Opportunities for Undergraduates at Niwot Ridge
Undergraduates have several ways of being involved in Niwot Ridge LTER science. Field courses at the Mountain Research Station, Research Experiences for Undergraduates, and opportunities to volunteer or work in Niwot Ridge laboratories during the academic year are a few of the most common ways to get involved.
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Field Courses at the Mountain Research Station
A diversity of field courses are offered at the Mountain Research Station. These courses, available year-round, offer hands-on experience in topics relevant to Niwot LTER science such as Winter Ecology, Mammalogy, Field Ornithology, Field Methods in Vegetation Ecology, and Lake & Stream Ecology.
Niwot Ridge LTER Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program
Coordinating with the CIRES RECCS program, our REU program offers a unique opportunity for field research experience. The program provides Colorado community college undergraduate students with a high quality independent research experience; exposes students to a large, multidisciplinary research program; inspires students to continue into professional careers; and prepares students for the rigors of graduate school, professional research, and responsible citizenship.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students are an integral part of the education and research program at Niwot Ridge. February through April is the best time to find advertisements for research and work positions, although laboratory positions may open up throughout the year. To get involved, contact a professor whose work you are interested in and follow our job postings in News and Events.
This unique opportunity, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides experience in field research in a dramatic mountain setting in the Front Range of the Colorado Rockies. Every summer, we recruit a select group of undergraduate students to conduct independent research on questions related to sub-alpine forests, mountain hydrology, alpine biodiversity, pika populations, and high-elevation lakes.
Working at Niwot Ridge invites close interactions among students, faculty, and graduate students. Student participants will have numerous opportunities to share ideas and explore issues within and across disciplines. Participants will also be exposed to multiple aspects of ecology research and data analysis and interpretation. As students conduct research, they will learn how to be independent scientists, and they will gain experience dealing with technical, methodological and ethical issues that arise in scientific research.
This program runs for 10 weeks in the summer, typically from June to August. We especially welcome applications from students at two-year community colleges, students early in their college career, students that are the first member of their family to attend college, non-traditional students, and students from traditionally underrepresented groups. Students must be U.S. Citizens.
We are particularly interested in applications from students that have had limited opportunities to conduct independent research at their home institution.
Applications are closed for this summer, but we encourage you to keep an eye on this site for next year’s opportunities.