Armchair scientists who'd like to experience the real thing have a chance to help UC researchers with their field studies this summer. The University Research Expeditions Program is offering opportunities to join expeditions around the world, including several led by UC Davis researchers. UC Davis expeditions will monitor a brown-pelican nesting colony and rear captive chicks in Baja California to learn how El Nino has affected populations; study how expanding human populations affect elephants in Kenya's savannah lands; record social activities of owl monkeys and capybaras in forest along the Riacho Pilaga River in Argentina; collect plant, soil, water and air samples in a study of Belize's fragile wetland ecosystem; and photograph and videotape wax sculpting and textile production and interview weavers, sculptors and Buddhist monks in Thailand during the little-known Candle Festival. No special experience is necessary. Costs range from $695 to $1,695. The application deadline is March 31. For more information, visit the UREP web site at .