UndergraduateProgram Information
Inspiring the next generation of scientists.
To be eligible for any Research Experiences for Undergraduates at BTI & Cornell, students must meet all eligibility requirements:
- • US citizens or permanent residents of the US
- • Undergraduates who are either currently enrolled in a degree-granting program and have not graduated with a bachelor's degree by the start of the program OR students who have not earned a bachelor's degree and are currently enrolled or in the process of transferring to a degree-granting program
- • 18 years of age before the program start date
The 2026 program will be hosted from June 2, 2026 to August 7th, 2026. We expect that those who apply are able to attend the full program. Please reach out with any concerns regarding your full participation in the program before applying.
Yes, you may submit an application on ETAP for both of our REU programs, if you feel you have interest in research programs within both applications. Please note that applying to both will not necessarily increase your chances of being accepted, and that both programs have two separate application review committees due to the nature of the programs.
Undergraduates receive a competitive stipend ($7,000), meal allowance ($850), travel assistance (up to $700) and fully funded group housing on the Cornell campus.
Undergraduate interns will be provided with housing on the Cornell University campus approximately one mile from your workplace. All undergraduate interns will be housed together in the same building and will have a roommate for the summer or live in a suite. Roommates will be randomly assigned based on age, gender, and a roommate survey given prior to the start of the program.
If for any reason you choose not to live in the Cornell dorms during the summer, you will not be reimbursed by the program for living expenses.
We do not provide meals, but we do provide a $850 meal allowance to undergraduate researchers. There are many great restaurants near the Cornell campus and a variety of places to shop for groceries. The dorms will have a shared fridge and mini fridges will be available for rent.
Each Wednesday, the program will provide a lunch as part of the Wednesday Summer Seminar Series for undergraduate students.
Those interested in utilizing Cornell University's dining program can find more information through Cornell Dining Summer Meal Plans. Please note that the Cornell meal plan dates are not the same as the BTI internship dates.
Undergraduate interns will receive a Cornell ID card, which will allow access to the TCAT bus system.
Any undergraduate wishing to bring their car will be provided parking options to purchase for their time here. Parking permits will not be provided by the program, and will need to be purchased by the participant.
Yes. You may apply again if you are still eligible.
You will be notified of your acceptance via email found on your NSF ETAP account. It is important you create your account with a primary email so you don't miss important updates from us.
During the summer, students will be invited to social events with other REU students, including opportunities for field trips to explore the surrounding area! You will find there is a great deal to do in and around Ithaca, including access to the vibrant downtown Ithaca Commons with live music, shops, and festivals.
The selection committee and faculty will do their best to match students with a project that is of interest and is aligned with individual's background and experience.
On the application form, applicants will be asked to select up to five projects and we encourage you to carefully research each project of interest in detail on the Projects & Faculty page. In most cases you will work on one of the five projects selected, but we cannot always guarantee you will get your top choice as research projects change or become unavailable.
The program offers a variety of projects spanning plant science, plant molecular biology, plant biotic interactions, bioinformatics, and biological engineering of plant systems.
- Attend weekly seminar(s) with scientists from BTI, Cornell, and the USDA
- Attend lab meetings, read, and discuss recent literature related to your project
- Learn about graduate school, scientific careers and work in an international environment
- Write a research proposal, practice peer reviews, and learn the art of scientific communication
- Present your research to the other students, scientists, and mentors at the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium