The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program sponsored by the National Science Foundation supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the Foundation. The Illinois Natural History Survey (Prairie Research Institute) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking undergraduate students who want to be involved in an ongoing research project focused on the detection and characterization of phytoplasmas, a group of bacteria associated with insects (vectors, primarily Hemiptera) and plants (hosts) and implicated in plant disease.

The focus of this project is to uncover the true diversity of phytoplasmas worldwide, reconstruct their evolutionary relationships, and document their associations with insects and plants by screening a large collection of insects preserved in a museum biorepository using modern DNA sequencing techniques and by revisioning large available literature.

Students will be paired with a mentor in the research group and will conduct research, attend lab meetings, and develop communication skills by presenting research at a symposium or to other collaborators and contributing to scientific publications.

During the 10-week program, students gain hands-on experience in genetics, environmental sciences, pathology, systematics and phylogenomics. The student will receive insights on how to use a multidisciplinary approach to study the evolutionary ecology of bacterial parasites and their hosts and use the knowledge gained to predict and prevent the emergence of plant diseases.

Program includes

• Hands-on mentored research
• Social activities, networking events, and professional development opportunities
• Tentative Program dates: June 2, 2025 – July 25, 2025 (8 weeks, approx. 30 hours/week)
• Stipends – approximately $700/student/week
• Housing at Hendrick House (double room)
• Travel & Conference Registration Fees (if applicable)
• Laboratory Use Fees

Eligibility Requirements

• highly motivated undergraduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preference is given to students from underrepresented groups in science and engineering—including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities—as well as first-generation college students.
• S. citizens or permanent residents
• applicants must have completed their sophomore (second) year by the start of the program
• applicants must be 18 years of age or older
• Provide current transcript
• Complete the application

Location and duration of the program

• Location: Natural Resources Building - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• 8 weeks, approx. 30 hours/week

Application Timeline

• October 28, 2024 – Student Application Open
• February 3, 2025 – Deadline to Apply
• March 24, 2025 – Offers are Sent Out
• May 26, 2025 – REU program at INHS starts (flexible upon Faculty/Mentor approval)
• July 14, 2025 – REU program ends (flexible upon Faculty/Mentor approval)