Summer REU FAQs

Students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years, and majoring in the life sciences with an overall GPA of at least 3.3 preferred, but minimally 3.0. Preference will be given to students with strong interest in gaining research experience in preparation for graduate study. Students from undergraduate institutions with limited opportunities for research are also encouraged to apply. Participants in the REU program must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students who will have completed the bachelor's degree by August 2026 are not eligible for REU programs, but are invited to apply to the University's graduate programs.

Participants receive a $7,000 stipend, meal allowance, travel assistance, and group housing on the Cornell campus. The REU program is funded by the National Science Foundation (Research Experience for Undergraduates, REU Award #2349577).

Housing accommodations will be made in Cornell University housing. 

We do not provide meals, but do provide a partial meal allowance. In addition, a weekly lunch will be provided as part of the seminar program. Participants interested in utilizing Cornell’s summer dining program can find more information here: Cornell Summer Meal Plans (updated after April 1).

Participants will receive a Cornell ID card, which will allow free access to the TCAT bus system on the Cornell campus and within Ithaca city limits. If you wish to travel outside this area, bus passes can be purchased online (TCAT bus). Parking permits are available for purchase from Cornell transportation if you are bringing a car to campus.

You will be asked to provide us with your top three choices of preferred mentors from a curated list we will provide. If, for various reasons, your top three choices do not work out, the selection committee and faculty will do our best to match you with a project that is of interest to you and aligned with your academic background and experience.

In the lab, you will attend lab meetings, read and discuss recent literature related to your project. You will work directly with graduate students, postdocs and other lab personnel in a friendly, stimulating and international environment. You will practice with and receive feedback from your lab members on the talk and poster that you will present about your research at the end of program.

You will attend a weekly REU lunch seminar where you will hear scientific presentations by different faculty, learn about graduate school and scientific careers, as well as how to apply to graduate school and various graduate fellowships. At the beginning of the program, you will attend a lab safety training session and a responsible conduct of research (RCR) session.

The program starts with a welcome lunch and ends with a send-off dinner for participants, faculty and mentors. Through the summer session program, the Cornell campus has a large number of free, exciting performances and lectures. The Finger Lakes region of New York has an abundance of local bookstores and museums, so there is plenty to do when you want to go off campus, or when your family and friends come to visit (visitithaca.com). Nearby Collegetown has many restaurants and cafes as well as access to the Cascadilla Gorge trail which leads to the Ithaca Commons. The Ithaca Commons is home to many community events throughout the summer. Ithaca is pedestrian friendly and public transportation is readily available. The office of Engineering Diversity Programs, home to the LSAMP summer REU program, sponsors two optional self-paid day trips to Niagara Falls and New York City.

No. The REU program is an intensive 10 week program. Your time commitment to the program does not allow participants to take classes.