Eastern Kentucky University is seeking applicants for a summer REU program. The theme of the research is disturbance ecology. Students will work at Lilley Cornett Woods, a field station with old-growth forest in eastern Kentucky, and in Daniel Boone National Forest. This is a 10-week program running from May 20 – July 26, 2019.

Research projects for summer 2019 include studies of stream salamanders, aquatic invertebrates, copperheads, migratory birds, black bears, flying squirrels, water quality, old-growth forest, and GIS. Students will be paired with faculty mentors and work closely with agency professionals. Students will develop research skills including communication, data collection and management, analysis, and writing, while also learning to work in remote field locations. Students will also participate in professional development workshops and recreational trips.

Student benefits include a stipend of $5250, housing, a food allowance, travel costs to and from EKU, research travel during the summer, and research supplies.

To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident and an undergraduate graduating no earlier than Fall 2019. We especially encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, first-generation college students, financially disadvantaged students, and students from colleges with limited research opportunities.

To Apply:
After ensuring your eligibility, read the research project descriptions and select your top 3 project choices. Next, prepare your application materials. You will use the online application form that is specific to this program, but you first need to obtain an REU ID number. The REU ID can be used to apply to any Biology REU program, but you must apply separately to each program. Obtain the REU ID by registering at the following website: https://www.nsfreu.org/register. We encourage you to prepare application materials ahead of time using a word processor, especially for the extended responses. You can then copy and paste your responses into the application form. You must also have 2 references submit letters of recommendation directly to the email address below, these are an important component of the application so be sure they are submitted by the deadline. The deadline for applications is Feb 15, 2019, but earlier submissions are recommended.

All questions and letters of reference should be directed to bioreu@eku.edu