Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) Program

Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) 2022 students

Engaging Undergraduates in Research and Extension Training using Technology and Experiential Learning to Enhance Sustainability of Food Production Systems.

Apply to participate in a summer Research and Extension internship with the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the UMass Extension Fruit Team

University Extension programs connect scientific research with public education, initiatives, and services. Being part of a research and Extension experience can therefore enhance a student’s career by preparing them for the professional world or to pursue graduate studies.

This internship brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and Extension professionals from UMass Amherst to train students in technology-enhanced agricultural sciences, supporting and promoting local sustainable food production systems.

Listen to the REEU podcast to learn about intern's projects and get an insiders view of how the REEU program works!

I know that this summer’s
experience will stick with me as I find myself inspired to pursue science and research further in the field of agricultural entomology.

- Matthew Bley (REEU 2022)

Internship Benefits

Supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, 6, full-time paid internships, with a salary of $17 per hour will be offered each year through the summer of 2026. THE 2025 INTERNSHIP APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!

Successful applicants will participate in the following program activities over the summer:

Professional development workshops and guest lectures by researchers and Extension professionals.
Field trips to local partner research institutions and farms.
Networking with UMass interns, researchers, and agricultural professionals.
Activities hosted by the CAFE Summer Scholars Program.
Training in scientific research at UMass laboratories, UMass Extension field stations, and commercial farms.
Presentations at local research symposia and stakeholder engagement meetings.

Throughout the program, student interns will evaluate perennial cropping systems, analyze soil health, monitor pests and diseases, mange automated weather stations, among other activities. Designing and delivering oral presentations will also allow interns to develop their communication skills, especially regarding the translation of science for public use.

Eligibility

Be currently enrolled (at least part-time) as an undergraduate student at UMass Amherst or any Community College in MA.
- Students between high school and undergraduate are NOT currently eligible to apply.
If a four-year student, must NOT graduate before Fall 2025.
- Seniors graduating in Spring 2025 and recent graduates are not eligible to apply.
  - However, students graduating from a 2-year program interested in transferring to a 4-year institution are eligible to apply.

The REEU program is particularly interested in engaging students who currently lack research and Extension experiences, and/or are from historically underrepresented groups in the natural sciences. UMass Amherst values diversity and is committed to offering quality opportunities to students regardless of their background or previous experience.

Transportation assistance will be available for commuting on a case-by-case basis.

Questions? Contact egarofal@umass.edu

Timeline

November 2024: application portal opens.
January 2025: mentors begin to review applications.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE JANUARY 5, 2025
- If you have already started working on your application but have trouble meeting this deadline, please contact Elizabeth Garofalo at egarofal@umass.edu.
End of February: mentors begin to interview potential applicants.
Early March: offers are sent out. Applicants who are not selected will be notified by the end of March.
May 27: REEU 2025 program begins

This work is supported by Agricultural and Food Research Initiative grant no. 2022-67037-36619 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture