NAMS Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
The School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NAMS) recognizes undergraduate research as an integral part of a student's academic experience. Involvement in research will broaden your skill set and prepare you for the next step in your educational or professional career path.
The tools on this page will answer your questions about the benefits of undergraduate research and your role and responsibilities as a student researcher, as well as aid you in locating and securing a research position.
We hope you find the web page as a useful starting point and encourage you to explore the many different types of research opportunities that are available to you.
Why Do Research?
An REUs is a complimentary tool for conventional classroom learning. Students who assist in or conduct undergraduate research can conceptualize course material more effectively and have reported more positive undergraduate experiences.
The benefits of research reaches beyond academia and provides you with invaluable interpersonal and technical skills in preparation for graduate school or the workforce.
Contributing to research will help you to:
- have a better understanding of scientific knowledge and research process
- enhance understanding of your field of study
- develop critical thinking skills
- convey scientific ideas
- learn to interpret results
- learn to analyze data
- increase your self confidence
- balance independent and collaborative work
- gain real world experience
- define your interests
Additionally, research will allow you to:
- build rapport with faculty
- obtain letters of recommendation
- boosts resume and graduate school admissions
- make informed career goals
- establish credentials for curricula vitae/resume
- potentially publish in peer-reviewed venues
- present findings to scientific community
- secure employment in certain fields
Undergraduate research can aid you in...
Graduate School
Graduate school requires an investment of both time and money. REUs are an easy, short-term way of gaging whether that investment is right for you. Once you decide graduate school is the next step for you, undergraduate research experiences can help you get admitted to the program of your choice.
Most graduate schools require letters of recommendation from faculty who can substantiate a student's abilities. Working one-on-one or as part of a research team builds a genuine rapport between a student and mentor. Time spent working in the lab enables the faculty mentor the ability to attest to your skills and your future potential as a graduate student.
Medical School Admissions
In addition to a strong foundation in the sciences, applicants should posses personal attributes that can be obtained through collaborative research. Extracurricular activities such as research can enhance your medical school admission.
College is a time for exploration. Many students pursuing their undergraduate degree are unsure of the career path they want to take in life. Exploring research opportunities in different disciplines exposes students to many career fields and will provide you with a better understanding of your strengths and interests.
The work you do in an REU is work experience and can be listed on your resume as "Experience" if not paid, "Work Experience" if paid, or "Research and Publications" if the project was published or presented. Having experience will also give you an advantage over others with no experience when seeking employment or applying to graduate school.
Supplemental Video
In the following video, Biological Anthropologist, Dr. Bethany Usher, gives a TEDX talk at George Mason University about the benefits of undergraduate research and how it prepares you for the world.
What is Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)?
Undergraduate research is a collaboration between a student and a faculty mentor which results in an original intellectual or creative contribution to a discipline through an investigation or inquiry. Studies have proven REUs are beneficial to students who participate in yearlong research. We encourage you to engage in research frequently and early in your academic career.
As an student researcher, you will have the opportunity to conduct your own research
or assist a faculty mentor with an ongoing research project. There are several different
options in which you can contribute to research:
Four Research Options:
Volunteer/Basic Support
Student contributes to faculty research on a basic level.
Student with intro level coursework or minimal knowledge of the field (i.e., freshman).
- Volunteer work can be done informally (i.e., no contract required).
- Great way to get foot in the door, especially without any experience.
- Application Deadline:
Advantageous to contact faculty mentor early in the semester.
Research Assistantships
Student contributes to faculty research on a more advanced level.
Available to students with upper-level (3000-4000 level) coursework experience.
- Available to students for credit.
- Contract required.
Stockton REU: Requires an Independent Study Form. See faculty mentor.
External REU: See REU application information.
- Application Deadline: Advantageous to contact faculty mentor at least one semester prior to research semester.
Please check your portal during the Add/Drop period to ensure your internship or independent study is on schedule.
*Federal Work Study (FWS) funds may be available to be used towards Stockton research assistantships. Ask your faculty mentor or the Financial Aid Office for more details.
Independent Research Projects
Student works with faculty mentor to pursue their own research project in their area of interest and mentor's expertise.
For novice and advanced undergraduate researchers.
- Available to students for credit.
- Independent Study Required. See faculty mentor
- Good way to get foot in the door without research experience.
- Application Deadline:
Advantageous to contact faculty mentor at least one semester prior to research semester. - Please check your portal during the Add/Drop period to ensure your internship or independent study is on schedule.
SIRE (Summer Intensive Research Experience)
Student contributes to faculty research outside of the regular school year.
Available to students with upper-level (3000-4000 level) coursework experience.
- Credit based.
- Dependent on the REU (internal or external) may also include housing and travel.*
-
Contract Required:
Stockton REUs: Requires an Independent Study Form. See faculty mentor.
External REU: See SIRE application for further information. - Application deadline:
External summer programs are typically in February and March. Check each REU opportunity for specific deadlines. Internal SIRE projects should be at least a semester prior to research semester. - Please check your portal during the Add/Drop period to ensure your internship or independent study is on schedule.
*Some Stockton REU's funded through a grant may have stipends available. Inquire with faculty mentor.
Student Researcher Responsibilities
- Have the time required to assist or complete a research project before committing.
- Be present and on time for all scheduled meetings.
- Paperwork. Submitting for approval and taking to Bursar's and Student Records is your responsibility.
- Communicate early and often with your mentor on how tasks are progressing, do not sit idle or make assumptions if you reach a stumbling block.
- Be engaged and ask questions! Undergraduate Research is a learning experience and should peak your interest. You are not expected to have all the answers. Faculty mentors always want to help; don't be afraid to ask questions.
Faculty Mentor Responsibilities
Develop and Document Goals
Training & Constructive Feedback
Serve as a Resource
Challenge and Encourage
Participate Early and Often!
Every discipline of study within NAMS have their own research requirements for their respective degrees. Although a program may require a certain number of semesters of research or internships, you are not limited in the number, types of research experiences or discipline of study that you may contribute to.
Speak to your preceptor and get involved in research early in your academic career, and participate often!
Research Experience Overview
Locating an existing undergraduate research project or developing a new project takes time, investigation and planning. You should prepare to put in as much time and effort as you would when seeking employment opportunities.
Locating, Securing, and Funding An REU and Internship
Internal Experiences
You could locate faculty-led research projects within NAMS through the search tool below. Browse faculty research descriptions by program, through the faculty biography page and through our new podcast.
External Experiences
The Pathways to Science website has guidelines on when and how to search for REUs, as well as writing a winning application, strong essays, and more!
Click the button below to view the guideline.
Finding Funding
Funding comes from government sources, private industry, foundations and professional organizations. It may be specific to a particular discipline, field of study, or time of year.
Browse the sample list of resources below to locate grants or funding for your external REU.
- Stockton Student Research Funding Opportunities
- Funding is first come, first served basis.
- - Scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research
- Funding for undergraduates
- (DOE) - Energy-related research
- - Guide for undergraduate research funding
Did you know you may be able to use Federal Work Study (FWS) funds for an internal
REU?
Ask your faculty and/or Financial Aid for more information.
Steps for External Internships for Credit and REUs (Internal and External)
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Get Advice
Make an appointment with a faculty member in an area of interest to gain advice on internships and research
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Resume/CV
Prepare you resume/CV
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Search for Opportunities
Learn what resources are available to help you find a great opportunity.
- Handshake
- Consider participating in the next Career & Internship Fair at Stockton
- External REUs and Local Internships
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Complete Your Paperwork
InternshipsComplete and sign the Stockton Internship Form with your faculty mentor/sponsor once you are accepted into an intership positon.
- Submit signed paperwork electronically to NAMS-INDT@stockton.edu.
- The NAMS office will work with direclty with the business/research institute on any legal (affiliation agreements) documentation necessary.
- Once the forms are finalized, your paperwork will be forwarded to Student Records to be put onto your transcript and Blackboard as a course
Please check your portal during the Add/Drop period to ensure your internship or independent study is on schedule.
Independent Study (Internal REUs)
Similiar to above, once you locate a project to work on or initiate a new project with a faculty mentor, you will complete the Stockton Independent Study Form.
- Submit signed paperwork electronically to NAMS-INDT@stockton.edu.
- The NAMS office will work with direclty with Student Records to get processed and recorded on your DegreeWorks.
Please check your portal during the Add/Drop period to ensure your internship or independent study is on schedule.
Undergraduate research is a new step in your academic career. It is natural to be nervous when starting something that is new and unfamiliar.
We reached out to students and alumni who have contributed to research projects and asked them to provide you an overview of their experiences.
Here is what they have to say!
Meet Jessica!
Jessica Baez, Marine Science with a concentration in Oceanography alumna. Hear about her experience with research at Stockton and at her first conference.
Laurel Kelin
Environmental Studies
Feny Patel
Biology/Pre-Professional Studies
Shiela Asiago
Biology/Pre-Professional Studies
Joseph M. Burns
Environmental Studies
Sarah Turetzkin
B.S. Biology, Pre-Doctor of Physical Therapy
Sarah Turetzkin - B.S. Biology, Pre-Doctor of Physical Therapy
My passion for research came from taking Biology Seminar in my sophomore year. I saw a presentation on 鈥淧roject Based Learning鈥 from Dr. Zwick. I approached her about doing research for her and it was one of the best decisions I made. I was able to conduct research that was interesting to me while receiving mentorship and honestly, I consider her a friend at this point.
"Being able to work one-on-one with a professor gave me a lot more in my 'toolbox' in my future career than just attending my classes, doing the homework, and never talking to that professor again. I didn鈥檛 really understand the process behind doing research and publishing until I decided to conduct research with Dr. Zwick."
After 2 years of research with Dr. Zwick, I got to experience an actual professional meeting and present a poster there. It was an amazing experience and has prepared me for a future of research in my field of Physical Therapy. I think undergraduate research is an awesome opportunity and every student at Stockton should take advantage of it if they can!
Alyssa Enny
B.S. Biology
Read More
Alyssa Enny - B.S. Biology
As a biology major at 番茄社区app, I was given the opportunity to work on an undergraduate research project with Dr. Margaret Lewis. After taking a human evolution class taught by Dr. Michael Lague, I found myself interested in primatology and inquired about the possibility of beginning a research project. Dr. Lague introduced me to Dr. Lewis, and in the fall of my senior year she and I designed an independent study that would allow me to perform behavioral research on the common marmoset at the Cape May County Zoo. My research experiment extended two semesters and I presented the results as a poster at 番茄社区app鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Symposium in April 2016.
Although much of the research had to be performed independently, Dr. Lewis was always available for any questions and concerns that I had. She put aside time in her busy schedule to chat with me and assist me in any way possible. I was able to update her on any new findings as well as bounce ideas off of her that would help guide my research. Dr. Lague also made himself available to help me with much of the statistics portion of the project, despite him being on sabbatical during this time. When it came time to design the research poster, Dr. Lewis was incredibly encouraging with her helpful feedback to make sure that it was the best it could be.
Performing research as an undergraduate has helped me tremendously since I graduated from 番茄社区app in May 2016.
"It [research] has allowed other researchers and future employers to see that I have both experience conducting research as well as the mature and responsible nature to carry a project from start to finish."
My experience at Stockton gave me the confidence and skills to step far outside my comfort zone and take on new extraordinary adventures. Since graduating, I have spent two summers in northern Kenya researching human origins with scientists from all around the world. After my first summer in Kenya, I presented a poster of the research we did at the 2017 American Association of Physical Anthropology Annual Meeting.
I advise any student who has an interest in gaining research experience to begin their journey at Stockton. There are so many incredible professors, especially in the NAMS department, who want to help you succeed in any way they can, so do not be afraid to seek them out and ask them how you can become involved in research. Take advantage of the amazing opportunities Stockton has to offer, it will benefit you in all your future endeavors.
Thank you to Dr. Lewis and Dr. Lague!
Jessica Brown
B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Jessica Brown - B.S. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Entering 番茄社区app, I always knew that I wanted to become a physician. However, the path to medical school was not as clear cut as I once I had believed when I first started. During my first year at Stockton, I majored in Mathematics because I enjoyed the problem solving skills one would need to have to connect the dots to solve those complex equations. It was through my introductory classes to Biology and Chemistry that made me even more aware that I could conduct research where I could 鈥渃onnect the dots鈥 in basic science to solve complex issues.
As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, my first exposure to hands-on research was at 番茄社区app under Dr. David Burleigh funded by the Research Experience for Undergraduate Funding Award. By working in the lab, I grasped fundamental lab techniques and a basic understanding of scientific literature. This experience fostered my love of basic science and research and gave me the basic laboratory techniques that would help me eventually in my summer internship.
"Research at Stockton gives one the ability to be a big fish in a small pond."
During the summer of 2014, I was chosen to be a part of the cohort of the Amgen Scholars Program at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Working under Dr. Christian Metallo, I honed my investigational skills and became an integral part of the research team. I left the lab with more confidence in my lab skills and abilities as a researcher. This experience was the moment when I realized I truly want research and science to be a significant part of my career.
My research experiences at Stockton and at UCSD helped me to work independently as a laboratory technician for a contract research organization during my gap years. My time in the biopharmaceutical industry was simultaneously challenging and rewarding. It exposed me to the clinical trial process and furthered my interest in becoming an integral part of a team that works to develop novel therapeutic drug products.
As I look back on my undergraduate career as a medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, I am thankful for the foundation that 番茄社区app has given me to advance my career.
I hope that Stockton students continue to take advantage of the research opportunities available and to push themselves to pursue summer internships.
Stephanie Peart
B.S. Marine Science, Oceanography
Stephanie Peart - B.S. Marine Science, Oceanography
During my time at 番茄社区app as a marine science student, I was provided with many amazing opportunities to participate in research opportunities both locally and abroad. While at Stockton, my area of research focused primarily on water chemistry and chemical gradients within a marine system, and Stockton made it possible for me not only to study our local system (i.e. the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary), but to also travel to Station ALOHA (100 km north of Oahu, Hawaii) in order to bring back water samples to our lab; and the research didn鈥檛 stay in the lab!
Stockton also provided me with opportunities to present our research results at conferences and symposiums (e.g. MARS Cafes, NAMS Poster Symposium, and an Atlantic Estuarine Research Society Conference).
"It has been through my research experiences at Stockton that I gained valuable, 'real world' oceanographic skills that opened the door for me to become a graduate student at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science of William of Mary."
My advice for any Stockton student interested in a career in science (regardless of your discipline) is to: i.) take advantage of what 番茄社区app has made available to its students, ii.) be willing to think outside of the box, and iii.) don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions!
NAMS symposium
Majors in the school of NAMS are encouraged to conduct novel scientific research in collaboration with faculty mentors within their discipline. The NAMS Undergraduate Research Symposium is held annually and provides Stockton students the opportunity to present their work to the Stockton Community. Students present their work in the fields of Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Marine Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, and Mathematics. The symposium is held in the Campus Center Main Event Room on the Galloway Campus. Refreshments are provided and all Stockton students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.
Instructions for Presenters
SPRING 2026 TBA
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Abstract Forms
Completed abstract forms should be sent to Nams.symposium@stockton.edu SPRING 2026 Date TBA
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Posters
Should be composed in Microsoft Powerpoint鈩 and should be no larger than 42鈥 high and 36鈥 wide using the following Updated NAMS Symposium Poster Template | Tweetable animated gif of poster below.
- Students should contact their faculty mentors for instructions for printing posters.
- Posters will be printed at 42鈥 x 42鈥. Please trim the extra border prior to display at the symposium. Poster cutter can be found in the A&S building in the 2nd floor computer lab.
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Facutly Mentors
Instructions for Uploading Posters for Printing
- Participants can upload their final posters directly to this folder DEADLINE SPRING 2026 TBA:
- Once printed, I will move their posters to this view-only "printed" folder:
- Participants can check the status of their poster on this view-only spreadsheet:
- All posters will be placed in A&S 209. Participants are responsible for trimming any excess paper. Please check the room schedule to avoid class times.
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Deadline
All files must be received by SPRING 2026 TBA to allow sufficient time for printing.
Questions regarding the symposium can be directed to the conveners of the symposium, Dr. Craig Lind: NAMS.Symposium@stockton.edu
