REU Opportunity on Post-Fire Impacts on Streamflow and Riparian Zones
Title: Research Experience for Undergraduates in post-fire impacts on streamflow and riparian zones
Position period: June 18 – August 27 , 2026
Location: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Blue River, Oregon and Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Description of project: This research project is supported by the National Science Foundation’s Long-Term Ecological Research grant at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest and is led by the Segura Watershed Processes Lab at Oregon State University (https://people.forestry.oregonstate.edu/catalina-segura/). The study will build on the active work of this group to understand how post-fire effects on the landscape influence streamflow through canopy cover, nutrient availability, vegetation shifts, and groundwater flow. The goal is to understand fire influences on summer streamflow instream nutrient concentrations and isotope variability. We will take water samples from 12 stream locations in the study area weekly during the REU term to study nutrient concentration as well as water stable isotope analysis. This data will inform a research project developed with the student(s) to answer a research question regarding fire impacts on riparian areas. We will also participate in three other research projects while in the field, such as a fish survey, large wood survey, and synoptic sampling campaign along stream mainstems. In all, this will provide opportunities to see a wide breadth of forest hydrology research.
Duties will include: 1) instream water sampling (isotopes, DOC/NO3, cations and anions), 2) pilot large wood survey along two stream mainstems, 3) data retrieval and maintenance of temperature loggers and other stream loggers, 4) field site characterization, 5) hiking through difficult, steep terrain with gear 6) data entry and organization, 7) and finally, data synthesis and presentation.
This internship will provide the undergraduate student(s) an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of mentored, paid, independent research. The student(s) will interact with scientists, university faculty, federal scientists, and graduate students conducting research in the area. Participant(s) will work closely with faculty mentor Dr. Catalina Segura and graduate student mentors Maeve Bittle (MS) and Stalin Guamán (PhD). The REU student will conduct supervised and guided research and be encouraged to tailor the research project to their own interests.
What is provided: Apartment-style, shared-room housing is provided at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest field station. The field station is located in the Willamette National Forest near Blue River, OR and provides access to great hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming holes, and hot springs.
This position lasts for 10 weeks, June 18 through August 27, 2026, ~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 stipend of $6,000 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, Oregon State University (OSU) 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 have a valid driver’s license, the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances (5+ mi) over uneven, mountainous terrain, and be comfortable spending long days on their feet in the field. The position will involve working early mornings and in hot, dry weather. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and comfortable with working in remote areas. Being a team player is necessary for the group work/living situation. The ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also necessary. Our streams are on steep mountain slopes and reaching them sometimes means climbing down hillslopes and through thick undergrowth. Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduate date no sooner than fall 2026. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply. We strongly recommend the student have a personal vehicle to use during their time in Oregon.
To apply: Please prepare and submit a 1 page resume, transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) and 2 professional references (names, phone number, and email address) to this google form. The form will also request the following information:
- Basic education information
- Statement of Interest: Briefly describe your post-graduate plans and career goals, and specify your reasons for wanting to participate in this internship program (300 words max)
- Data Analysis Experience
- Natural Resources Skills and Experience (field, research, professional, etc.): Explain any past experiences or specialized skills that may be relevant to this project, such as field or lab experience, equipment or software you have used, etc. (example: experience from coursework, individual study projects) (300 words max)
Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will start March 30th, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.