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 in the Anthropocene.
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 in the 2024 REU program will participate in one of several research projects.
The Center for Tree Science’s 10-week summer internship program has trained 68 students over the past nine years from 45 universities across the United States.
Feedback from past students:
- “It gave me a reference that allowed me to get into grad school and do the research that I really want to do!”
- “Keep this up! It was a very important experience for me early in my career and is still one of my favorite jobs that I have ever had.”
- “My REU experience has strongly impacted my career path. It has opened me up to and enhanced my true interests.”
- “Enjoy what it feels like to be dedicated to and focus your energy on one project that you’re passionate about. You will love the experience and the people around you.”
Want more details from past students? Read the REU Student Blog Series for insights into past experiences and project highlights.
Program Details
Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program may apply for this nationally competitive fellowship.
Participate in a paid, intensive, 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 reading the primary literature, 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 REUs from other Chicago institutions, and benefit from workshops on science communication and professional development.
Learn skills you can apply anywhere. The Center for Tree Science also offers opportunities to return to continue your work.
Learn more about potential 2024 projects >
The 10-week research program includes:
- $6,250 stipend
- Housing, research supplies, and travel
- Workshops in science communication, ethics, and project management
Research areas:
- Evolutionary biology
- Forest ecology
- Conservation biology
- Urban forestry and tree care
- Computer modeling
- Engineering solutions
Learn more:
- Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Work on unique projects.
- Meet new people and grow your network.
Application Information
The REU program includes a stipend, covers housing and travel expenses, and runs from May 28 to August 2, 2024. Applications open December 4, 2023 and close on February 2, 2024.
Our mentorship program seeks diverse viewpoints as we foster and grow a vibrant, innovative scientific community. REU participants will be incorporated into Arboretum research laboratories for the summer and work collaboratively.
It is important that this community be inclusive so participants can contribute their best ideas and efforts and achieve their full potential. We encourage applicants from colleges with limited research opportunities (e.g. community colleges, tribal colleges, and small colleges without graduate programs), groups underrepresented in STEM programs, first-year and second-year undergraduates, US military veterans currently enrolled as undergraduates, and first-generation college students. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.
Eligibility
To apply for the 10-week research experience program, which includes a $6,250 stipend and covers housing and travel expenses, 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 undergraduate students.
a. Students between high school and undergraduate are NOT eligible to apply.
b. Must NOT graduate before fall 2024.
c. Graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply.
d. 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. - Able to participate from May 28 to August 2, 2024.
Application Requirements for the 2024 REU Program
Please review the following instructions in order to complete the online application by February 2, 2024.
- In order to apply, you will be required to create an account through the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Training Application (ETAP) platform. This account will allow you to browse and easily apply to multiple NSF opportunities.
- As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- A cover letter is not required. You will have the opportunity to provide information about your project interest and motivations within the application.
- Be prepared to provide contact information for two references during the NSF ETAP application process. Please choose someone who is familiar with your skills, traits, and motivation, and discuss your goals with this person.
- NSF ETAP will ask you to upload your unofficial college transcripts in order to complete the application.
- Apply HERE from December 4, 2023 to February 2, 2024.