Spend your summer conducting research that works to address societal and environmental challenges. Learn from project mentors as well as each other in an interdisciplinary cohort of undergraduate researchers.

Program Details

The Center for the Environment is excited to host our annual undergraduate summer research program. This 10-week program offers an incredible opportunity for students to engage in hands-on environmental research alongside faculty and graduate student mentors. We aim to create an accessible environmental research program for all undergrads, regardless of prior experience.

Program Overview

Over the course of ten weeks, students will work closely with a dedicated mentor as part of a research team. During the program, the Center will provide comprehensive support: 
 

  • Professional Development: Benefit from weekly professional development opportunities, including lunch and learn sessions, career panels, and discussions centered around our four research themes.  
     
  • Social Cohort Building: Connect with fellow researchers through social events and collaborative projects, building lasting friendships within the environmental science community. 
     
  • Housing and Travel Support: The Center will support housing accommodations and travel support to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. All students who participate in campus housing will live in the same building so that the cohort can connect and get to know each other. 

At the culmination of the program, undergraduate researchers will showcase their research findings at a symposium, providing a platform to share their discoveries. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to present their work at the WashU Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Annual Center for the Environment Symposium, expanding their exposure to the academic community. 

Eligibility and Benefits

Eligibility:

  • To be eligible for this program, students must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior continuing undergraduate studies the following fall. Applicants must be a WashU student unless a specific agreement has been made with your university.

Benefits:

  • $6,000 stipend for your research work
  • Support for travel to and from St. Louis
  • Housing and travel support – cohort housing available to ensure a comfortable and immersive experience
Program and Application Timeline
  • December 1st: Applications Open 
  • February 15th: Applications Due 
  • March 10th: Notification of Selection 
  • May 27thAugust 1st: 10-week Program in Session

Research Topics and Faculty Mentors

Below are the Summer 2025 projects – click view more to see all 15 projects.