CBS Dean's Research Program (summer)
This program is geared towards students entering their third year of college. There are also opportunities to apply for the program in the fall and spring semesters. Applications open late-January.
Cedar Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Internships
Interns play a key role in Cedar Creek's long-term ecological research (LTER) projects. An LTER internship at Cedar Creek is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of field research! You will be able to work outside in prairies, savannas, forested areas, and other landscapes, gain experience with a variety of scientific methods and techniques, and contribute to long-term research happening at one of the world’s foremost field stations. The application opens early-November; the deadline to apply is February 15, 2027.
Itasca Field Station Internships
Itasca Station hires two student interns each year to assist with station educational and outreach programming, field research, and operations. IBSL is a unique work environment; interns live and work alongside other full-time staff at the station. Applications open November 16.
Hormel Institute SURE Internships
This opportunity is geared towards students entering their final year of college. The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Internship program at The Hormel Institute allows interns to work with scientists on biomedical research projects. Students expand their knowledge of basic research and gain firsthand experience learning about equipment and techniques that are generally not available in undergraduate academic programs. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2027.
Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) are intense, highly focused research experiences that usually occur over 10-12 weeks during summer months. These programs are usually national, with locations all over the country, and provide additional professional development training in addition to full-time research and mentorship in a scientific lab. Participating in a summer REU is a great opportunity to network with peers and faculty across the country, dive deeper into an area of interest, or explore a new topic of interest that you might not have time to commit to during the academic year. Most summer REU deadlines occur between December-February.
Finding summer REUs:
The number of REUs available can be a little overwhelming, but there are a couple great places to start your search:
- The Pathways to Science searchable database.
- The National Science Foundation list of NSF-sponsored REUs.
Many schools and programs also provide their own lists of REUs:
- The University of Minnesota Office of Undergraduate Research list of summer programs
- The North Star Stem Alliance Undergraduate Research Opportunities page
- The NAAHP list of programs for pre-health students