Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunity at H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest
Position period: June 09 - August 18, 2025 (ten weeks)
Description of the project: Seeking 1 summer intern to contribute to a National Science Foundation
Long Term Ecological Research (NSF LTER) project investigating how interacting abiotic stressors limit
forest productivity. The REU intern will develop research to tease apart the effects of heat stress and
water limitation on individual tree growth. The student will help to monitor water potentials, tree growth,
and sap flux in adult Douglas Fir trees part of an irrigation experiment. Additionally the student will be
provided the opportunity to assist on measurements of soil hydraulic properties. Project mentors
include: German Vargas G., Justine Rojas, Mark Schulze, Chris Still, and Pam Sullivan.
Duties include:
1. Weekly monitoring of water potentials, tree growth, and sap flux in adult Douglas Fir trees part
of an irrigation experiment.
2. Additionally the student will be provided the opportunity to assist on measurements of soil
hydraulic properties.
3. Write a final research report summarizing the main findings.
This internship 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, and graduate students conducting research in the area. The REU student will
conduct supervised and guided research and be encouraged to tailor the research project to their own
interests. 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 other outdoor
recreational opportunities. The field station community ranges in size seasonally from 40-70 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.
Housing and a stipend of $6000 will be provided. 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 position will involve
working very early (4 am) mornings. Applicants should have a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and
comfortable with working in remote areas alone. Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also
necessary. Previous experience in plant ecophysiology is preferred.
Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduation date no
sooner than fall 2025. All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents.
To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter outlining your interests and relevant experience, 2) CV, and 3)
contact information for three professional references to: German Vargas with the subject
” HJA REU 2025 Application ”. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications
will start April 1st, 2025 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified .