Project Overview

Urbanization places increasing pressure on freshwater ecosystems, with stormwater runoff, pollution, habitat alteration, and other human activities affecting the health of urban rivers and watersheds. The NSF REU Site: Urban Watershed Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn provides undergraduate students with an interdisciplinary research experience focused on understanding and addressing these complex environmental challenges.

Using the Rouge River watershed in southeastern Michigan as a living laboratory, REU scholars work alongside faculty mentors on research spanning microbiology, biology, chemistry, geology, geospatial science, statistics and related disciplines.

What We Offer:

• Hands-on Training:  Each summer, ten undergraduate students participate in a full-time, 10-week research experience.  Each REU scholar works closely with faculty mentors on an individual research project while contributing to the broader interdisciplinary study of urban watershed systems. Students gain experience in field and/or laboratory research, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of scientific results. Research activities take advantage of the environmental diversity of the Rouge River watershed and the laboratory, field, and analytical resources available at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

• Professional Development:  REU scholars participate in workshops and activities designed to strengthen their research and professional skills. Training includes statistical and data analysis, GIS and spatial analysis, responsible conduct of research, scientific communication, graduate-school preparation, and research presentations. The summer culminates in the REU Capstone Poster Symposium, where scholars present their research to faculty, fellow students, university leaders, community partners, families, and guests.

• Housing and Compensation:  The REU is a full-time, 10-week summer program. Students are expected to devote approximately 40 hours per week to research, training, and program activities and may not participate in overlapping coursework or internships. REU scholars receive a $7,000 stipend and program-provided housing at The Union at Dearborn.

Application Information:

• Application Deadline: Monday, March 1, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET..

• How to Apply: Applications for the NSF REU Site: Urban Watershed Science must be submitted through the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) system. The Summer 2027 program will begin in May 2027. Exact program dates and additional application information will be posted as they become available.

Thank you for your interest in the REU Site: Urban Watershed Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Note that exact dates will be confirmed by the REU director, Dr. Sonia M. Tiquia-Arashiro at smtiquia@umich.edu.