The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) funds research opportunities for undergraduate students through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program. The REU program allows for active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by NSF. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. So if you are an undergraduate student interested in gaining meaningful research experience, consider applying for a summer REU opportunity.
In addition to the REU program, students also have the opportunity to gain research experience through SEEDS, a program of the Ecological Society of America with the goal of broadening participation in ecology. The Kendra Chan Fellowship supports undergraduate students in conducting an ecology research project of interest with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. SEEDS has established partnerships with field stations and mentors to offer exciting summer opportunities that can be tailored to meet student interests, career objectives, and growth as a scientist. For most opportunities, no prior research experience is necessary.
Check out our video featuring members of the LTER community giving advice on how to get involved in undergrad research:
Recent REU Opportunities
Below is a list of recent past summer research opportunities associated with the Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network. To receive current opportunities as they are announced, sign up for the “LTER opportunities” newsletter.
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2027 Summer: LTER Plant Community Ecology Internships
The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns. Positions are available for both REUs and independent research projects.
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) | HJ Andrews LTER, Post-Fire stream impacts
This internship in the Segura Watershed processes lab at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest will provide the undergraduate student(s) an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of mentored, paid, independent research.
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Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunities at Hubbard Brook (2026)
Four opportunities for undergraduate research experiences at the renowned Hubbard Brook LTER site.
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Undergraduate Summer Internships Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER
The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Program (GCE LTER) is looking for undergraduate interns for summer 2026. Some opportunities are limited to students who have not yet graduated. All positions will receive either a stipend or an hourly salary. Most internships last ~8-10 weeks between May and August. However, start and end dates are…
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REUs on the Virginia Coast
Undergraduate students are invited to apply for the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program with the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research project. Come experience the coastal wilderness of eastern Virginia. Our REU program begins in late May and concludes in early August. It includes work on a focal research project, help with our…
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Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology
The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an immersive research experience, connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Each year, 15-25 undergraduates from across the US live and work at the 4,000-acre Harvard Forest for 11 weeks. Students work with a research mentor in interdisciplinary team-based projects focused on how ecosystems change over…
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Research Experience for Undergraduates | Plum Island LTER
Course/Program Dates: Jun 08, 2026 – Aug 14, 2026 Application due date: Mar 06, 2026 The Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for two 10-week positions in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The successful applicants will work as part of a large-scale, multi-disciplinary project examining the effects…
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2026 Summer: LTER Plant Community Ecology Internships and REUs
The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students to work as plant community ecology interns. Most positions run from June through August, but some interns are needed as early as March, and some are needed through October. Your educational institution may be able to approve this internship for any…
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SLAWR REU Program (Summer 2026)
The Sustainable Land and Water Resources Research Experience for Undergraduates (SLAWR REU) is now accepting applications! A community-centered and Tribally focused summer research internship program, SLAWR REU explores the interactions between physical, natural, and social processes through the weaving of Indigenous knowledge with Western knowledge to advance scientific understanding and support management decisions made by Tribal governments. With…
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REU at the Hubbard Brook LTER
Summer 2025 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunities at Hubbard Brook Long-Term Ecological Research Site.
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REU at the Plum Island Ecosystems LTER
The Marine Biological Laboratory is seeking applicants for two 10-week positions in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation
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REU at the Kellogg Biological Station LTER
The NSF funded KBS REU Site “Understanding biological responses to global change in a field station community” gives students an opportunity to conduct full-time research in collaboration with our outstanding faculty, postdocs and graduate students.
