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.

  • REU in Marine Biology and Statistical Ecology at the SBC and VCA LTER

    Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA), University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the University of Kansas (KU) are seeking 2-4 undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented groups, to join a Coastal-Heartland Marine Biology Summer Research Exchange Program.

  • REU opportunities at the NTL LTER

    The NTL LTER REU Program provides high-impact educational opportunities by facilitating immersive, hands-on mentored research experiences in freshwater science.

  • REU at the Virginia Coast Reserve LTER

    Spend your summer doing real science as part of a collaboration among world-class researchers studying the last coastal wilderness on the East Coast.

  • 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.

  • REU’s at the Sevilleta LTER

    The UNM Sevilleta Field Station is seeking applicants for 10 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).

  • REU at the Konza Prairie LTER

    Now recruiting students for REU positions at the Konza Prairie Long-Term Ecological Research site for the 2024 cohort!

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