Undergraduate Students Can Gain Summer Research Experience at the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is soliciting applications for the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program that provides undergraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable research experience while working with a faculty advisor. The focus is on the “Assessment and Sustainable Management of Ecosystem Services at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water” (EcoREU).

The EcoREU program is open to all undergraduate students from any college or university. Also, there’s a particular focus on supporting Native American students and other underrepresented groups. The best thing is, NO PRIOR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!

In fact, last summer a student named Violet Eagle (pictured above), from Metropolitan State University in Denver, Colorado, participated in the EcoREU. Violet is a member of the Lakota Sioux, from the Rosebud. She came to the U of A as a rising junior to do research in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas.

Violet did her research on nutrients and excessive algal growth at a small lake in northwest Arkansas, which is a very important topic for the area, and across the country. Violet got to spend her summer working outdoors, in the greenhouse, and in the lab.

“I had a great time getting experience in the lab and exploring my field of study. The fellow students and mentors created a welcoming environment and many opportunities to try new things.”

Violet even got invited to present her research at the annual Council on Undergraduate Research REU Symposium. She got to travel for FREE to Alexandria, Virginia in October to share her research with her peers. The EcoREU program provides students like Violet with research experience that will certainly work to their advantage as they finish their undergraduate degrees and go on with wherever life takes them after that.

Program dates: May 21 – July 27, 2018

Application deadline: reviews will begin January 30, 2018 and continue until all positions are filled

What’s the focus: water quality, sustainability, biofuels, and other topics related to the environment

How much does it pay: students will receive $5,500 over the course of the summer, get free food and lodging, and even travel assistance to and from the program

Who should apply: any undergraduate student who wants to get research experience

Native Americans and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply

For more information and to apply, visit the EcoREU website at ecoreu.uark.edu, or email ecoreu@uark.edu.

This article was modified to change the date for the application deadline.