NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are excellent opportunities for highly qualified students between junior and senior years.
Application deadlines fall in early Spring of junior year, and successful applicants generally have a 3.25+ GPA and previous experience such as Maryland Student Researchers or a significant internship.
Typically, REU sites select 8-12 students from across the country; and provide housing, social activities, and a $5,000+ stipend. Approximately 1-4 ENSP students participate in REUs each summer; it's a great way to try out a career as a scientist.
- Application deadlines typically fall between February 1 - March 15 (varies by institution) and require a personal statement, resume, and 1-2 faculty recommendations.
- Start planning in late Fall to take best advantage of these opportunities. Most participants are rising seniors; however, rising juniors and new graduates may be eligible in some cases.
The schools listed below are a sampling of what's available. See the full NSF/REU Program list HERE.
- Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY
- Ecosystem Restoration - The University at Buffalo (NY)
- Linking Applied Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability (LAKES) - Univ of Wisconsin - Stout
- Ecological and Socioeconomic Impacts of Humans in the Lake Champlain (VT) Ecosystem - Univ of Vermont
- Monterey Bay Regional Ocean Science Research Experiences - Cal State - Monterey
- Marine and Estuarine Science - Maryland Sea Grant
- Coastal Biology - University of North Florida
- Marine Sciences Summer Program - University of Delaware
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) - Edgewater, MD
- Virginia Institute for Marine Science - The College of William & Mary
