Summer Research Program Information for Students

Our 2025 summer program dates: Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, August 8

Applications for the 2025 summer program will be open from December 9, 2024 - February 7, 2025

About the Program

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an 11-week immersive research experience connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry.

This paid internship opportunity includes a $7,700 stipend, full room and board, and travel to/from Harvard Forest.

Harvard Forest is located in the small town of Petersham, Massachusetts (1.5 hours west of Boston).

How the Program Works

Every fall, research mentors from Harvard Forest and collaborating institutions develop summer research project descriptions for students to choose from when they apply to the program.

A research project is made up of a collaborative research team with multiple students and mentors, all working together to address an overarching research question.

During the summer, our main goal is for participants to work within that larger context on their own project, building their skills and independence in the research process.

The program culminates in a symposium of student presentations (explore 2024 Symposium abstracts).

Our holistic view of the program is a 3-legged stool:

• Research: Work collaboratively to solve environmental problems using scientific methods. A day in the woods measuring trees, or a day at the computer analyzing sensor data

• Education: Bridge from student to scientist: build marketable skills, learn how to use and understand data. Morning workshop on R programming language, afternoon seminar by visiting researcher

• Community: Join scientists at a world-class research hub to expand your network. Contribute to meal set-up, have dinner with a seminar speaker, attend a festival with fellow students

Applying to the Program

We encourage applications from students who are enthusiastic about participating in a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. Significant past experience in ecological research is not required, although some projects may have specific requirements (see project descriptions for listed requirements).

Eligibility

• The Harvard Forest Summer Program is open to undergraduates from 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.
• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens. See FAQ for details.

Applications are due by February 7, 2025. Late/incomplete applications will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Apply via ETAP

If you would like to work on your answers offline, you can download this Word document: Application Questions. But please note that this is a worksheet only. To be considered for our program, you must complete and submit an application through ETAP.

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed in February. Soon thereafter, mentors will contact top candidates for an interview.

All applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection by mid-March.

Contact & Questions

• First, please review our FAQs.
• Still have questions? E-mail us at hf-srpe@fas.harvard.edu