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
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:
- Resume
- 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
- 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.