Summer Research Opportunities

It is not uncommon for students to look for summer jobs in order to earn extra money and gain experience. However, not all of these job experiences are relevant to a student’s career path. Thus, if you are looking for a work experience that will help you solidify your future and get paid in the process, joining a research program is the best way to spend your summer. Most programs offer great opportunities to travel out of state, covering your travel fees, lodging and even awarding you a stipend.

NSF REU

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) gives students the opportunity to participate in research projects on REU sites at their home campus or other campuses. The NSF offers two types of REU funding: supplemental and site funding. Both types of funding programs expose students to a wide range of opportunities to acquire skills that will prepare them for future careers. Each REU site has a different set of criteria, deadlines, and application process. Double check on the NSF REU site to find the right program for you. Deadlines vary by REU site, but generally run between December and March.

ORAU

The Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a 105-member consortium of major PhD-granting academic institutions. Core areas of focus within ORAU include radiation emergency response and operational readiness, environmental health, analysis and communications, forensic analysis, science workforce technical training, development and evaluation.

Participating in ORAU will allow undergraduates interested in conducting real-world, multidisciplinary research to benefit from networking with researchers and fellow students through ORAU.

ORAU has an extensive network of partnerships among universities, government, industry and major research laboratories — including Oak Ridge National Laboratory — in research areas of strategic investment.

Eligibility criteria and other requirements vary depending on the program. Refer to ORAU guidelines.

SURF–NIST

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship by the National Institute of Standards & Technology encourages outstanding undergraduate students to pursue careers in science and engineering. It aims to build a mutually beneficial relationship among the student, the institution, and NIST. The students will be given an opportunity to work with internationally known NIST scientists and be exposed to cutting-edge and state-of-the-art research. Visit the SURF–NIST page for FAQs, application package, guidelines and deadlines.

iUTAH iFellows

Undergraduate students from all Utah institutions of higher learning gain firsthand research experience by working with iUtah researchers and graduate students associated with the iUTAH project. Summer participants will participate in a 10-week research internship at the University of Utah, Utah State University, or Brigham Young University. iFellows will also attend cohort-building sessions where they will learn professional skills, practice poster and oral presentations, and engage with panels of STEM professionals from a number of different careers. See the iUtah Project for eligibility, deadlines, and other additional information.

Amgen Scholars Program

Provides the participants with hands-on summer research opportunities in biotechnology and related science and engineering fields at some of the world’s leading institutions. By participating in the Amgen Scholars Program, students are able to participate in research projects, build relationships with faculty mentors and attend seminars and workshops — including the Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium— where they interact and network with fellow scholars.

ADVS Summer Internship

This internship, run through the ADVS department, funds 4-6 students through summer research. Each intern receives a $4,000 stipend and an opportunity to present research at Fall ADVS symposium. All students are eligible to apply, however research is geared towards students within the ADVS department.

URCO

Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (URCO) awards provide a one semester, $1,000 scholarship, to support original research, scholarship, or creative work by USU undergraduates with the guidance of a faculty member. Proposals may also include requests for additional funds to cover the costs of equipment, supplies, and project-related travel.

Peak Fellows

The Peak Summer Research Fellowship funds a select cohort of highly engaged undergraduate students in the Peaks’ colleges—the College of Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences—through a summer research experience. These fellows will spend ten weeks actively engaging in research with faculty mentors, have access to special trainings and workshops, and will come out of this fellowship poised to succeed in competitive applications for graduate school and national fellowships and grants.