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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REU at the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER
The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Program (GCE LTER) is looking for undergraduate interns for summer 2025.
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REU at the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER
Undergraduate students are invited to apply for the REU program with the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER project.
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Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology (REU)
The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week immersive program providing undergraduate students from around the United States with hands-on research experiences based at Harvard Forest.
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MSP LTER / SLAWR REU 2025
The Sustainable Land and Water Resources Research Experience for Undergraduates (SLAWR REU) — which also recruits our MSP LTER summer REU students — is now accepting applications!
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Spring Field Technician | Cedar Creek LTER
The Cedar Creek LTER (Long Term Ecological Research Network) has several opportunities for students and recent graduates to work as spring field techs.
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2025 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.
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REU at the Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER
REU at the Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems LTER Undergraduates, come gain unique experience this summer working with a BLE scientist on an ecological research project. The 10-week program starts on June 3 and ends August 9, and it comes with a $6000 stipend.
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2024 Recruiting Interns, Hubbard Brook and Bartlett Experimental Forests
Undergraduates seeking research experience in forest ecology are invited to apply for a 10-week expense-paid internship in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
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REU at the Hubbard Brook LTER
The Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, with funding from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program, has openings for students in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program during the summer of 2024. Applications are due March 15, 2024.
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REU at the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems LTER
The Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long Term Ecological Program (GCE LTER) is looking for undergraduate interns for summer 2024.
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REU at the CCE LTER
We seek well-qualified and highly motivated undergraduates with interests in biology, chemistry, physics and/or computer science to participate in interdisciplinary oceanographic research.
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Internships (6) at the Luquillo LTER
The Department of Environmental Studies of the University of Puerto Rico-Río Pedras and the Luquillo Long-Term Ecological Research Program are hiring up to six full time interns to assist with the 2024 seedling census.
