The REU Program is Not Being Offered in 2012

NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) in Pollination Biology Oregon State University

Oregon State University is pleased to host a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded summer research experience for undergraduates in biological sciences.  This 10 week program will provide undergraduates with experience in cross-disciplinary research in pollination biology in natural and manipulated ecosystems. Participants will learn about the scientific process while gaining knowledge about structural adaptations in plants and bees involved in pollination, and becoming skilled in identification of local bees and flowers. Initially, students will be engaged in a variety of existing research projects while rotating between three sites: semi-arid grasslands and shrub-steppe in northeast Oregon, forest ecosystems in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and agricultural landscapes in western Oregon. Subsequently, each student will be assigned one of the three sites and will focus on one research project in collaboration with a mentor.  The program is enriched by professional development in photography and scientific communication. The program will conclude with a Pollination Biology Conference during which all participants will present research results to the university community through an oral presentation.

The NSF REU in Pollination Biology at Oregon State University is competitive, and rigorous.  Nine participants will be selected annually. Outstanding students in biological science-related majors who are currently in their sophomore or junior year of undergraduate study are eligible.  Graduated seniors are not eligible for this government program.  Students who have little or no opportunity to participate in research at their home institutions, and students from underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.  NSF requires that participants are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. and its territories.

Goals and Activities

Program Goals

1. To actively engage students in all aspects of biological research
2. To build capacity in students to conduct research in interdisciplinary settings in managed and natural ecosystems
3. To train and promote discovery in young scientists who will make basic contributions to the field of pollination biology
4. To promote the pursuit and success of a diverse group of students seeking postgraduate education and careers in biological sciences

Program Activities

Cross-disciplinary Research at the Field Sites: Participants will be exposed to critical aspects of scientific research: formulating and testing hypotheses, designing experiments, gathering empirical evidence, drawing conclusions based on the evidence, and scientific communication of the results. During site rotations in weeks 1-3, participants will become involved in a variety of existing research projects, for exposure on comparing native bee pollinator diversity and dynamic mutualistic interactions with local flora at the three ecologically diverse habitats. Subsequently, in weeks 5-9, students will focus on one research project in collaboration with a mentor. Students will maintain a daily research journal.

Participants will be exposed to basic theoretical background in evolution, ecology and behavior that forms the scientific foundation of pollination biology, through lectures and reading the primary scientific literature.  They will be introduced to the natural history of native bees, including what is known of their behaviors and interactions with flowering plants in diverse landscapes. Participants will also receive training from an expert in insect photography and be provided hands-on experience with digital photography of still and rapidly moving organisms.

Professional Development: Participants will be engaged in discussions on pursuing graduate degrees, and learn about selecting a program, the application process, and the availability of funding. They will receive training in communication of scientific content to the public.

Interactive Activities: In Weeks 1-3 at the three sites, and week 4 on campus, REU students will interact with each other and with a variety of researchers. In addition, field trips will be organized to coastal and/or wetlands for first-hand exposure to impacts of cooler temperatures and windier conditions on biodiversity of native bee and flowering plants, and to restoration efforts to protect wetlands and oak savannas.

Conclusions, Synthesis and Evaluation: In Week 10 students will work together on campus, compiling and organizing their data. They will participate in an Evaluation Workshop during which they will provide feedback on their experiences for program enhancement the following year.

Scientific Communication: At the conclusion of the program, participants willpresent research results to a university audience through an oral presentation during a Pollination Biology Conference on campus.

Timetable of Activities (Tentative):

Stipend, Housing, Travel

Stipend: A stipend of $450 per week will be provided for the 10 week program. Participants will be paid thrice: in early July, early August, and late August after satisfactory completion of the program. Participants desiring direct deposit of the stipend should bring a voided check from their bank. No tax will be deducted. Participants will be responsible for health coverage.

Housing: Participants will be provided accommodation in co-ed dorms or in housing facilities at research stations with bunk beds in shared space. Participants are responsible for bringing appropriate supplies for bunk beds and nights that could be cool.

Travel to Oregon State University: Up to $400 will be provided for airfare to Portland/Eugene airport and ground transportation to Corvallis or for travel via personal vehicle to Corvallis. Flight arrangements will be made through university approved travel agents.

Travel in Oregon: Shared transportation to rotation sites and research sites will be provided.

Weekends: Participants will be on their own, and will be responsible for transportation, camping gear, sleeping bags, hiking boots, etc.

Eligibility

Required attributes:

1. Interest and enthusiasm for research related to plants and insects
2. Completion of at least one course in biology.
3. United States citizens or permanent residents (required by NSF guidelines).
4. Physical ability to participate in outdoor field work over several consecutive days and under diverse climates including harsh environmental conditions.
5. Mandatory presence and active participation in all program related activities.

Preferred attributes:

1. Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year.
2. Students interested in pursuing a graduate program in biological sciences (MS/PhD), with  preference given to those not intending to pursue careers in Health Science (medical, Dental) or general science.  Applicants are not required to have prior research experience.

This program is aimed at promoting diversity at Oregon State University. Students who share this goal, especially women, members of underrepresented minority groups or economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students from academic institutions with limited access to undergraduate research opportunities are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedures:

What to Submit:

All documents should be submitted via email to: reu@oregonstate.edu or via mail to:

REU on Pollination Biology
Attn: Tracy Mitzel
Oregon State University
107 Crop Science Bldg
Corvallis, OR 97331

i. Completed checklist 

ii. Application Form

iii. All post high school Transcripts

You may include an unofficial copy with the application, but an official hard copy must be received before the application deadline

iv. Recommendation letters:
Please contact two referees who can best evaluate you and request them to submit a recommendation letter before the deadline of Monday February 28, 2011. The letter should address the following:

1. Research ability or potential
2. Oral communication skills
3. Written communication skills
4. Ability to work independently
5. Enthusiasm
6. Physical ability to handle field work
7. Ability to handle group living
8. Overall ability
9. Rate the applicant relative to other undergraduates

Signed letters should be submitted via email to: reu@oregonstate.edu or via mail to:

REU on Pollination Biology
Attn: Tracy Mitzel
Oregon State University
107 Crop Sceince Bldg
Corvallis, OR 97331

If sent via mail, recommendation letters will need to be submitted in an envelope with the referee’s signature across the sealed flap.

 
When to Submit:

Not currently accepting applications

Contact Information:

For more information about the application process, please contact:

Dr. Sujaya Rao
(541) 737-9038
sujaya@oregonstate.edu