REU Program Overview and Application

"My experience at Blandy was incredibly influential in my life. It gave me true independent (mentored) research experience and helped build my confidence to further pursue my interests. I appreciated the experience of living on my own in a new place for the summer, and ... I would credit my acceptance into graduate school largely to the experiences and skills I developed during my summer at Blandy. I work with many college students and am ALWAYS telling them about REU program opportunities."  -Missy, REU 2007.  Click to read more from our alumni.

Since 1992 Blandy has provided Undergraduate Research Fellowships to students interested in ecology. Our primary goal is to prepare students with the skills needed to have successful careers as field biologists adept at studying the highly dynamic and multifunctional nature of today's landscapes. Experienced faculty mentors immerse undergraduates in exciting and novel research on the ecological and evolutionary processes operating in three critical landscape elements - i) agroecosystems, ii) natural and semi-natural ecosystems, and iii) the interfaces between natural and built environments.

The program encourages students to develop skills in experimental design, data collection, analysis, and critical reading of primary scientific literature. Students also learn to prepare and communicate scientific information to other scientists, regardless of their scientific discipline, and the general public.

Our program exposes students to a diversity of research projects that collectively investigate the ecological processes operating in human-influenced systems. In addition to gaining research experience during the 10-week summer program, students participate in professional development exercises and workshops.

If we are successful in obtaining funding from the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, each award will include a stipend of $700 per week (totaling $7,000), additional funds for purchasing groceries (approximately $160 per week), free housing, and a budget for research supplies and research activities. Funding for your travel to and from the site (near Boyce, Virginia) is also available.

The portal to apply for summer 2027 is not yet open. We expect to begin accepting applications October 1, 2026. The application and all supporting materials will be due by February 15, 2027. We strongly recommend filling out an application at least two weeks before the application deadline!!! Successful applicants will be admitted to work with a particular mentor.

These fellowships are only available for U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents. DACA recipients are not eligible. Undergraduates who would graduate before participating in the summer program (seniors graduating in the spring prior to the program) are not eligible for this program. Participants must be able to attend all 10 weeks of the program.

Questions about applying to the program? Email Dr. Kyle Haynes

NOTE: Although we plan to hold a summer 2027 program, these plans are contingent upon the National Science Foundation's decision on whether to fund the program.