Each summer, Tyson runs an active undergraduate research program in ecology, evolutionary biology, and related environmental sciences. Undergraduates participate in all aspects of research, intellectual discourse and camaraderie associated with field stations, including our weekly Summer Seminar Series and BBQ. In addition, discussion groups and field trips are aimed specifically at summer undergraduate researchers. Students prepare for their summer research experiences as early as the previous fall by attending informational sessions and enrolling in Environmental Studies 393 (Practical Skills in Environmental Biology Research) the spring prior to their summer research experience.
Although the majority of our undergraduate research opportunities are for Washington University students, there are occasional opportunities for students from other universities. Any student interested in undergraduate summer research opportunities should contact Jon Chase (jchase[at]wustl.edu), Director, and/or Kevin Smith (kgs[at]wustl.edu), Associate Director, as early as possible.
Advanced undergraduate researchers conducting their own research are typically funded by Tyson Research Center Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Washington University / Howard Hughes Medical Institute Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, Environmental Studies research fellowships, and National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) fellowships. Most of our former Undergraduate Research Fellows have entered graduate programs or careers in the environmental sciences.
After completion of their summer research, all Research Fellows present the results of their research at the Washington University Undergraduate Research Symposium. Additionally, Fellows have presented their research at regional and national meetings and several projects have resulted in peer-reviewed scientific publications. The results of recent undergraduate research projects can be seen here.
