Internships

2026 Program Updates

We aim to open the application on January 5, 2026 and close it on January 23, 2026. The available research projects and mentors will be announced in late December or early January, before the application opens. The number of internships will depend on funding availability. Please check back in late 2025 or early 2026 for more information.

Last updated: November 13, 2025

Nine-Week Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Since 2008, the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES) has welcomed undergraduate students from across the United States and U.S. territories to participate in a nine-week summer internship that opens doors to hands-on research and scientific discovery. Each intern works closely with a mentor — an experienced scientist at the University of Washington (UW) or one of our federal partners, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) — to design, carry out, and share the results of a research project within one of our research themes.

The program is designed to support students who have not previously participated in research and who may have limited access to such opportunities at their home institutions. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply.

Our program alumni have gone on to successful careers as professors, scientists, engineers, technicians, and more — including one former intern who was named a MacArthur “genius” in 2025. These successes reflect the lasting impact of a program built on high-quality mentorship.

By participating in our program, you will:

  • Engage in a meaningful research project under the guidance of a dedicated mentor.
  • Gain technical and professional skills that prepare you for a career in the environmental sciences.
  • Boost your self-confidence and recognize your potential as a scientist.
  • Develop professional and peer networks.
  • Explore career pathways and graduate school opportunities.

“My internship with CICOES was a turning point in my academic career and solidified my decision to pursue marine science professionally. […] The skills I gained during this internship, as well as the professional connections I made, were instrumental in my acceptance into a graduate program. I could not be more grateful for CICOES and the work that they do!”

 

Carter J., PhD Fisheries, CICOES Cohort 2017

Program Overview

Anita on research vessel As a CICOES REU intern, you’ll spend nine weeks immersed in research alongside your mentor — often as part of a larger research team — exploring questions that align with your scientific interests. Depending on the project and mentor expertise, your summer might include computational analysis, fieldwork, laboratory experiments, or a mix of all three.

By the end of the program, you’ll share your work through three key research products: a research poster, a 90-second video, and a write-up. You can view the research products of former interns on the Intern Profiles webpage. During the final week, interns present their research products at the CICOES Intern Symposium, which is open to the CICOES community as well as friends and family.

Beyond research, interns participate in several professional development activities — including a seminar series, weekly reflection prompts, and three structured conversations with your mentor — as well as a group outreach event for neurodivergent youth and social activities, including a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park.

Intern Expectations

  • Work 35 hours per week, primarily on your research project or related tasks.
  • Engage in three structured conversations with your mentor: the Mentorship Plan, Mid-Summer Check-In, and Final Reflection.
  • Respond to weekly reflection prompts emailed by the program manager.
  • Attend professional development seminars and other special events. Social events are not required, but are encouraged.
  • Participate in an outreach event for neurodivergent youth.
  • Participate in the CICOES Intern Symposium by creating a research poster and a 90-second video summarizing your project and research experience.
  • Write a project description for the CICOES website.
  • Adhere to the Intern Policies and Code of Conduct.
  • Participate in two program evaluations: a survey and an exit interview.

Financial and Logistical Support

To help you focus on your research and make the most of your summer in Seattle, we provide substantial financial and logistical support.

  • Stipend: You’ll receive a $5,850 stipend, paid in two installments over the course of the nine-week program.
  • Travel: Your round-trip travel to and from Seattle (and any field sites, if applicable) is fully covered.
  • Housing and Meals: On-campus housing is provided, along with UW dining funds for meals and groceries.
  • Transportation: You’ll receive an ORCA card for public transit throughout the Seattle area, making it easy to get to your research site and local attractions.

Together, these benefits are designed to ensure that all interns can participate fully — without worrying about the costs.

A group of CICOES interns hiking at Mt. Rainier National Park. Snowcapped Mt. Rainier is seen in the background.

Important Dates

Note: Dates may change, if necessary.

  • January 5 – Application opens.
  • January 23 – Application closes.
  • Mid-March – Notification of application decisions.
  • Late March thru Late April – Confirmation of travel and housing logistics.
  • Late March thru Early June – Participation in pre-program activities and learning. (Minimal time commitment required.)
  • June 21 – University of Washington campus apartments open.
  • June 22 – Program begins.
    • Every Week – Engage in research, participate in seminar series, and respond to reflection prompts.
    • Week 1 – CICOES Intern Orientation. First stipend check disbursed.
    • Week 1 – Social event.
    • Week 1 – Deadline to submit Structured Conversation #1: Mentorship Plan.
    • Week 3 – Social event.
    • Week 3 or 4 – Youth outreach event with Adventure Camp.
    • Week 4 or 5 – Deadline to submit Structured Conversation #2: Mid-Summer Check-In.
    • Week 5 or 6 – Mt. Rainier hiking trip.
    • Week 8 – Deadline to finalize research poster.
    • Week 9 – Social event.
    • Week 9 – Deadline to submit Structured Conversation #3: Final Reflection.
    • Week 9 – CICOES Intern Symposium. Second stipend check disbursed.
    • Week 9 – Interns complete surveys and exit interviews.
    • Week 9 – Last day in UW apartments. Depart for home.
  • August 23 – Program ends.
  • Early September – Deadline to submit write-ups for CICOES website.

Application

The application will open on January 5, 2026. Prior to applying, please review this summer’s projects and identify your top five choices. Then complete NSF’s online registration form and be prepared to attach an unofficial transcript, resume or CV, and two letters of recommendation. You will also be asked to answer two essay questions — one related to your research interests and one related to your educational and career aspirations — as well as several multiple choice and short answer questions.

We highly encourage you to write your essay responses yourself. While AI tools may be useful for fine-tuning language, relying on them to generate ideas or full drafts tends to produce generic responses that obscure your perspective and personality, which will decrease your chances of admission.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be an incoming or outgoing junior at the time of application

Because we receive many applications for a limited number of spots, priority is given to students who have not previously participated in research and who have limited access to such opportunities at their home institutions.

Questions?

Contact the intern program manager, Joe Selmont, at jselmont@uw.edu.

“One of the most pivotal experiences in my career was my internship with CICOES through the University of Washington REU program. As a first-generation college student and member of a Native American tribe, being selected for this opportunity was a personal milestone that gave me confidence and recognition in a national research setting. Beyond the technical skills I gained in carbon sequestration studies, this experience opened doors to further opportunities at national laboratories and environmental agencies, shaping the path I continue to follow today.”

 

Delilah D., CICOES Cohort 2013

Funding provided in part by NSF REU Award number 2243880. Abstract

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