Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Intern

Overview

Experience careers that explore solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources management, and urban life through the National Science Foundation REU Program: Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene at The Morton Arboretum

The era of unprecedented transformation of the biosphere due to human activities is termed the Anthropocene and calls for directly addressing the ecological and environmental challenges of the present and near future. The REU at The Morton Arboretum uses trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments.

Participants will:

• Engage in a paid, 10-week summer program, with housing and travel provided, conducting an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD-level mentor.
• Gain direct experience on all aspects of a research project, from hypothesis and research question development, experimental design, collecting and analyzing data, to presenting the results at a final symposium.
• Develop critical thinking, independence, self-confidence, perseverance, and collaborative skills, interact with interns from other Chicago institutions, and benefit from workshops on science communication and professional development.

The 10-week research program includes:

• $7,500 stipend
• Housing, research supplies, and travel
• Professional development workshops in science communication, responsible conduct in research, resume building, and more

Research areas:

• Soil ecology
• Forest ecology
• Conservation biology
• Root biology
• Plant systematics and biodiversity
• Urban forests and arboriculture
• Plant breeding and horticulture

Learn more:

• Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
• Work on unique projects.
• Meet new people and grow your network.

Eligibility Requirements

Students participating in the National Science Foundation-supported REU program must be:

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply).
• Able to participate from May 27 to August 1, 2025.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for the natural world and a willingness to engage in research across diverse environments. A commitment to collaboration, attention to detail, and scientific inquiry is essential. Experience with specific methods or data analysis is often useful but not required, as mentoring teams will teach project-specific techniques. Applicants will be matched to projects based upon interests, personal background, and enthusiasm.

We encourage applicants from colleges with limited research opportunities, groups underrepresented in STEM, first- and second-year undergraduates, and first-generation college students.