Overview
Harnessing plants and microbes for sustainable solutions is essential to meet challenges presented by expanding populations, increased urbanization, and climate change; however, this effort requires a new breed of STEM student and professional. Located at Washington University in St. Louis, this REU program will provide foundational training for undergraduates interested in translating basic science discoveries to real-world applications and for fostering the next generation of broadly prepared STEM professionals.
Students in the 10-week program will join research groups in the Departments of Biology and Chemistry for projects that explore plant and microbial bioscience from foundational discovery to real-world applications. Research approaches range from the molecular/cellular to genomes/organismal to systems/environment. At the core of the program is a focus on understanding biological organization, rules, and interactions across scales in a variety of plant and microbes and how those insights can drive innovation in agriculture, biomedicine, and sustainability science.
The program also delivers personal and professional development in a tiered mentoring community. Three pathways - Research Competencies, Graduate Admissions, and Biotech Exploration - provide professional and career support for all interns, as well as training in the safe, ethical, and rigorous conduct of research. There are also opportunities to explore St. Louis.
Who Should Apply
The program is open to all rising sophomore, junior and senior undergraduate students with interests in understanding how plants and microbes function, how to apply that knowledge for a sustainable future, and looking ahead to careers in this area of science. Our priority is to recruit rising sophomores and juniors from primarily undergraduate institutions, but we are open to applications from all interested students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. WashU students are not eligible for the program.
Financial Support
Stipends, travel expenses, and room & board are provided.
Stipend: $7000 for the 10-week session
Room and board: Apartment-style accommodations on campus and $200 per week food allowance
Travel expenses: Round-trip air travel will be provided to participants who do not live within driving distance of the program
Application
All applications should use the online NSF-ETAP portal Click here to apply. Deadline: TBA for 2027 application
Applications should complete required NSF-ETAP information and upload the following:
Personal statement: describe your interest in science & research, your educational and career goals, and how this REU program fits those goals. Include any laboratory skills, research experience, awards, honors or extracurricular activities you would like us to know about.
CV/resume: this provides a formal listing of your education, experience, and actvities for reviewers.
Transcript: a downloaded or scanned pdf is acceptable - be sure to have the pdf before completing the application.
Letters of reference: Two letters from faculty who can comment on your preparation for the program.
Applicants will also be asked to enter the names of 5 program faculty with research that interests you in ETAP. Please use the faculty from the list below.
