What is the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site in Raptor Research?
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site in Raptor Research (REU-RR) is funded by the National Science Foundation and Boise State University. Undergraduate students are selected from a pool of applicants to participate in field and laboratory projects during this 10-week summer research program. The REU-RR program is located at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho.
UPDATE: There will not be an REU-RR program in Summer 2025 due to funding. Please check this website again in Dec. 2025 for Summer 2026 program updates.
Barn Owl and Burrowing Owl Research
REU-RR Program Director Dr. Jim Belthoff, and REU-RR participants in the 2019 program (James Jarrett, Paola Iglesias, Katie Care, and Austin Davis) describe their REU experiences while working with barn owls and burrowing owls in Idaho’s Treasure Valley.
Closed captions are available, or you can access a Video Transcript.
REU-RR Site Goals
The goal of the REU-RR site is to engage undergraduates from all over the United States in biological research using birds of prey (hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles) as model systems to understand biological phenomena and interactions and to provide participants opportunities for a cohort experience, mentored research, and professional development. Research on raptors uses modern tools to address questions ranging from molecular ecology to ecosystem processes, spanning both basic and applied science topics related to birds of prey.
The REU-RR Experience
Through partnerships among the Boise State University Raptor Research Center, the Boise State University Department of Biological Sciences, The Peregrine Fund, Inc., Intermountain Bird Observatory, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, undergraduates will spend 10 weeks conducting field and/or laboratory research projects under the guidance of research mentors from academia, government agencies, and NGOs. Students participate in a core professional development program that includes a focus on endangered species restoration, responsible conduct of research, animal care, applying to graduate school, the publication process, and communication in science.
The summer research experience for REU-RR participants culminates with a statewide interdisciplinary summer undergraduate research conference (ICUR) that provides participants the opportunity to communicate their work to a multidisciplinary audience of students and scientists. REU participants also have the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation during the fall semester to present their research, where several previous REU-Raptor Research students have been recognized with the William C. Andersen Memorial Award for best student posters.
Program Dates
Future REU-RR Program Dates:Â This website will have program information by December if an REU-RR program will be offered during the following summer.
Applications
Application Eligibility:
We welcome applications from students from all biological disciplines who are interested in field or laboratory research. Many student projects focus on ecology, behavior, conservation, wildlife biology, and physiology/genetics. We are especially interested in receiving applications from members of groups that are underrepresented in science, persons with disabilities, those returning from military service, and students from institutions where research opportunities in STEM are limited.
Participants Must Be:
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States
- Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree until at least the end of the Fall term following the REU program
- Available for full-time program participation and research during the 10-week summer program and willing to present research at an autumn professional conference
- Willing to abide by university and REU-RR public health and safety protocols
How to Apply:
Applications are collected through NSF’s ETAP (Education & Training Application). You will need to establish an account at ETAP, which will require: contact and demographic information, academic history and research experience, electronic copies of college transcripts and résumé, and information for two academic references (names, affiliations, and contact information). Note that you must manage reference requests and reminders through ETAP, and receipt of letters of recommendation are handled entirely through ETAP. Additionally, the application requires a description of your REU-RR aspirations.
Questions? Visit REU-RR FAQs
UPDATE: There will not be an REU-Raptor Research program in Summer 2025 due to funding. Applications are not being collected at this time. Please check this website again in Dec. 2025 for Summer 2026 program updates.