NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates & Teachers
National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): Beyond Basic Science – Connecting Climate to Communities
Sponsored by the NSF Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences REU Sites Program (NSF Award ID 2051024)
Undergraduate Students
K12 Teachers & Educators
Undergrads: June 5 to August 11, 2023
Teachers: July 5- August 11, 2023
Undergrads: 10 weeks
Teachers: 6 weeks
About the Program
This REU site at Columbia University's Columbia Climate School is an internship program opportunity for both undergraduate students and K-12 educators. These research experiences will introduce participants to transdisciplinary science being done at the Columbia Climate School. Participants will work through the scientific process to better understand the latest climate change research and how it is gathered, analyzed, and communicated for relevant stakeholders and policymakers.
The summer intern program will support participants to engage in team learning around a meaningful project, participate in professional development activities beyond direct research, and build learning and professional relationships through layered mentoring in a world-renowned research environment. Ultimately, the experience will encourage participants to better understand the context, connections, and perspectives of climate change in a way that directly connects the science to people and communities.
Important Dates
Monday, December 19, 2022 - Applications open
Friday, February 17, 2023 - Applications due by 5:00pm ET; we will allow up to one additional week for letter writers to submit their letters online (your application must be complete at this time), letters are due by 5:00pm ET on Friday, February 24, 2023.
March 15, 2023 - Applicants will be notified about decisions
Information Session:
Watch our information session recording to learn more about the Columbia Climate School's Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).
- Research project under the supervision of a Columbia Climate School expert;
- Opportunities to work on impactful interdisciplinary projects with both Columbia staff and external stakeholders that bring climate science research to direct community users
- Training in data analysis and techniques, lab safety, professional ethics, and career and networking opportunities
- Special lectures and workshops
- Limited Housing Availability for Undergraduates
- Stipend of $6000
Summer 2023 Opportunities
To learn about the opportunities that are available for summer 2023, please review our complete list of 2023 project descriptions.
BEFORE you start an application, we strongly recommend that you read through the answers to the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the program. We provide many useful tips and best practices for how to put together a strong application.
In order to be able to complete the online application properly, you will need to have the following items ready, in either a Word of PDF format:
- Your resume
- Transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- Statement of interest (maximum 1,500 words)
- Names and emails of two individuals who will be able to provide letters of recommendation
- Undergraduates: provide the contact information for two academic references (Professors, Advisors, etc).
- Educators: provide the contact information for two professional references.
- Your top 3 choices of research projects
Program Eligibility
The program is open to US citizens or permanent residents who have will have completed at least their sophomore year in college or community college. Preference will be given to rising sophomores who are thinking about majoring in STEM or related interdisciplinary fields, as well as juniors majoring in environmentally related STEM disciplines. Neither graduating seniors nor international students are eligible for these opportunities.
Applicants should have an interest in conducting research in STEM fields and have a particular interest in leveraging science to co-create and translate climate research into accessible knowledge and solutions for stakeholders through a community-based approach. At a minimum, applicants should have completed courses in college level math (i.e. statistics, calculus, OR algebra), research methods, and an introduction to earth and environmental sciences and/or climate science. However, exceptions may be made in cases where the applicant’s college does not offer equivalent courses. While GPA is not the sole criterion for acceptance, students that demonstrate academic excellence are strongly preferred.
If you’re interested in applying, please read more about the application requirements and access the application itself. When you’re ready to submit your application, please click on the APPLY NOW button below.
Program Contact
The Columbia Climate School contacts for the program are Laurel Zaima-Sheehy and Dr. Josh Fisher. The NSF contact for the REU Site program Dr. Josie S. Welkom. Please note that NSF does not handle REU applications; please contact each REU site directly for application information.