REU site: Integrative tree science Anthropocene Morton Arboretum

REU Site:
Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene at the Morton Arboretum

Position Title: REU site:
Integrative tree science for the Anthropocene at the Morton Arboretum

Position Type: Research Fellow

Application Review Begins: Thursday, December 04, 2025

Final date to receive applications: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Institution: Morton Arboretum

Department/Division: Research

Field (e.g., systematics): Research

Experience careers that explore solutions for climate change, biodiversity loss, natural resources management, and urban life through the National Science Foundation REU Program:
Integrative Tree Science for the Anthropocene at The Morton Arboretum.

The era of unprecedented transformation of the biosphere due to human activities is termed the Anthropocene and calls for directly addressing the ecological and environmental challenges of the present and near future. The REU at The Morton Arboretum uses trees as model systems to investigate questions related to evolution, ecology, conservation, and management in natural and built environments.

Participants will:

• Engage in a paid, 10‑week summer program with housing and travel provided, conducting an independent research project under the guidance of a PhD‑level mentor.
• Gain direct experience on all aspects of a research project, from hypothesis and research question development, experimental design, collecting and analyzing data, to presenting the results at a final symposium.
• Develop critical thinking, independence, self‑confidence, perseverance, and collaborative skills, interact with interns from other Chicago institutions, and benefit from workshops on science communication and professional development.

• $7,500 stipend
• Housing, research supplies, and travel
• Professional development workshops in science communication, responsible conduct in research, resume building, and more

• Soil ecology
• Forest ecology
• Conservation biology
• Root biology
• Plant systematics/herbarium
• Urban forests and arboriculture
• New plant development/horticulture
• Plant pathology

Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Work on unique projects. Meet new people and grow your network.

• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply).
• Able to participate from May 26 to July 31, 2026.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a passion for the natural world and a willingness to engage in research across diverse environments. A commitment to collaboration, attention to detail, and scientific inquiry is essential. Experience with specific methods or data analysis is often useful but not required, as mentoring teams will teach project‑specific techniques. Applicants will be matched to projects based upon interests, personal background, and enthusiasm.

This program seeks to build research skills for all students, particularly for early‑stage students (first or second year), and students from limited‑research institutions.

• Conduct independent research projects under a PhD‑level mentor.
• Design and carry out experiments, collect and analyze data.
• Collaborate with peers and other interns.
• Present findings at the final symposium.

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