Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern Position studying Forest Ecology
Opportunity: Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern Position studying Forest Ecology
Position Period: Expected June 1st through August 13th, 2026 (10 weeks), but dates are slightly flexible based on student availability
Location: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Oregon
Description of the project: This research project is done in conjunction with the LaManna Lab (https://www.lamannalab.org/) at Marquette University and the Busby (https://agmicrobiome.org/) and Jones Labs (https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/joneslab/) at Oregon State University. This study continues a 2-year seedling transplant project along an elevation and burn-severity gradient at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. In this field season, our research has two main goals: 1) Investigating the influences of conspecific and heterospecific focal trees on transplanted seedlings' health along an elevation and burn severity gradient. To accomplish this goal, the REU student would assist with data collection, including assessing herbivory, measuring seedling height, and qualitatively evaluating seedlings. 2) Investigating the influences of environmental variables (elevation gradient and burn severity) on natural seedling regeneration. To accomplish this goal, the REU student would assist with seedling counts and monitoring of experimental plots, locating newly sprouted seedlings.
Duties include: 1) learn plant identification in the Pacific Northwest, 2) learn experimental design, 3) conduct understory surveys of vegetation communities, 4) conduct tree resurveys in long-term forest plots, 5) monitor seedling health in experimental seedling plots, 6) collect microclimate data, and 7) communicate and analyze scientific results.
This experience will provide the undergraduate student an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of mentored, paid, independent research. The student will interact with scientists, university faculty, federal scientists, graduate students, field research technicians, and other undergraduates conducting research in the area. Participants will closely work with graduate student mentors Ruric Bowman, Joe Gagne, and faculty mentors Dr. Joseph LaManna, Dr. Andrew Jones, and Dr. Posy Busby. The REU student will conduct supervised, guided research and will be encouraged to tailor the research project to his/her own interests. Ruric will serve as the day-to-day mentor of the REU, and Dr. LaManna will check in with the student weekly. The other mentors will help as needed and are free to answer questions the REU student may have during the summer.
Apartment-style, shared-room housing is provided at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest field station. The field station is in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River, OR, and provides access to great hiking and mountain-biking trails (a bike would need to be brought), swimming holes, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. The field station community ranges in size seasonally from 40 to 70 residents, and includes permanent staff, longer-term field crews, visiting writers and artists, shorter-term research crews, classes, and conferences. The Lookout Creek watershed contains old-growth coniferous forests, clear, fast streams, and diverse montane meadows. It is a beautiful landscape to work in. There are also challenges associated with the steep terrain and remote location. The nearest town is approximately 1 hour's car drive away. Although a car is not necessary, as other crew members have access to vehicles, it is beneficial to have one. Transportation will be provided to and from research sites within the research forest.
The position lasts for 10 weeks, with expected dates from June 1st through August 13th, but dates are slightly flexible based on student availability, with at least 40 hours/week. The REU intern will be responsible for 1) meeting all requirements of the mentors and 2) writing a final research report on the research experience. Housing and a $6,000 stipend will be provided. There are funds to defray the cost of traveling to the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. Please note that the REU program is considered an educational program rather than employment; therefore, the university does not provide Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage nor medical insurance on your behalf. You are responsible for your own health insurance coverage.
Position requirements: Applicants should be able to work long days in the field under varying conditions (e.g., cold, rainy, hot, dry), on their feet, navigate mountainous terrain, and carry field equipment. The position will involve working 40 hours a week in the field in various conditions. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and be comfortable working in remote areas with small crews. Being a team player is necessary in both fieldwork and living situations. Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule if necessary. Our plots are located on mountain slopes and in burned areas, and some require short hikes to reach.
Eligibility: Limited to currently enrolled undergraduates who have a graduation date no sooner than fall 2026. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
To apply: Please submit a brief cover letter (1 page) indicating your interest, experience, and professional goal after graduation, how this position will help you achieve those goals, curriculum vitae or resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable), and 3 professional references (names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) as 1 document to: ruric.bowman@marquette.edu. Please include in the subject: HJA REU 2026 Application. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will start on April 17th, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.