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REUs - Summer Research Experiences

NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) (link is external)are excellent opportunitiesfor highly qualified students between junior and senior years. Successful applicants generally have a 3.25+ GPA and previous experience such as Maryland Student Researchers or a significant internship
Typically, REU sites select 8-12 students from across the country; and provide housing, social activities, and a $5,000+ stipend.  Approximately 1-4 ENSP students participate in REUs each summer; it's a great way to try a career as a scientist.
  • Application deadlines typically fall between February 1 - March 15 (varies by institution) and require a personal statement, resume, and 1-2 faculty recommendations.
  • Most participants are rising seniors; however, rising juniors and new graduates may be eligible in some cases.
The schools listed below are a sampling of what's available.  See the full NSF/REU Program list HERE.(link is external)

  •   Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies(link is external)- Millbrook, NY
  •   Sevilleta LTER Field Station(link is external) - University of New Mexico
  •   Tropical Biology (Costa Rica)(link is external) - Duke University
  •   Ecosystem Restoration(link is external) - The University at Buffalo (NY)
  •   Suburban Ecology and Invasive Species(link is external) - Univ of Kentucky
  •   Linking Applied Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability (LAKES)(link is external) - Univ of Wisconsin - Stout
  •   Ecological and Socioeconomic Impacts of Humans in the Lake Champlain (VT) Ecosystem(link is external) - Univ of Vermont
  •   Investigating and Communicating Change in Ecosystems(link is external) - Hubbard Brook (NH) Experimental Forest
  •   Drought Resiliency and Natural Resources Issues(link is external) - University of Nevada
  •   Monterey Bay Regional Ocean Science Research Experience(link is external)s - Cal State - Monterey 
  •   Marine and Estuarine Science(link is external) - Maryland Sea Grant
  •   Coastal Biology(link is external) - University of North Florida
  •   Marine Sciences Summer Program(link is external) - University of Delaware
  •   Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)(link is external) - Edgewater, MD
  •   Virginia Institute for Marine Science(link is external) - The College of William & Mary