For College Students

Bug2School Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates

Spend the summer doing guided insect ecology experiments in school gardens with Bug2School!

Length: 8-weeks, June-July 2024, 30 hrs/week

Stipend: $5,000 stipend

Locations: University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Chicago State University

Eligibility: Currently-enrolled undergraduates graduating fall 2024 or later

Team research: Learn to be a scientist together with a cohort of students as we collaborate on a single large-scale experiment, with close, in-person mentorship from university faculty.

Bug Camp: Our program begins with a 5-day orientation in Champaign-Urbana for team-building and rigorous training in gardening, insect ecology, and scientific methods.

Bug influencing: As we complete research, we’ll also develop creative web and video content to help students and teachers learn about plants and insects in school gardens.

Contact Dr. Carmen Blubaugh for more information: blubaugh@illinois.edu

    Bug 2 School

    Application

    Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the 12 available positions are filled.

    Application deadline: April 1 (not an April Fool’s joke!).

Before applying, please prepare 3 documents:

  1. Resume
  2. Cover letter that addresses the following prompts:
    • a) Describe why you are excited to cultivate skills as a researcher, and why you’re interested in insect ecology research and sustainable agriculture.
    • b) Describe why working in school gardens is important to you, and how you plan to benefit your host community through collaborative research and outreach.
    • c) Describe how your experience and education uniquely prepare you to excel as a Bug2School research fellow. Previous research experience and course work in entomology are not required; tell us about how you might apply lessons learned through your work experience or other coursework in your fellowship
  3. Letter of recommendation from a professor or employer who can describe your knowledge, curiosity, enthusiasm, reliability, and ability to work independently.

*All applicants will be required to pass a background check and complete training on working safely with minors before enrolling.