Program Description

STEPS will support 15 students for ten weeks during Summer 2023 through a multi-institutional Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students will begin the summer together at a one-week orientation/boot-camp. Here, students will learn more about the Center and the wicked problem of phosphorus sustainability. Students will also get hands-on time in different lab settings.

During the remaining nine weeks, students will work on independent research projects within the Center under the mentorship of STEPS Scholars and faculty. Students will be placed on projects that align with their research and career interests at one of the nine STEPS academic institutions. In addition to research projects in STEPS laboratories, all REU participants will learn skills in convergence research through a collaborative cohort project.

Considering the long-term nature of the “25-in-25” vision, at least five REU positions are targeted for applicants who indicate future career plans in farming or related agricultural professions, forming a Research Experience for Future Farmers (REF) track within the program. REF-track participants will be placed in labs/projects supportive of their interests, be co-mentored by a research mentor and an agricultural extension faculty member, and be provided opportunities to present farmer perspectives to the REU cohort.

Program Details

• Program Dates: May 30, 2023 – August 5, 2023
• The priority application period for the 2023 REU Program is now closed. If you are interested in the program and would like to be considered, please contact us at steps-contact@ncsu.edu.
• Stipend: $6,000 in addition to on-campus housing at host institution and travel to STEPS institutions. Summer housing will not be arranged for students located at Arizona State University (ASU), though a housing stipend can be provided. We encourage local applicants for students interested in projects at ASU.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and be a US Citizen or permanent resident. We encourage applicants from a variety of disciplines including but not limited to chemistry, environmental engineering, materials science, computer science, plant sciences, biochemistry, economics, sociology, and biology. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Requirements

• Participants must be available to begin the program on the start date and are required to attend the entire ten-week program. Any proposed conflicts should be included on the application.

• Participants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university with at least one remaining semester before graduation. (Graduating seniors are not eligible.)

• Participants are prohibited from other employment while participating in the program.

Summer 2023 Faculty

Students will work on STEPS research projects in one of the faculty labs listed below. We will match students with labs and projects that align with their research interests, goals, and expertise. Note: This list is dynamic and more faculty may be added before the application deadline.

• Eric McLamore (Clemson)
• Elise Morrison (University of Florida)
• Jango Bhadha (University of Florida, Everglades Research and Extension Center, Belle Glade, Florida)
• Rebecca Muenich (Arizona State University)*
• Bruce Rittmann (Arizona State University)*
• Paul Westerhoff (Arizona State University)*
• Justin Baker (NC State University)
• Doug Call (NC State University)
• Ross Sozzani (NC State University)
• Chris Gorman (NC State University)
• John Classen (NC State University)
• Owen Duckworth (NC State University)
• Brooke Mayer (Marquette)
• Christine Hendren (Appalachian State University)
• Gail Jones (NC State University)

*Summer housing will not be arranged for students located at Arizona State University (ASU), though a housing stipend can be provided. We encourage local applicants for students interested in projects at ASU.