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Branch Experiment Stations (BES) Research Internships

Branch Experiment Stations (BES) Research Internships

The Branch Experiment Stations (BES) for the College of Agricultural Sciences are pleased to announce an exciting experiential learning opportunity for Oregon State University undergraduate students. BES are off-campus research facilities located across Oregon in regions where they can have the most impact in helping stakeholders (e.g., farmers, ranchers, fishermen, food processing entrepreneurs) to address the critical issues specific to that locale. The objective of the BES program is to enable undergraduates to gain experience in applied research, connect with the BES community, and explore career options in agriculture. Successful applicants will be expected to spend between 10-13 weeks at the BES location. Most opportunities are during summer term, however several take place during fall or winter (please read the opportunity descriptions carefully). 

Process

  1. BES faculty submit project opportunities to CAS Student Engagement Coordinator. Proposals should include a brief description of the research project, specific skills and tasks the students will work on, student learning outcomes, hourly student pay, and hours per week information.
  2. CAS Student Engagement Coordinator posts list of available projects on the BES program webpage (see link in upper right corner).
  3. Students review project summaries and email BES faculty for projects they are interested in to set up a time to connect and learn more about the project (see guide to writing emails to faculty here). 
  4. Students submit applications indicating their top 2 preferred projects. Applications will include a resume, cover letter outlining their research interests, and unofficial transcript.
  5. After the student application period closes, the CAS Student Engagement Coordinator will send applications to BES faculty for review.
  6. BES Faculty review applications, interview students, and send final selections to CAS Student Engagement Coordinator.
  7. CAS Student Engagement Coordinator notifies students regardless of outcome and works with research stations and HR to hire selected students onto projects.
  8. Selected students and BES faculty attend an onboarding orientation with CAS Student Engagement Coordinator prior to beginning research.
  9. Students and BES faculty conduct research at the research station, receiving periodic check-ins from CAS Student Engagement Coordinator.
  10. Upon completion of project, students create and present a research poster at either the CAS Student Showcase in fall term or the Spring Poster Symposium in spring term.

Timeline

  • Friday, Feb. 14, 2025: Faculty project proposals due
  • Monday, Feb. 17, 2025: Student application opens
  • Friday, March 7, 2025 @ 5pm PST: Student application closes
  • March 10-28, 2025: Review of applications, faculty interviews of applicants
  • Friday, March 28, 2025: Student selection notification
  • April 2025 (exact dates TBD): Required 1-on-1 student orientations with CAS Student Engagement Coordinator
  • After research experience: Create and present a research poster at either the CAS Student Showcase in fall term or the Spring Poster Symposium in spring term

Funding

Funding for this program is shared between the College of Agricultural Sciences Academic Programs Office and the Branch Experiment Stations. 

  • Projects are funded at the discretion of the Academic Programs Office and dependent on the number of proposals received, and available funding. 
  • Selected students are funded for a total of $5,000 ($2,500 provided by CAS APO and $2,500 provided by BES).
  • Funds are transferred directly to a BES account and students are provided an hourly wage based on hours worked. Unused funds must be returned at end of project cycle.
  • Students, please note: some, but not all, locations provide housing for interns. Please check with the BES faculty before committing to a project.

Eligibility

  • Students must be enrolled at Oregon State University as an undergraduate (including postbacc students) at the time of application and through the term following completion of the project. They are not required to be in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
  • Students can only receive funding for one BES project per year. 
  • Students may apply in more than one year, but may not apply for the same location or faculty mentor

For questions and information, contact:

Rachel Jones, CAS Student Engagement Coordinator
Email rachel.jones@oregonstate.edu 
541-737-7410