?
Please visit juneauicefield.org/students/information to learn more. For specific questions, email our staff at office@juneauicefield.org.