Gain Research and Extension Experience in Plant and Soil Sciences

This 10-week USDA-funded summer program provides you the opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery (do research) and produce effective communication for agricultural end users (stakeholder outreach and extension). Mentored research projects tackle significant questions in plant biology and soil science using techniques that range from molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to organismal and population approaches.

Key Dates

• Beginning in late January we will do a rolling review of applications until all positions are filled.
  • Early applications are encouraged
  • Applications will be accepted until March 6 or until positions are filled
• Program begins: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
  • Late start (with prorated support) is available to accommoate quarter system schedules
• You must be available at the end of the program and participate in the Summer Symposium on our last day: Friday, July 31, 2026

Financial Support to Trainees

• $5,500 stipend (for full 10 week participation; $550/week)
• PLUS: On campus housing (or a stipend up to $2,200 for off campus housing)

Program Features and Activities

1. Previous research experience is not required and labs tailor opportunities to your interests and experiences. We include undergraduate students at all grade levels from varied institutions and with ranging personal and scientific backgrounds.
2. Program leaders will talk with you to identify your specific interests and lab placements. Seven faculty from the Institute of Biological Chemistry, USDA-ARS, and the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences mentor trainees: Laura Bartley, Phil Bates, Kim Campbell, Mark Lange, Dmitri Mavrodi, Andrei Smertenko, and Camille Steber.
3. Our program includes field trips to farms, field days, and agricultural biotechnology firms.
4. Our stakeholder outreach projects, mentored by WSU experts, lead to outreach presentations that will improve your science communication and leadership skills.
5. You will meet summer researchers from several WSU summer programs in weekly professional development workshops and in the dorms.
6. There is a WSU-wide summer research symposium that caps our activities and gives you an opportunity to make a research poster and present your findings.

Apply Today!

Link to Application

Questions?

Email Co-Directors:

• Andrei Smertenko
• Matt Peck

Funded By:

Collaborating Institutions:

• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Lewis and Clark State College
• Western Washington University
• Whitman College
• Whitworth College