External Opportunities

The National Science Foundation funds hundreds of programs to provide paid faculty-mentored summer research experiences for undergraduates. You will hear these refered to as NSF REUs. Most programs are in the sciences but you will also find programs in ethics, education, small business innovation, and social sciences.

These experiences come with a stipend (typically $6000-$7500), housing, food, and travel support. You'll work full time (40 hrs/wk) with a research mentor and their lab, participate in professional development workshops, and present your research at the end of the summer. Most programs have weekends filled with outings highlighting the local sights.

These are quite competitive as each site accepts 8-10 students. Start your applications early and take them seriously. Make sure to read the directions carefully, answer the questions, use specifics to make yourself stand out. Give your letter writers plenty of time to write you a good letter. There is a lot of help online, including but not limted to this PLoS article: Ten simple rules for students navigating summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) programs: From application to program completion

Full list of REUs can be found here: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/initiatives/reu/search

NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)

You can search by research area, location, or keywords. Programs are located all over the country, and the number of international programs increase each year.

Application deadlines are specific to the location but most are due late January through early March. You can filter REUs by due date here: https://etap.nsf.gov/search (you can also filter by program type: REU - Research Experiences for Undergradutes; IRES - International Research Experiences for Students; RAMP - Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates)

"Post-bac" programs are for students who have already completed their undergraduate degree (usually within 1-4 years of graudation) and are looking for more experience before applying to graduate or professional school. Some programs are tied directly to graduate programs, some are not. Click the links for more information.

STEGG-INTERACT Research and Mentoring for Post-Baccalaureates (RaMP) Program (University of Houston) - Evolutionary Biology

One-year, full-time program for students to gain experience and skills in evolutionary biology and genetics, bioinformatics, and science communication. Research is based at University of Houston, Rice University, or Texas A&M University. Participants receive a $32,500 stipend, plus a stipend for health insurance and parking/transportation. The program runs from June 1 to May 30. Applicants should have little to no previous research experience but should be interested in evolutionary biology. Applications are due March 1 2025 for full consideration.

UConn Research Training Program (University of Connecticut) - STEM

Yearlong program (August 1-July 31) for recent graduates (particularly first generation students and students from underrepresented groups in STEM) to gain research and professional skills for successful STEM careers. Applicants must be within 4 years of graduation. No prior research experience is necessary. Students receive individualized research experiences but in a collaborative setting. They will also attend conferences and have networking opportunities. Scholars receive a yearly stipend of $35000 plus health insurance. Applications are due Feb 21 2025.

BioGEM Postbaccalaureate Research Program (University of Kansas) - Biodiversity 

This program provides research opportunities in biodiversity and genetic evolutionary mechanisms for recent college grads with little or no research experience. Scholars conduct research and participate in professional development series to become competitive for graduate schools and/or industry jobs. The program provides a $32500/yr salary, funds for travel to conferences, and workshops and networking for graduate and job applications. For priority consideration, applications must be completed by March 1 2025. The application portal will formally close on May 1 2025.

Louisiana Graduate Network in Applied Evolution (LAGNiAppE) (Louisiana State University) - Evolutionary biology

One-year program (July 7 2025-July 3 2026) that includes a research methods bootcamp, individualized research projects, workshops, conferences, and professional development training. No previous research experience is necessary. The program includes a $34,050 stipend and health insurance. Applications are due March 16 2024.

Bridge to the PhD Program in STEM (Columbia University) - STEM

Two-year program for students from underrepresented groups that want to pursue doctoral programs in STEM. Participants are hired as research assistants which comes with a $43,100 salary, health insurance, and a $1500 stipend for professional and education expenses. Applications are due Feb 14 2025. 

Jax Postbac Training Program (The Jackson Laboratory) - Genomics and Data Science

Two-year training program for recent graduates from historically marginalized communities wanting to do graduate school or have a career in genomics, genome technologies, and data science. Trainees get individualized research projects as well as guidance with graduate school applications and admissions. The annual stipend is $41,000 plus health benefits. Applications are due Feb 7 2025.

National Institutes of Health Postbac Program (NIH) - Biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences

Full-time research positions for recent grads to gain experience in one of the NIH Institutes and Centers. Postbacs also participate in professional development programs and career advising. Additionally, postbacs qualify for living stipends, health insurance, and parking. Applications are accepted year-round and they recommend you apply six months prior to your preferred start date.

UNC PREP (UNC-Chapel Hill) - Biomedical Sciences

One-year (early June through May) program for students pursuing a career in Biomedical Sciences. PREP scholars receive a living stipend of $30,000, full tuition, health insurance, and funds to travel to a scientific conference. During the program, students do research, take graduate-level coursework, and participate in professional development activities. Applications are due February 13 2025.

Damon Runyon-Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation) - Cancer Research

From the website: "Damon Runyon Scholars Program for Advancing Research and Knowledge (SPARK) seeks to accelerate representation and success in biomedical graduate programs of scholars who are interested in research. We strongly encourage all applicants to apply, especially those who come from backgrounds that are typically underrepresented (UR) in the sciences. During their one-year SPARK internship, SPARK Scholars will develop and hone their research skills by working in a cancer research lab with a mentor who is a Damon Runyon scientist." Scholars receive rigorous scientific training, mentorship, and assistance with graduate school applications. Stipends are up to $50,000. Additionally scholars are eligible for up to $8500 for living costs and $2500 for travel to conferences. Applications are due 4pm Eastern Time on Feb 3 2025.

Kempner Post-baccalaureate Program (Harvard University) - Natural and Artificial Intelligence

Two-year program for students wishing to study intelligence in a PhD program. This can be through computer science, machine learning, neurobiology, cognitive science, or other related fields. Students will pursue mentored research, take courses, attend a scientific conferences, and receive graduate application coaching. Students will also receive full funding through a living stipend, tuition, and health insurance. Applications are due by February 1 2025.

Harvard School of Engineering Post-Baccalaureate Program (Harvard University) - Engineering

Two-year program for students wanting additional skills to enhance their applications to engineering and applied sciences programs. Research areas include: Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science & Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Engineering. Students will pursue mentored research, take courses, attend a scientific conferences, and receive graduate application coaching. Students will also receive full funding through a living stipend, tuition, and health insurance. Applications are due by February 1 2025.

List of Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences (RaMP) programs

Full-time, year-long research experiences for college grads who need research experiences to be more competitive for graduate schools or other STEM career pathways. This list is NSF-funded programs (and maintained by NSF). Make sure to filter for RaMP programs through the filter option.

Lists of post-bac programs