About the program: SLAWR REU is a 10-week summer program that explores the interactions between physical, natural, and social processes through the weaving of Indigenous knowledge with Western knowledge to advance scientific understanding and support tribal management decisions.
With a focus on community-based participatory research and diverse interdisciplinary research teams, students learn the key elements of land and water resources that are essential to improving management practices. Projects take place at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; the Fond du Lac Reservation in Northern Minnesota; and Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Reservation in Montana.
You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply for this program. The program is open to undergraduate students majoring in civil engineering, geosciences, ecology, mathematics, social sciences, or related fields.
Students receive a $7000 stipend and program-related costs (housing, food, and transportation) are covered. Students are also provided up to $1000 to share their research at a professional conference after the program is over.
Want to know more? We also encourage prospective applicants to explore our Winter Webinar Series, including the SLAWR REU Application: Tips & Tricks webinar. These sessions offer helpful insights into preparing a strong application and learning more about the program. Webinar details and registration links are available here.
Heading to AGU?
If you’ll be at the AGU Meeting, feel free to stop by the SLAWR REU program poster. I’ll be in the Poster Hall on Wednesday, December 17, from 8:30–10:00 AM CST, and would be happy to connect in person and share more about the program.
(You can also check out a few SLAWR REU student posters during the meeting to see what students do during the summer!)
2025 SLAWR REU Student Posters
- Franklin — The Role of Biofilms in Controlling the Erosion of Various Sediment Types
Monday, Dec. 15 | 08:30–12:00 CST | Halls EFG | EP11C-1479 - Kaeley — Analyzing Bombus Species Abundance in an Urban Environment
Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 08:30–12:00 CST | Halls EFG | SY21C-0569 - Emma — Changing Waters, Changing Rice: Climate, Hydrology, and Cultural Knowledge of Manoomin in the Otter Tail River Watershed
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 08:30–12:00 CST | Halls EFG | SY31B-0614 - Eleanor — The Soil Keeps the Score: Effect of Indaziflam on Soil Nutrients and Invasive Grasses in a Degraded Rangeland System
Wednesday, Dec. 17 | 08:30–12:00 CST | Halls EFG | SY31B-0611
The deadline to apply is February 9, 2026, with priority given to applications submitted by January 12. Visit http://reuslawr.org for more information and to fill out an application. Additionally, if you have any questions, please reach out to us at slawr-reu@umn.edu.