Application

Applications for the 2023 program are open! Applications and recommendations are due February 14, 2023. Late applications will only be considered in the event that openings are not filled.

Applications include: (i) application form, (ii) statement of purpose and resume, (iii) transcript (unofficial), and (iv) letter of reference (sent by the recommender).

Questions should be sent to:

Dr. Josh Heitman, NC State University Crop & Soil Sciences Department at besst-nsf-reu@ncsu.edu

Eligibility

Candidates for the summer research experience must:

• be citizens or permanent residents of the United States
• be enrolled in a degree program leading to a baccalaureate degree
• be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year
• be able to work at least 40 hours per week for the entire 10 week term (tentatively 5/29 to 8/4)

Prior research experience and/or coursework in soil science is NOT required.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including minorities and people with disabilities.

Application Form

Please complete the application form found here. The application form includes basic applicant information and upload buttons for the following two documents.
(The application requires a Gmail or Google associated account to complete. If you do not have an account you can create one here)

 

1. Statement of Purpose and Relevant Experience

Please provide a 1-page personal statement that explains why you are interested in science and research, your career goals, and why you think this soils-focused research experience would benefit you. Please also discuss preferred areas of research; titles of past REU presentations and information about project mentors listed on our website can be used to provide ideas but may not exactly match the specific project opportunities that will be available this summer.

Additionally, include a 1-page resume highlighting any laboratory skills, research experience, awards, honors, or extracurricular activities that you would like us to know about.

Please save your personal statement and resume as a single pdf document.

2. Transcript

Please provide a transcript (unofficial or official) from the college/university you currently attend and from your previous school(s) if you are a transfer student. Please do not send links that require program personnel to download your transcript from your university website.

 

Letter of Recommendation

In addition to completing the online application, please arrange for a letter of recommendation to be sent from a current or former instructor, research mentor, or advisor. The recommendation should indicate in what capacity the recommender knows you, as well as a description of your strengths and limitations for summer research. The recommendation should be sent (by the recommender) to besst-nsf-reu@ncsu.edu. Please be sure that the recommender clearly identifies the applicant in their letter. Indicate the name of the recommender on the application form.

The recommendation is due by application closing date (2/14/23). The program will not request letters from the recommender; it is your responsibility to ensure that they submit your recommendation on time.