Since 2004, the Chicago Botanic Garden has hosted a full-time ten week summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) internship program with a plant biology and conservation (PBC) focus. One key goal of this program is to broaden diversity in the biological sciences, particularly by increasing the participation of groups historically underrepresented in science such as women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others.

As part of the Chicago Botanic Garden's Science Career Continuum this internship is a critical link where undergraduate interns, mentored by graduate students, also serve as co-mentors to Chicago Public High School students while learning firsthand about post-baccalaureate opportunities.
 
We provide budding scientists opportunities to grow personally and professionally through:

• Professional-development workshops
• Field trips to local partner research institutions
• Participation in a near peer mentorship network (Science Career Continuum)
• Training in scientific communication 
• Presentations at local research symposia

NOTE: Due to COVID-19, the exact structure of the internship program this year remains unclear but we are committed to providing a meaningful experience.

Internship Benefits

Through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site grant, 10 internships are offered every year. Additional internships are also offered for alumni of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s College First program. These are 10-week full-time (40 hours per week) paid internships.

Due to COVID-19, the exact structure of the internship program this year remains unclear. However, the Chicago Botanic Garden REU program will provide funding for any relevant and/or necessary costs associated with travel, housing, or other costs incurred during the internship. This compensation would be in addition to the $5,750.00 stipend.

Program mentors include faculty and graduate students from the Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation (PBC), and occasionally mentors from other partner internships. Projects typically involve fieldwork and laboratory work in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, which provides participants access to innovative resources for their research.

NOTE: Every year we also welcome a number of interns that participate in our program with outside funding, or on a volunteer basis.

Eligibility

NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) interns must be:

1. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions
2. Currently-enrolled undergraduate students
   • Students between high school and undergraduate are NOT eligible to apply
   • Must NOT graduate before fall 2021
   • Graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply
   • Students who are transferring from one college or university to another and are enrolled at neither institution during the intervening summer are eligible to participate
3. Able to participate from June 14, 2021 to August 20, 2021

The REU program is particularly interested in helping students who lack research opportunities at their home institutions, who have not participated in a REU or similar experience in the past, and/or are from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biological sciences. The Chicago Botanic Garden values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in all its programs.

If you are graduating this academic year, please consider the Conservation and Land Management Internship Program, which hires college graduates for 5-month internships each year (http://www.clminternship.org/).

Question about eligibility can be emailed to info@pbcinternships.org

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call 847-835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns