Research Experience for Undergraduates

Climate and Atmospheric Science Research Experience

Our PSU CCAR Research Experience for Undergraduates site is focused on conducting research projects related to climate and atmospheric sciences, particularly atmospheric chemistry, physics, air quality, meteorology and climate change. Research experiences are designed for students majoring in the natural/physical sciences but we do not expect students to have a background in climate or atmospheric science.

Climate and atmospheric research is a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary endeavor. As such, CCAR faculty mentors are from such diverse fields as Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Environmental Science, and Physics. Some areas of investigation include:

Climate induced extremes
Precipitation measurements and modeling
Hydrometeorology
Eco-hydro-climate systems
Atmospheric trace gas measurements
Global greenhouse gas modeling
Greenhouse gas isotopic composition
Atmospheric aerosol measurements
Biogenic volatile organic compound emissions
Outdoor and indoor air quality
Urban heat island effect and impacts

Students will conduct research with mentors for 10 weeks and have opportunities to present their work at national and regional conferences. We strongly encourage participation by Native Americans, rural Oregonians and Washingtonians, as well as students currently attending community colleges.

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Summer Program | June 23 to Aug. 29, 2025

The Summer 2025 CCAR REU program will take place on Portland State’s campus.

Program includes:

Individual research projects and faculty mentoring
Research opportunities in the CCAR labs
A week-long training seminar (mandatory), including training on instruments and techniques, a safety course, a library seminar, and a short course on Atmospheric Science
A $7,000 research stipend for the 10 week program
On-campus housing for scholars
Professional development and career workshops
Possible travel to conferences (travel expenses covered)
Final presentation and closing CCAR ceremony — an opportunity to showcase and celebrate our work!

Eligibility

You must be a US citizen or possess a Green Card;
You must be a high school graduate or have a GED certificate;
You must be a current undergraduate student attending classes at either a college/university or a community college; (Graduating seniors are eligible only if they have been accepted to graduate school and are committed to attending in the fall. If you have senior status, please include your anticipated graduation date and/or expected graduate school and enrollment status in your cover letter)
This research opportunity cannot be combined with any other offers or positions;
You must be covered by a health insurance policy throughout the length of the program;
You must be available to work for the first week of the session from 9a-5p and attend weekly group meetings and seminars.

How to Apply

Please read eligibility criteria carefully before applying!
Deadline to apply for Summer 2025 is March 1
Fill out the online application. You may have to create a Research.gov account if you don’t already have one.

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Acceptance Notification

Applicants who have been accepted will be notified by email.

Contact

For inquiries regarding the CCAR REU, please contact the program director, Andrew Rice (arice@pdx.edu).

Sponsored by Atmospheric and Geospace Science Division of the National Science Foundation
Award Number 1950702