Many different kinds of hands-on experiences are available at KBS for undergraduates:

• Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Fellows (DOE-REU)
• Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU)
• 'Learn and Intern' Research Opportunities
• Formal Paid Internships
• Volunteer Opportunities

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
KBS faculty have received grants from NSF (The National Science Foundation) and DOE (US Department of Energy) to involve undergraduates in their research. These positions give you an opportunity to conduct full-time research under the supervision of faculty.  You must be a U.S. citizen with undergraduate status to participate in these programs. 

All these REU programs include a PAID stipend, and also include room, board, and travel costs.

We invite applications from highly motivated individuals, and encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the sciences. 

Ecological Genetics (NSF REU)

Two REU positions are available for projects on the ecology and evolutionary genetics of flowering plants.  Current research focuses on the evolution of floral traits for successful pollination.  Application Deadline: March 15, 2009.

• Download the project description for more details (PDF)

Field, Experimental, and Theoretical Aquatic Ecologyy (NSF REU)

Two REU positions are available for projects on modeling the dynamics of competion in aquatic systems. Application Deadline: March 15, 2009.

• Download the project description for more details (PDF)

Wetland Biogeochemistry (NSF REU)

One REU position is available to join an NSF study investigating how wetland sediments release or retain phosphorus. This in turn controls wetland productivity and downstream water quality. Application Deadline: March 15, 2009.

• Download the project description for more details (PDF)

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services from Bioenergy Cropping systems (DOE REU)

Applications for the 2009 Biofuel program are now closed.

Learn and Intern Research Opportunities:

The KBS Learn and Intern Program features research internships that are part-time (20 hrs/week). This allows you to take a course during the summer and get some hands-on research experience.

The Learn and Intern Program is limited to currently enrolled MSU students, OR students taking a course at KBS during the summer. All of these are paid positions, although the stipends may vary. Application Deadline: March 15, 2009.

• Plant-Mycorrhizal Ecology (PDF)
• Climate Change and Precipitation (PDF)
• Pollinators And The Evolution Of Flowers (PDF)
• Bluegill Behavioral Ecology (PDF)
• Flower Evolution (PDF)
• Phosphorus Cycling in Wetland Sediments (PDF)
• Internship Application (PDF)
• Internship Application (MS Word)

Educational Internships (Paid)

• Pasture-Based Dairy Research Intern--Forage production (PDF)
• Pasture-Based Dairy Research Intern--Animal Behavior (PDF)
• PR/Marketing Internship (PDF)
• Graphics Arts Internship (PDF)
• W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Student Internships
  
• Internship Application (PDF)
• Internship Application (MS Word)

Volunteer Opportunities

Maybe you don't have an extended period of time to spend at KBS, but you'd still like to contribute. There are always things to be done around the station: helping at the Bird Sanctuary, removing invasive plant species, or volunteering at events like Share the Harvest. Check out the KBS Volunteer Program for more info!

We are happy to work with you to structure a volunteer experience as an unpaid internship for credit, if you wish. For more information, contact roks@kbs.msu.edu.

Still have questions? Please send us an email! We're happy to help you.