REU Site: Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Plant Science at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

REU Site: Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Plant Science at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is sponsored by National Science Foundation (NSF). Provides a comprehensive, real-life research experience to undergraduate students interested in plant biology and biotechnology.

Research Experience for Undergraduates | Danforth Plant Science Center Field and Laboratory Learning in Plant Science: Research Experiences for Undergraduates Fostering the next generation of plant scientists is critical to solving some of our planet’s biggest challenges.

For ten weeks each summer, students in our Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) and other summer internship programs are immersed in a rich research environment that lays the foundation for a career in plant science. We collectively refer to these programs as Field and Laboratory Learning in Plant Science (FLLiPS).

Our FLLiPS program gives students experience with all aspects of modern scientific research, from design to experimentation to reporting. Faculty, mentors and staff provide insight into the personal characteristics that make a good researcher, the process and training involved to become a scientist, and the broader impact of scientific discovery.

The program is made possible through generous support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), other federal agencies, and private donors. Gain hands-on experience in the lab and learn the use of a variety of technologies for research. Work on a research project with their mentor.

Visit our research areas page to learn more about our mentors and their specific research focus. Attend workshops in the Center’s state-of-the-art core facilities, including Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory, Bellwether Phenotyping Facility, Data Science, Plant Growth Facility, Bioanalytical Chemistry Facility, and Plant Research Site.

Participate in career pathway discussions with experienced researchers and take field trips to local universities and industries with plant or life science focuses. Attend weekly seminars on issues related to biotechnology. These discussions are structured to give students insight into the social, political, and economic implications of current research—and to allow them to share their opinions, as well.

At the end of the summer session, each intern will present a summary of his/her research before an audience of scientific peers. A brief written report is also required and students will be carefully guided through the process of preparation of the written report and oral presentation. The presentation and report are a vital part of the education of young scientists.

Participate in a community outreach project, where they will help design and lead a hands-on plant science activity for local K–12 students. This experience allows interns to share their scientific interests while building communication and engagement skills.

Students from universities across the nation are matched with a scientist who is a senior researcher at the Danforth Center and have the opportunity to learn about the wide range of research areas, including: Beneficial and pathogenic plant-microbe interactions Bioinformatics and genomics Metabolic Pathways/Engineering Translational Plant Science Learn more about our Research Areas and the cutting-edge research our Principal Investigators are doing within each area.

Program Dates and Application Announcements Expand The application for the 2026 Summer Program is now closed. 2026 Summer Research Program dates: May 26, 2026 – July 31, 2026 If you have questions, please email: reuinternship@danforthcenter. org .

If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact People and Culture, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance. Application Checklist Expand Below is a list of items you need to complete the application. CURRENT GPA: You will be asked to enter your current GPA.

LAB SKILLS: Provide a brief list of your laboratory skills in unformatted text. PERSONAL STATEMENT: Write a statement that demonstrates why you are interested in this internship program. This is an opportunity to talk about your interests and goals and is an important consideration in the selection of candidates.

Please make sure to include your name in the header or footer. You will upload this as part of your application. RESUME/CV.

You will upload this as part of your application. TRANSCRIPTS: Unofficial transcripts are perfectly acceptable but must be readable. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded as part of your application; official transcripts sent by the registrar can be sent to us via email (reuinternship@danforthcenter.

org). ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE: You will be asked to list up to 10 of your most relevant classes in relation to this internship and your grade/anticipated grade in each class. TWO REFERENCE LETTERS: Please contact two people who will serve as references for you.

Faculty and teachers are often the best source, but feel free to ask anyone who can speak to your abilities. References must submit their letters directly to reuinternship@danforthcenter. org.

Candidates for the program: Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate's degree. Students who are transferring from one institution to another (and have been accepted at the second institution) may participate. High school graduates who have not yet enrolled are not eligible.

Students who have received their undergraduate degree (or will receive a degree before the program dates) and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible for the program. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. ** NOTE: Due to grant restrictions, we are unable to fund interns who are not citizens or permanent residents.

Should be majoring in a plant science, a life science field, or a related field and have relevant coursework. Prior research experience is not required. Must be able to work at least 40 hours per week for the entire ten-week term.

Students who have already participated in the program are not eligible to reapply. Those students are encouraged to work with their previous mentors regarding rehiring. *You must inform us if your eligibility status changes during the application or selection process.

Your application will be withdrawn if your eligibility status changes. You may submit your application again as a new application (if positions are still available) once you meet the eligibility requirements. Your application will be considered "new" and previous offers/considerations will be void.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this web site, please contact People and Culture, at 314-587-1033 for further assistance. Program Requirements Expand Be present for the full ten-week period Work at least 40 hours per week during this time.

No vacations will be permitted during the 10-week program (except for official Danforth Center-wide holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Holidays). Other necessary absences may be requested and are subject to the approval of the internship program staff and laboratory mentor(s). Fully participate in internship program activities Turn in a research paper at the end of the program.

Attend the all-day symposium on the final day of the program and give a 12-15 minute presentation. The 2026 program pays a stipend for the 10-week period of $7,000, plus $500 for travel assistance and $1,400 for sustenance for a total of $8,900. Interns will be paid every other Friday in accordance with the Danforth Center pay cycle.

Important Tax Info: You will receive a 1099-NEC form, as the Danforth Center does report the 1099-NEC compensation to the IRS. These forms will be mailed to the address we have on file for you in 2026. Tax note: No deduction is taken on your stipend payment.

Since it is a stipend for an REU program and not a salary, you will not pay social security tax on it. Please note that while the Danforth Center does not withhold federal or state income tax from these payments, you may still owe income tax on your stipend depending on your total annual income and individual tax situation. Students should refer to the IRS's " Tax Information for Students " website for information.

If you require additional information regarding your specific tax situation, please reach out to your own tax advisor. Interns who do not have family in St. Louis to stay with are given housing priority.

Out of town interns who are accepted into the program will be housed in apartments, within a bus ride of the Danforth Center (may require walking <1 mile to bus stop). Since the bus system can take upwards of 40+ minutes, we encourage interns to bring their own cars if possible or arrange carpools with each other. Typically, interns are placed in 2-bedroom apartments housing 4 interns (2 interns per bedroom).

The apartments are fully furnished and include all kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom furnishings. Applications for the 2026 Program are closed. Undergraduate Research Program Team Co-Director, Associate Member & Principal Investigator Co-Director, Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory Director Senior Administrative Assistant reuinternship@danforthcenter.

org Donald Danforth Plant Science Center 975 N Warson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63132 Our undergraduate research program is a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Other support comes from other government agencies and private donors.

Current Internship Resources