REU Program Description

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) offers outstanding educational and research opportunities in ecology and environmental sciences for undergraduate students. This program provides research experience for college students, primarily juniors and seniors, considering careers in ecological disciplines. Students work closely with SREL faculty advisors on independent research projects.

The REU program provides visiting students with stipends, travel expenses, and supply budgets to conduct research while in residence at SREL. All support facilities of the laboratory, such as a modern computer center and a science library, are available to research visitors.

A wide variety of natural habitat types on the SRS, along with the presence of nuclear and industrial facilities, provide students a unique opportunity to study natural and disturbed ecological systems. Located on the 780-square kilometer (300-square mile) Savannah River Site (SRS), a federal nuclear materials processing facility near Aiken, SC, the laboratory offers more than forty years of experience in ecological research. Combined with state-of-the-art laboratory and field facilities and a diverse natural flora and fauna, SREL offers unparalleled opportunities for students to develop ecological expertise.

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) offers outstanding educational and research opportunities in ecology and environmental sciences for undergraduate students. This program provides research experience for college students, primarily juniors and seniors, considering careers in ecological disciplines. Students work closely with SREL faculty advisors on independent research projects. The REU program provides visiting students with stipends, travel expenses, and supply budgets to conduct research while in residence at SREL. All support facilities of the laboratory, such as a modern computer center and a science library, are available to research visitors. A wide variety of natural habitat types on the SRS, along with the presence of nuclear and industrial facilities, provide students a unique opportunity to study natural and disturbed ecological systems. Located on the 780-square kilometer (300-square mile) Savannah River Site (SRS), a federal nuclear materials processing facility near Aiken, SC, the laboratory offers more than forty years of experience in ecological research. Combined with state-of-the-art laboratory and field facilities and a diverse natural flora and fauna, SREL offers unparalleled opportunities for students to develop ecological expertise.
•	Eligibility College students majoring in biology, chemistry or environmental sciences are eligible. Priority is given to juniors and seniors with a B average or better. However, allowances are made for freshmen, sophomores and recent graduates. Participants must be US citizens.
•	Application Procedures Candidates submit to the Education Program a completed application, college transcripts and two letters of recommendation from professors familiar with their academic performances.
•	Application Deadline The application deadlines are March 1 of every year for summer participation and three months in advance for other times of the year. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
•	Benefits Undergraduates are paid a stipend equivalent to $300/week. One round trip from the home or academic institution is reimbursed up to $400. Acceptance in the program also includes $1200 (for non-local students) to be applied to housing and living expenses at the University of South Carolina's Pacer Downs.
•	Selections Final choice of student participants will be made by faculty members.
•	Length of Appointment Appointments are generally 10-12 week periods, although shorter or longer term appointments may be negotiated.
•	Project Presentations A 15-minute seminar to which all SREL faculty, research staff and students are invited is expected at the completion of the appointment, along with a five-page written account of the project.
•	Additional Activities Undergraduate students are expected to participate as professionals in laboratory activities and to attend seminars and discussion groups. Participation is also expected in special activities such as local and regional field trips and special lecture programs unless these programs conflict directly with the students' research.


This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9732138. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF).