Summer 2025 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunities at Hubbard Brook
Original posting: https://hubbardbrook.org/undergraduate-graduate/
Students will collaborate with research teams that include both undergraduate and graduate students while also developing and conducting their own independent research projects. Many REU students extend their research by pursuing independent studies or senior honors theses at their home institutions, with some even publishing their findings in major scientific journals. Additionally, weekly presentations by mentors and other scientists provide students with a broad exposure to the full spectrum of ecosystem research at Hubbard Brook.
We are currently recruiting for students for the following topics:
Lepidoptera community: This project aims to understand more about Lepidoptera (moths and caterpillars) community that are the most important herbivores in northern hardwood forests and the most important link from plant production to birds and bats. We will work with the student to develop a project that may include elements such as building a photographic library of the moths and caterpillars of Hubbard Brook, collecting Lepidoptera samples using various field methods, developing AI-assisted methods for identifying and enumerating moths, and other research avenues as determined by the student and mentors. Because the Lepidoptera work is closely linked to bird and bat research, the student will learn and participate in long-term bird research including nest searching, territory mapping, and counting food availability and participate in bat research.
In your application, please include: a letter explaining why a summer research project interests you and how it fits into your broader plans, your resume and email contact for two references (they do not need to submit letters).
If interested in the position, please send your application to Dr. Matt Ayres (Dartmouth College: matthew.p.ayres@dartmouth.edu) and Miranda Zammarelli (Dartmouth College: miranda.zammarelli.gr@dartmouth.edu).
Forest change and fuel load estimation – In summer 2025, the vegetation team at Hubbard Brook is seeking an REU to engage in a research project on fuel load estimates in the forest in preparation for a prescribed fire experiment and predicted increases in fire potential in these “asbestos” forests. Prescribed fire may be necessary both in preventing megafires and in promoting northern red oak regeneration. The REU will be fully integrated into the vegetation crew and be expected to contribute to long-term measures as well as work for their own project focused on fuel load estimates. The student will collaborate closely with mentors from Cornell University (Cleavitt) and UC Berkeley (Battles) and have the opportunity to present on their project. Interested students should contact Nat Cleavitt by email: nlc4@cornell.edu.
