Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Opportunity at H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest
Position period: June 08 - August 17, 2026 (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, embolism, microscopy to assess dynamics of cellular growth during xylogenesis, and contribute to gas exchange measurements. 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:
- Weekly monitoring of water potentials, tree growth, and embolism 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.
- 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.
Room and board: A stipend of $6000 will be provided in addition to $2,000 toward expenses for housing, travel, supplies. 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 a combination of field and laboratory settings. The ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also necessary. Previous experience in plant hydraulic measurements is preferred.
Eligibility: Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduation date no sooner than fall 2026. 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: vargasgg@oregonstate.edu with the subject ”HJA REU 2026 Application”. Only complete applications will be considered. Review of applications will start May 1st, 2026 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified.