The University of Toledo is seeking students for our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, “Addressing Environmental Challenges and Proposing Sustainable Solutions at the Lake Erie Land-Lake Interface”. We are seeking 10 students to join our team from May 31- August 5, 2021. Students will work in laboratories at the Lake Erie Center, UToledo Main Campus, and Health Science Campus. Accepted REU fellows will receive lodging in UToledo dormitories, a stipend of $5750, a food allowance, and round trip travel to/from Toledo, Ohio.

Students will address complex challenges at the land-lake interface to understand how natural resource use impacts biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and public health, with the goal of advancing environmental sustainability. Students will be paired with faculty and graduate student mentors from the Departments of Environmental Sciences, Geography and Planning, Public Health, Medicine or Engineering, and will conduct independent research in ecology, limnology, remote sensing, medicine or engineering. Field trips will introduce students to the diverse habitats and ecological challenges facing Lake Erie, and students will receive training in research ethics, experimental design, data analysis, writing scientific papers and applying to graduate school. Students will write a final report and present their research at a public poster gala.

Applications will be accepted from students in any relevant major to research harmful algal blooms, water quality, invasive species, natural communities, habitats, land use and nutrients.

Rising juniors and seniors are preferred, rising sophomores will also be considered. Students must not have graduated before the start of the Summer 2022 term. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.

Students from underrepresented minority groups, women, veterans and first-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply. Students will be selected based on academic excellence, a letter of reference and a demonstrated interest in environmental issues, and will be matched with a mentor based on indicated preference for research areas.

Apply at: https://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/lec/reu/ by February 13, 2022.

Questions regarding the program or application process should be directed to [email protected].