Description

Environmental and Earth Systems Research at Biosphere 2 (biosphere2.org/education/university-programs/research-experience-undergrads-reu) is a 10-week summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students participate in a variety of activities that will help them pursue a career in environmental sciences. They conduct their own research with a faculty mentor, interact with other participants and scientists, and present research findings in a formal poster symposium setting. Additionally, students participate in professional development workshops and outreach activities. 
Student projects take advantage of the Biosphere 2 research infrastructure, including Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) (biosphere2.org/research/research-initiatives/landscape-evolution-observatory-leo), as well as field sites in the Sonoran desert and sky island mountains around Tucson. Projects focus on a variety of topics that include (but aren't limited to): coupling ecohydrology and biogeochemistry, investigating abiotic and biotic contributions to ecosystem processes, integrating measurements across scales, using innovative tools to link climate and ecological function, and modeling of ecosystem and soil processes. Students work with several outreach organizations (e.g., Arizona Institute for Resilience, Water Resources Research Center,  University of Arizona Cooperative Extension) at the University of Arizona that address local and global environmental challenges.
REU Students receive a competitive stipend, lodging at Biosphere 2's student village, food allowance, travel support to and from Tucson, AZ, as well as to a professional meeting to present their work. Applications for summer of 2026 (June 8 - Aug 14, 2026) are due March 1st, 2026, and link to application form can be found at: biosphere2.org/education/university-programs/research-experience-undergrads-reu. Students can also apply on https://etap.nsf.gov/ website.

Requirements

Undergraduate students from a wide range of disciplines and interests including geology, hydrology, biology, ecology, soil, plant, and atmospheric science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science are encouraged to apply. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this NSF (National Science Foundation) funded program. Applications from students in institutions with limited research opportunities are particularly encouraged.