Since the origin of life, microbes have dominated the evolutionary and geochemical history of planet Earth. The microbial world has proven extremely complex, and microbial interactions have significant impacts on community stability and activity. Recent investigations have led to a greater understanding of the symbiotic relationships between microbes as well as between microbes and plants or animals: what may be common themes in these symbioses as well as unique traits. Adversarial interactions are also common in the microbial world, and experimental systems have significantly contributed to our understanding of the processes of natural selection in microbes. This REU program seeks to introduce students to the exciting world of environmental microbes
Program dates: Last week of May-First week of August
Application deadline: February 28, 2025
Program highlights:
- 10-week research training opportunity
- Conduct individual research projects in one of ~20 faculty laboratories in the Departments of Microbiology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Biosystems Engineering & Soil Science and Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Tennessee.
- Weekly academic and professional development programs
- $7000 stipend
- Paid on-campus housing
- Travel costs reimbursed
Who should apply?
- Highly motivated students interested in biological research, with an emphasis on microbes
- Students considering graduate school
- No prior research experience is required, however, priority will be given to students who have completed at least one course in biology, chemistry or environmental science
- Undergraduates who will be attending a 2 or 4-year college or university in Fall 2025 to work toward the Bachelor’s degree.
- United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines)
- Underrepresented groups, or those who are the first generation in their families to attend college are encouraged to apply.