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

• We will do a rolling review of applications until all positions are filled.
  • Review will begin February 1 until positions are filled
• Program begins: Tuesday, May 24, 2027
  • 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, 2027
• The commitment is to a full-time (~40 hours/week) research experience.

Financial Support to Trainees

• $5,500 stipend (for full 10 week participation; $550/week)
• PLUS: On campus housing (or a stipend up to $220/week 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. 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, Olivia Landau, Mark Lange, Dmitri Mavrodi, Haly Neely, 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 Morgan Menaker an Extension professor, will improve your understanding of the impact of agricultural science and your communication and leadership skills.
5. You will meet summer researchers from several WSU summer programs in weekly professional development workshops and shared housing.
6. There is a WSU-wide summer research symposium that caps our activities and gives you an opportunity to present your findings on a research poster.

Application open for the 2027 program (click to survey)

Questions?

Email Co-Directors:

• Andrei Smertenko
• Matt Peck

Funding:

Collaborating Institutions:

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