Community-Soil-Air-Water (CSAW) Research Experience for Undergraduates

Overview

This REU is targeted at those interested in understanding environmental contamination in cities from multiple disciplines, building an understanding of community-based research. Participants will work with community collaborators to address socio-environmental problems in Atlanta around soil, air, and water contamination. Our vision is to build collaborative, value-based relationships between community leaders and academic institutions to drive community-centric solutions. This is an 8-week REU and students will earn $5,600. Housing, food, and travel to/from Atlanta will be covered and there is funding for interested students to present their research at a conference after the REU has concluded.

Dates for summer 2026 CSAW REU are June 8-July 31, 2026.

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (associate's or bachelor's).

Students must by U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States. Students must have at least one more semester of undergraduate coursework remaining following summer 2026.

If selected, participants cannot have another obligation, such as an internship, part/full-time work, or enrolled in a course during the program's duration.

How to Apply

DEADLINE FOR SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS: February 6, 2026

The application is through the ETAP portal

The application requires four items

Short answers to the following questions:

What are your goals and motivations (personal and/or professional; short and long-term) in applying to the CSAW REU program? (Please write about 200-250 words)

Describe your interests in community-based research projects around urban environmental issues. (Please write about 100-200 words)

Describe how you have overcome or dealt with a challenge or adversity in your life. This can be either a specific situation or a broader issue. (Please write about 100-200 words)

Describe how you, based on your personal background and life experiences (including social, cultural, familial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges) will contribute to CSAW during and after participating in this REU. (Please write about 100-150 words)

Optional: If you feel your academic record and experience are not representative of your abilities and potential in this REU program, please let us know any details you wish to share. (Please limit your response to 250 words. If this is not applicable to you, please just write "n/a")

Two reference letters uploaded by your referees through ETAP

Transcript(s)

Resume

We anticipate initial acceptances should be sent out the week of March 9-13, 2026

Summer 2026 Projects

Summer 2026 projects are still in development. Each project will have 2-3 students being mentored by 1-2 graduate students and 2-3 faculty. This summer, projects will revolve around Community, Air, and Water.

More info will be posted here about projects as they develop.

For more information or to connect with someone from the team, email us at csaw@gsu.edu.

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