REEU Paid Internship "STEM in Agriculture"

REEU Paid Internship "STEM in Agriculture"

  • REEU - Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
  • UMES - University of Maryland Eastern Shore

REEU 2026–2031 Internship is a competitive hybrid research program in natural sciences and agriculture. Students complete a year of Zoom-based learning followed by a 10-week summer internship (remote + on-campus at UMES). Includes a $4,000 stipend, $1,000 Food Allowance, and Dorm room (shared for 2 students), and hands-on research. Top students may continue for advanced research and publication.

REEU 2026–2031 Internship Program

STEM research in Agriculture | UMES (University of Maryland Eastern Shore) in partnership with Jookender Community Initiatives, Inc and University of Maryland, College Park.

The REEU (Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates) Internship is a highly selective, multi-year program designed for college students pursuing careers in natural sciences, agriculture, environmental systems, and technology.

Over five years, the program will support five cohorts of 6 students each, offering a unique hybrid research experience that combines academic-year learning with hands-on summer research at UMES.

Participants receive:

  • $4,000 stipend, $1,000 Food Allowance, and Dorm room (shared for 2 students) is included
  • Mentorship from university researchers and industry experts
  • Opportunity to contribute to real-world scientific research

Program Structure

Academic Year (Hybrid Learning Phase)

Participants engage in:

  • Twice-monthly evening Zoom sessions
  • Pre- and post-session assignments
  • Guided research preparation and skill-building

Summer Internship (10 Weeks Total)

Phase 1: Remote Research Preparation (3 weeks, June)

  • Daily 8-hour Zoom sessions
  • Literature review and scientific writing
  • Development of research goals, materials, and methods
  • Theoretical preparation for lab and field work

Phase 2: On-Campus Research at UMES (6 weeks)

  • Full-time, hands-on research experience
  • Work on faculty-led projects in areas such as:
    • Phytochemistry & Material Science
    • Functional Foods (e.g., aronia-based innovations)
    • Sustainable agriculture & irrigation systems
    • Natural pesticides & environmental safety
    • Bio-based extraction technologies
  • Field Trips
  • Oral Presentation

Phase 3: Finalization & Reporting (1 week, August)

  • Remote full-time Zoom sessions
  • Data analysis and report writing
  • Poster Preparation
  • Final project submission

Mentorship & Leadership Opportunities

Participants in early cohorts (2026–2027) will also:

  • Opportunity to collaborate and communicate with other programs on campus, including programs for High School.
  • Develop leadership and teaching skills
  • Collaborate across educational levels

Top-performing students may be invited for:

A second year of research
Co-authorship on a scientific publication

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.2
  • Be freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at an accredited college or community college (at the time of application)
  • Have completed chemistry and general biology
  • Be majoring in:
    • Chemistry / Biochemistry
    • Biology / Environmental Science
    • Agriculture / Food Science
    • Technology or Computer Science (with AI/programming background)
    • Other STEM sciences
    • Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
    • Demonstrate strong technical English writing and communication skills

Not eligible:

  • Pre-med, pre-pharmacy, or medically oriented majors (veterinary track is allowed)

Commitment Expectations

Participants must commit to:

  • Academic-year Zoom sessions (2x per month + assignments)
  • Full participation in all summer phases:
    • 3 weeks remote (June, full-time)
    • 6 weeks on-campus at UMES (end of June-July)
    • 1 week remote (August, full-time)

Application Process

Step 1: Preliminary Application

  • Submit application via Jookender website
  • Complete initial screening form

Step 2: Interview (Jookender)

  • Selected applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview

Step 3: Full Application (UMES)

If selected:

  • Submit materials to UMES:
    • Extended CV
    • Unofficial transcripts
    • One-page essay: “Why are you interested in STEM in agriculture and how will this internship support your career?”

Step 4: Final Selection

  • Double blind evaluation by UMES Team
  • Second-round interviews conducted by UMES faculty

Registration closed!