Center for Tree Science – Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Students in the Center for Tree Science – Undergraduate Research Fellowship (CTS-URF) program spend ten weeks at The Morton Arboretum conducting independent research under the mentorship of one of our Research Scientists or Research Associates. The CTS-URF is designed to engage undergraduate students in our research, while fostering critical thinking, independence, self-confidence, perseverance, and group skills. The program will help prepare students for graduate studies and professional careers. The CTS-URF is generally focused on urban ecology, with topics in tree biology, urban biodiversity, urban forestry, arboriculture, root biology, soil science, forest ecology, plant systematics, pathology, entomology, tree conservation, and restoration ecology. More information on these programs and can be found at: http://www.mortonarb.org/science-conservation/scientists-and-staff.
During the ten weeks, students will work with their mentors to identify a research question, develop a proposal, conduct their research, and prepare a final report. Students in the program participate in weekly activities, such as seminars, fieldtrips, social events, and more. At the end of the program, students will present their research in a student research symposium.
The 2014 program dates will be June 16 through August 22. Successful applicants receive a stipend, housing, and a nominal budget for research and travel. Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 14, 2014. Review and selection of applicants will be made by March 28, 2014. To apply for the CTS-URF program, undergraduate students should submit the following to Christine Carrier at ccarrier@mortonarb.org.