What is an REU? What are the other options for attending the RMBL education program?

Of the 40 students who participate in the RMBL Education Program, 10 students will be accepted through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, funded by the National Science Foundation. Students receiving an REU award may participate in either full-time independent research or independent research/course, as described below. The REU awards cover the full cost of the program, including room, board, and tuition, pay a $7,000 stipend directly to the student, and provide $400 toward travel costs. REU awards are restricted to students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States and who have not graduated from college  with a Bachelor’s degree before the last date of the program. Students with high financial need and limited access to a field biology research opportunity (such as at a community college)  are strongly encouraged to apply.

The other 30 students accepted into the RMBL Education Program will pay all or part of the $10,000 program fee.  Students are eligible for financial support through RMBL full and partial scholarships. Students may also opt to cover the cost of the program independently, including using 529 or Americorps funds (requires registration for credits at Western Colorado University). RMBL also accepts students who have funded internships or summer research awards from their home universities.

The 40-student summer research experience/education program provides a path for applicants who do not receive or are not eligible for an REU award (for example, they are non-US citizens and/or they have already earned a Bachelor’s degree) to participate in the RMBL program.  Expectations and opportunities for all 40 students accepted into the Summer Research Experience/Education Program are the same, regardless of funding source.

Is this program for me?

Students with a sincere interest in field biology research in the mountains should apply. We are looking for motivated students at all stages along the path to becoming a scientist. The RMBL Education Program/Summer Research Experience is an excellent way to decide if a career in field biology is right for you. Fieldwork is difficult and often tedious and we are looking for students with the mental and intellectual maturity to commit to hard work.

There are a substantial number of full and partial scholarships, so financial need should not stop students from applying. Students will receive various levels of support, up to and including a stipend, depending upon the strength of the application, financial need, and research opportunities. We STRONGLY encourage participation by students who have experienced financial or other personal obstacles to a career in science and for whom a research experience at RMBL would provide a significant opportunity to advance in the sciences.

What will I learn?

You will learn how to be a scientist! The program is full time. All students will participate approximately 40 hours a week, which includes conducting their research, taking the optional field course, and attending biweekly discussions, workshops, and evening seminars. All students earn the equivalent of 10 college credits.  Here are the draft/March 2026 Program Expectations: RMBL STUDENT EXPECTATIONS 2026 DRAFT

The RMBL Education Program has two options for students:

Full-time Independent Research – 10 credits.
This program targets students who wish to conduct a full-time independent research project in field biology.  During the summer, students will work with their mentors to develop a testable hypothesis, gather data, analyze the data, and produce a written and oral report by the end of the program.

Independent Research and Short Course – 10 credits (8 for research, 2 for the course)

This program targets students who wish to combine independent research with a short, instructor-led course. This track initially provides more support and structure than full-time research, which could be helpful for students new to field research. In addition, students who are especially interested in one of these course subject areas are also encouraged to select this track, regardless of their experience level. For the first 4 weeks of the program, students take the course for two days/week and conduct their independent research project for 3 days/week.  For the last six weeks, they will only conduct their independent research.

Courses offered during summer 2026:

Rocky Mountain Wildlife

Rocky Mountain Ecosystems

Note: Please be sure to review this page if you are interested in receiving college credit through Western Colorado University for your participation in the RMBL Education Program: Information About Course Credits.  

If you plan to pay the RMBL program fee (all or part) with 529 College Plan or AmeriCorps funds you MUST register for course credits through Western Colorado University.

Who will I work with?

You will work alongside a RMBL scientist and their team. At RMBL, the student-mentor relationship is embedded in a vibrant resident scientific community, which facilitates superb undergraduate research. Each student’s experience will be unique, depending on their mentor’s research questions, system(s), and approach to doing science. For example, a few students will spend a lot of field time with their mentors. Other students, however, will work on their own or as part of a lab group, having periodic meetings with their mentors along the way. In all cases you can expect a full week of activities, including some evenings and weekends, depending on the nature of your research project and your mentor expectations.

Applicants should read through the list of mentors and projects and consider the topics that interest them. The application asks students to indicate their general areas of interest.

2026 Mentor Projects (pdf):  2026 Mentor Projects Feb26Update

Note that you will apply to the RMBL Program, not to a specific mentor or project. Indicating your preferences for project topics and describing your summer goals on the application helps us to learn about your interests in participating in research at RMBL. Your essays will help us to match you with a mentor. After acceptance students are asked to rank their mentor/project choices and are generally matched with one of their top 5 choices.

Please do not contact researchers directly. If you are accepted into the program, you will be matched with an appropriate mentor. Questions about the mentors and projects can be directed to RMBL’s Education Programs Manager via email.