Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Biogeosciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences in Biogeosciences at Iowa State University will provide research experiences and professional development for talented undergraduate students in the biogeosciences, defined broadly as research that links biophysical, geophysical, and geochemical approaches to understanding the Earth’s systems. Students will gain practical research skills in computer modeling, field methods, and experimental design by conducting independent projects under the guidance of experienced faculty and research scientists. Faculty mentors will benefit through opportunities to direct summer projects with enthusiastic and talented undergraduates who are seeking specialized training in new research areas. Other activities of our REU Site Program are designed for social, leadership, and professional development of the undergraduate participants. A research colloquium will introduce participants to the interdisciplinary field of biogeosciences and help them place the summer experiential learning in context. Through field trips, the REU students will visit important ecological areas in Iowa, such as the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center and the Iowa Great Lakes. Students will develop communication skills in public speaking by presenting project results as oral presentations at the annual research symposium at the conclusion of the summer program. Other activities planned include ethics training, career workshops, and “sharing science” community outreach. The REU Site Program will provide students with a summer stipend, which will include housing and traveling allowance and a budget for supplies. For many participants, the REU Site Program will be a stepping-stone from undergraduate studies to graduate research programs in the field of biogeosciences. For other students, the REU Site Program will offer research experiences that provide a foundation for careers in secondary education, government agencies, environmental consulting, and other professions.