VIDEO: Follow in the footsteps of a 2016 undergraduate research fellow and learn more about the program at The Morton Arboretum.
February 2019 UPDATE: Our program’s commitment to train the next generation of tree scientists has been recognized by our nation’s top science and engineering funding agency, the National Science Foundation (NSF). We are now an official Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site, which elevates the status of our program and provides additional funds to continue our mission. The title of our summer course is now “REU site at The Morton Arboretum: Integrated tree science in the Anthropocene”.
Undergraduate participants engage in a formal 10-week summer course that trains students in the scientific process by completing an independent research project, including question development, study design, data collection and analysis, and final presentation to several audiences. Students work directly with individual mentors who will advise and guide them through the entire process. Learn how to apply
Overview
As human populations grow and landscapes become more urbanized, our reliance on trees and the ecosystem services they provide is rapidly increasing. Unfortunately, the incoming pool of young scientists is not keeping pace with the demand for new knowledge and innovation in this very important and growing field. Towards addressing this need, The Morton Arboretum's Center for Tree Science offers a research internship program focused on tree science. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) is one way the Center for Tree Science is helping advance the field of tree science and train the next generation of tree scientists.
Students in the REU program spend ten weeks at The Morton Arboretum under the mentorship of our Research Scientists and Research Associates. The REU is designed to engage undergraduate students in the scientific process through the completion of an independent research project, falling in one of our major research areas. Research at the Center for Tree Science is focused on trees, obviously, but there are many facets to tree science. Students will have the opportunity to indicate their preference among available mentors at the Morton Arboretum. Our scientists cover a broad range of topics: basic tree biology, forest ecology, arboriculture, biomechanics, root biology, soil science, genetics, phylogenetics, systematics, conservation biology, and restoration ecology.
Students participate in weekly activities, such as seminars, field trips, and social events. The program endeavors to promote critical thinking, independence, self-confidence, perseverance, and group working skills. Participation in the program will help prepare students for graduate studies and professional careers in science-related fields. At the end of the program, students will be required to prepare a scientific report and give presentations of their work in a student research symposium at The Morton Arboretum. The students also interact with peers in similar programs from Chicago institutions such as the Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Botanic Garden.
More information on research at the Arboretum can be found here and students are encouraged to contact lead scientists directly to discuss potential areas of study and projects. Please contact ctsurf@mortonarb.org with any general questions.
Apply for an REU position
REU participants, formerly known as "Undergraduate Research Fellows", engage in a formal 10-week summer course that brings students through the steps of a scientific research project, including question development, data collection, analysis, and communication. Learn more
Alumni News
Find out what participants have been doing since their time at The Morton Arboretum. LEARN MORE
Past Fellows
Meet the past participants (formerly known as Undergraduate Research Fellows) and learn about their research projects and experiences. LEARN MORE
Symposium Presentations
Watch fellows present their research projects at the Center for Tree Science Undergraduate Research Symposium, held at The Morton Arboretum each summer. LEARN MORE
Goals & Activities
The REU is designed to develop the next generation of tree scientists and ecologists, while contributing to the body of ecological research on trees and on-going research at The Morton Arboretum. Students will work on a research project, prepare a scientific poster, and present their findings in a public symposium. They will also participate in weekly activities, such as seminars and fieldtrips. learn more
Calendar - important dates
Information on the 2020 REU will be posted online at the beginning of December 2019 and we will begin accepting applications on January 1, 2020. LEARN MORE
Fellows Blog
Communicating science to the public is an important skill for any researcher. Center for Tree Science undergraduate researchers describe their projects, as well as their personal experiences during the program. Highlights from the field trips are also featured. LEARN MORE
Blog Archives
Undergraduate Research Fellows from 2014 and 2015 describe their experiences during the program. LEARN MORE
Contact
Additional information available upon request. Please contact ctsurf@mortonarb.org. LEARN MORE