The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

The REU in the Mycorrhiza Lab at North Central College focuses on some basic and applied questions about how common mycorrhizal networks mediate invasive plant interactions. Using state-of-the-art facilities, techniques, and equipment, Dr. W has set out to examine three important aspects of species invasions: establishment, environmental change, and persistence. Over the next several years, the lab will be investigating the role of common mycorrhizal networks in species invasions through both greenhouse and field work.

During the 10-week summer program, students actively engage in research under the mentorship of Dr. W.  Students will receive housing, travel expenses when applicable, and a stipend of $6000.  The program is funded by the National Science Foundation.

 Program Dates: May 4 - July 10, 2026*
Application Deadline: December 15th, 2025

* unfortunately, due to the nature of the work, we are not able to negotiate or accommodate different start/end dates

Program Activities

The REU will begin with a one-week orientation that includes group activities and in-depth conversations about research, careers,, and the summer research project. Regular journal club meetings and lab meetings will help students understand the state of the field of research and critical thinking skills. Students will regularly maintain and collect data on an experiment, learning how to develop specific, testable hypotheses and interpreting statistical analyses. Throughout the summer, students will have multiple public-speaking opportunities to present their research, which includes an end-of-the summer poster presentation.

Job Duties for the project

• Attend regular journal-club meetings on relevant peer-reviewed literature and actively participate in learning through discussion.
• Maintain a plant growth experiment by keeping plants alive, healthy, and growing through daily observations and monitoring.
• Assist with setting up, maintaining, and collecting data from field experiment.
• Identify native prairie plants
  
• Participation in wet-lab bench work such as neutral lipid fatty acid marker analysis, root colonization, DNA extraction, etc. is likely

Applicant Qualifications

• Completion of introductory biology with a B+ or above
• A GPA of 3.0 or above
• Completion of a 200-level ecology is preferred, but not required
  
• Strong ability to pay attention to detail
  
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to take initiative are a must for this this work
• Self-motivated students comfortable with some level of independence
• Ability to think on one’s feet
• Experience with growing plants
  

We strongly encourage students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, students with disabilities, first-generation students, student with limited opportunities for research experiences, and others who would contribute to the diversity in other ways to apply. Prior research experience is not required. 

Because this is a National Science Foundation-funded opportunity, applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

Financial Support

Stipend: $6000 for the 10-week session
Room and Board: North Central College campus housing in one of our dorms will be provided.

Application

Complete the application found here: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/5249/opportunity/11455. You will be asked a few questions about yourself and then asked to submit the following materials:

• An academic transcript from all of the undergraduate institutions you have attended. Official and unofficial versions are accepted.
• Resume/CV
  
• Personal statement.
  • 1 - 1.5 pages in length
    
  • The personal statement should demonstrate why you are interested in science and research, your career and educational goals, and why you think this specific research experience on mycorrhizae is interesting and how it would benefit you. Include any skills you bring with you such as laboratory skills, previous research experiences, awards, honors, or extracurricular activities.
• A letter of recommendation from one former professor or teacher. 

Contact

Dr. Joanna Weremijewicz (Dr. W), Principal Investigator: [email protected]

This opportunity is funded by the National Science Foundation Grant #2145142.