Research Experiences for Undergraduates

From Estuaries to the Deep Sea

 June 16 - August 23, 2025

Nine and 10-week options available, in-person, hybrid and remote options

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Each summer, Oregon State University offers paid research internships for undergraduate students that the National Science Foundation funds. This is an amazing opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom to real-world problems in marine and estuarine sciences. We welcome applications from students with backgrounds and interests in any of these areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, environmental science, mathematics, computer science or engineering. 

• Student interns are located on the Pacific coast and focus on marine and estuarine sciences at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport and Port Orford Field Station.

• Students spend nine to ten weeks working on individual research projects coordinated by their research mentors and then present their work at an end-of-summer symposium.

• There are also numerous opportunities to get together with other REU students, including group field trips and social events.

Each REU Intern Receives

• $630/week stipend
• Free housing on-site (Hatfield or Port Orford)
• Round-trip travel expenses

Research areas include: Benthic environment, Climate change, Contaminants, Environmental chemistry, Estuarine processes, Fisheries, Modeling and analysis, Molecular biology and genetics, and Physical oceanography. List of Mentors at Hatfield Marine Science Center (Newport) (to be updated 1/13/25)

Eligibility

We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all participants in our program. We support students from diverse majors, colleges, backgrounds and life experiences in our cohorts.

Students from community colleges and universities where research opportunities are limited and from groups underrepresented in marine and coastal science are welcome and encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from students with backgrounds and interests in any of these areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, environmental science, mathematics, computer science or engineering. 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must be currently enrolled in college with a minimum of one term remaining after the summer program toward a bachelor’s degree.

How to Apply

Interested students are required to submit the items below. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, 5 p.m. PST or until filled. 

• Application form (sample application)
• Review the Hatfield mentors and indicate the areas of interest for which you wish to be considered.
• Short answer questions
• A list of courses
• List of references. Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted.
• Transcripts are not required for the initial application. However, applicants who are selected will be required to provide unofficial transcripts for verification.
• All students who are invited to this REU site have until March 15 or later to accept or reject the offer. This means the earliest any applicant can accept a position is March 15. 
• OSU HMSC REU Information webinar recording - program review, application, and Q&A session with the Program Director