Harvard Forest

Summer Research Student

May - August 2022 • Petersham, MA

What I liked

I loved the other students, and the community we built. I loved the experience of doing research and having my own project that I developed. I liked how interdisciplinary our research was, I got to do fieldwork for other research projects. The stipend included food and housing which was really convenient.

What I wish was different

I wish that I had been on a team, though a lot of students were.

Advice

Take the opportunity to learn about other people's projects, fields of study, etc. There is so much to learn!

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Intern

May - August 2022 • Petersham, MA

What I liked

I loved the organization that the institution offered in terms of a supportive research environment. The collaboration was second-to-none.

What I wish was different

I wish everyone there would have had more intense DEI training.

Advice

A piece of advice I would give is to expect to be very busy. Although the summer research is very rewarding, it can also be tiring. Make sure to communicate your boundaries/needs between your work and personal life, and it will be respected!

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Undergraduate Researcher

May - August 2019 • Petersham, MA

What I liked

This REU program was one of the best experiences in Ecology I have ever had. I was able to design, conduct, and present my own individual project, while also contributing to long term ecological research at the historical Harvard Forest Site. We also had weekly seminars and workshops with world renowned scientists.

What I wish was different

That it was longer and I could spend more time with my coworkers.

Advice

All students interested should apply to an REU. I received more research experience and knowledge in a few months than during my four years at a large research university.

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Researcher

May - August 2019 • Petersham, MA

What I liked

This experience was amazing in every way. I learned so much more than I thought I would, and made life-long friends.

What I wish was different

I wish it was longer!

Advice

You get out of this experience what you put into it. Go in with a completely open and curious mind.

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REU Student

May - August 2019 • Petersham, MA

What I liked

I loved the opportunity to conduct research both with experts in ecology and other students like myself. I learned not only from my mentors, but also from the other students in the program.