Summer REU: Genes to Ecosystems

Since 2004, the Chicago Botanic Garden has hosted a full-time ten week summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) internship program with a plant biology and conservation (PBC) focus. One key goal of this program is to broaden diversity in the biological sciences, particularly by increasing the participation of groups historically excluded in science such as women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others.

As part of the Chicago Botanic Garden's Science Career Continuum this internship is a critical link where undergraduate interns, mentored by graduate students, also serve as co-mentors to Chicago Public High School students while learning firsthand about post-baccalaureate opportunities.
 
We provide budding scientists opportunities to grow personally and professionally through:

• Professional-development workshops
• Field trips to local partner research institutions
• Participation in a near peer mentorship network (Science Career Continuum)
• Training in scientific communication 
• Presentations at local research symposia

Internship Benefits

Through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site grant, 10 internships are offered every year. Note that internships in 2025 are contingent upon renewed program funding. Additional internships are also offered for alumni of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s College First program. These are 10-week full-time (40 hours per week) paid internships.

The Chicago Botanic Garden REU program will provide funding for any relevant and/or necessary costs associated with travel, housing, or some other costs incurred during the internship. This compensation would be in addition to the stipend of $7,000.00.

Program mentors include faculty and graduate students from the Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation (PBC), and occasionally mentors from other partner internships. Projects typically involve fieldwork and laboratory work in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, which provides participants access to innovative resources for their research.

NOTE: Every year we also welcome a number of interns that participate in our program with outside funding, or on a volunteer basis.

Eligibility

NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) interns must be:

1. Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions
2. Currently-enrolled undergraduate students
   • Students between high school and undergraduate are NOT eligible to apply
   • Must NOT graduate before fall 2025
   • Graduating seniors or recent graduates are not eligible to apply
   • Students who are transferring from one college or university to another and are enrolled at neither institution during the intervening summer are eligible to participate
3. Able to participate during program period from mid-June 2025 to mid-August, 2025 (Exact dates TBD).

The REU program is particularly interested in helping students who lack research opportunities at their home institutions, who have not participated in a REU or similar experience in the past, and/or are from groups traditionally underrepresented in the biological sciences. The Chicago Botanic Garden values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in all its programs.

If you are graduating this academic year, please consider the Conservation and Land Management Internship Program, which hires college graduates for 5-month internships each year (http://www.clminternship.org/).

Question about eligibility can be emailed to info@pbcinternships.org.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call 847-835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns

Application Requirements

Before you begin your application:

• Explore the previous internships as you will be asked to select the subject areas of interest for the application form. Potential projects for 2025 will be added by March.
• Speak with someone who knows you well and who will take the time to complete a brief survey. Discuss with them your goals and how an internship at the Chicago Botanic Garden fits into that plan.
• To submit your application you will need to create an account. When you create an account be sure to select that you are a "Student submitting an application."
  • You will be able to save and return to your application; however, once you submit you cannot make any edits. 

The following documents are necessary for an application to be considered complete: 

• Completed application form (online)
  • You will select the subject area(s) that interest you
  • Statement of interest (to be filled out online)
  • One reference (with name, email address, and institutional affiliation)
• One recommendation survey must be completed online by the individual you list as your reference. We will email your reference an online link for submission after you submit your application, and you will be notified when we have received the recommendation. 
  • Recommenders have two weeks after application closes to submit the survey
  • The survey is a short (5-10 minute) survey regarding the applicant's potential benefit from participating in this specific program, and evaluation of the applicant’s motivation to benefit from this program
• Upload unofficial or official college/university transcripts 
  • You may submit an unofficial transcript for your application; however, if selected we may request an official transcript. All transcripts must be uploaded as a PDF to your application. 

** The application portal is transitioning platforms and is not yet open for 2025. Requirements might change slightly. Thank you for your patience**

Timeline 2025

• December/January create an account or log in
• Early February, 2025 applications close
• Mid to Late March mentors will interview applicants
• Late March to Early April offers are sent out. Those not selected will be notified by April

** The application portal is transitioning platforms and is not yet open for 2025. Requirements and timelines might change. Thank you for your patience**

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

We will accept applications through midnight Central Standard Time by the program deadline in February 2025 (exact date TBD) Only completed applications will be considered. Please provide the person completing the recommendation with enough time (minimum ten days is usually appropriate) to complete a recommendation survey. They will have limited time until time after application deadline to complete a short survey. Please discuss with your recommender about your goals and choose someone who is familiar with your skills, traits, and motivation. All materials must be submitted through the online application by the deadline.

How can I improve my application?

Ensure that all elements of the application are complete and carefully proofread. Answer all questions thoroughly. Whether you have past research experience or not, highlight assets that you feel demonstrate your potential and clearly articulate how an REU experience at the Chicago Botanic Garden would fit into your larger academic and professional goals.

What do you look for in an intern?

Applicants are matched to projects based upon interests, personal background, and enthusiasm. Other factors will also be considered such as relevant coursework and experiences. A subset of applicants will be interviewed by phone, email, or video. Final decisions on offers will be made by prospective mentors and the program co-directors.

Is there a stipend?

Yes, students with NSF-funded REU internships will receive a stipend $7,000.

Can I apply to multiple REU programs at different institutions?

Our program is highly selective (3-5% of those that apply are offered an internship), and we encourage people to apply to as many programs as they are interested in. 

What are the start and end dates of the program?

The exact dates change from year to year but our program runs mid-June  to mid-August. 

How binding is acceptance to the program?

If you are offered an internship, you will have a set amount of time to respond. We expect you to join the program if you formally accept an offer.

My classes end after the program starts. Can I still apply?

This situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and depends on a number of factors. We encourage you to apply if you forsee a potential scheduling conflict that is out of your hands (e.g., your finals week coincides with the beginning of our program), as it should not prevent you from being offered an internship. If you are offered an internship, we will discuss potential ways to accommodate the situation.

How will I get there?

The program will cover costs for participant travel to and from their home to Chicago.

Where will I live?

We will most likely have students stay at the University Center in downtown Chicago and commute up to the Chicago Botanic Garden, located in Glencoe, IL. We will ensure that any housing is safe and follows CDC guidelines. The Chicago Botanic Garden Summer REU program will provide funding for any relevant (as per grant guidelines) and/or necessary costs associated with housing and commuting costs incurred during the internship.

What are some expectations outside of my research experience?

An important component of the REU program is the cohort experience. The connections and friendships made during the 10 week period at the Garden have long term benefits to all. Hence, we will host activities  to nurture this experience. For this reason all attendees will be expected to participate in as many group activities as they can.

Summer REU: Genes to Ecosystems Mentors

This program is funded in-part by the National Science Foundation, and we aim to improve student retention in the STEM fields by providing high-quality research experiences for undergraduate students. One main focus of this program is to broaden diversity in the sciences, particularly by increasing the participation of groups historically underrepresented in science such as women, minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, and others. The summer internship program entails students completing an entire research project, working full-time (40 hrs/week) for 10 weeks from mid-June to mid-August. If your project is selected for funding and you become a mentor, you will have a budget for field and lab supplies to use. The time commitment associated with this program is somewhat substantial, especially given the nature of the program. However, based on past accounts, this experience is very rewarding and can help mentors develop very important mentoring and collaboration skills.

Those seeking to mentor the next generation of scientists as part of the summer research experiences for undergraduates program can view more details on our Info for Summer REU: Genes to Ecosystems Mentors page