University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

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The ED-QUE2ST: Enhancing Diversity, Quality, and Understanding of the Ecological and Evolutionary Sciences for Tomorrow

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program Funded by the National Science Foundation

ED-QUEST is a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program looking for students who:

  • have an interest in ecology and/or evolutionary biology

  • are highly motivated

  • are in their 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate study

  • come from under-represented backgrounds

  • are U.S. citizens or permanent residents*

    *non-US citizens interested in participating should contact Professor John Vandermeer at jvander@umich.edu.

    Program overview:

    You can choose from variety of research projects, and you'll conduct, analyze, and present your research with the guidance of a faculty or graduate student mentor. After an orientation at U-M's Ann Arbor campus, the research will take place on campus, at U-M's Biological Station in northern Michigan, or at field sites around the world.


    Program costs:

    Don't worry about paying for it – the program is fully funded, which means that your travel, living, and research expenses are covered! You'll spend your summer getting great research experience, meeting new people, and exploring new places.

    Click here for descriptions of potential research projects

    What you'll do:
    There are four phases:

    1. Winter term – Once you are accepted into the program, you'll get in initial contact with your mentor and connect with other ED-QUE2STstudents. There will be online contact throughout the term, allowing you and your mentor to discuss your project, do some background reading about it, and try to develop a plan so you can "hit the ground running" at the beginning of the summer.
    2. Orientation – You'll arrive at the Ann Arbor campus in May for a week-long orientation period. Activities will include participation in several workshops designed to prepare you for your research experience, visiting your research site, if feasible, and working directly with your mentor to develop your project.
    3. Research project –The research will occupy most of the summer, from mid-May through July. Whether an intense laboratory experience, or a field experience or web/computer experience, you will be expected to work independently, but always with the help of your mentor.
    4. Presentation – At the end of July, all participants will return to the U-M campus to finish writing up their project and present the results at a symposium. You will be expected to prepare a manuscript in the style of a scientific manuscript intended for publication.

    • Application instructions

    1. Look at the listing of research projects, and learn more about the mentors by checking out their personal web pages. You'll be asked to rank your top two project choices on the application form.
    2. Ask two people to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. They should be professors or others who can speak of your ability to work independently. (email to eeb.gradcoord@umich.edu)
    3. In a personal statement, please tell us about:
      1. Any relevant experience, including class projects
      2. Experiences that demonstrate your ability to work independently
      3. What you hope to gain by participating in ED-QUE2ST
      4. Your academic or professional goals
    4. Download and complete the application form.
    5. Submit the application form, personal statement, and an unofficial transcript* to eeb.gradcoord@umich.edu.
    6. Apply by January 31, 2012

    *If you're a first-year student, we understand that you won't have one yet. If you're accepted into the program, we'll ask you to send a copy when it becomes available!

    Photo from left to right Ravi Shah, Yashira Valentin, Ruth Alabi, Kate Uckele, Gisela Alvarez, Sterling Atkins

    Apply by January 31, 2012

    Questions and concerns:

    How much will it cost?
    Nothing! Again, the program is fully funded by the NSF, so you do not have to pay to participate!

    What if I'm not a biology major?
    That's ok! We know that many early undergraduates haven't declared a concentration yet, and that you might have a broad range of interests. If you have some background in science and there's a project that interests you, send in your application!

    I want to go home this summer…
    We understand. But if you're even slightly interested in participating, get in touch with us to find out more about the program! The summers during college are the best possible time to try new experiences and visit places you wouldn't normally go, so we encourage you to be adventurous!

    Other questions? Email eeb.gradcoord@umich.edu.