Undergraduate Internships

outdoor class

"The REACCH internship solidified my desire to pursue a research and education focused career. I gained so much experience and had contact with so many wonderful and supportive faculty at UI." ~ Ames Fowler, REACCH Intern

"Having personal contact and real science discussions with a real professor was an empowering experience and helped me gain the confidence to forge more relationships with professors throughout the rest of my undergrad degree." ~ Georgia Seyfried, REACCH Intern

"REACCH was my first hands-on introduction to lab and field science and allowed me to have a very competitive resume and get jobs in subsequent years." ~ Sebastian Markus Ederer Mortimer, REACCH Intern

Applications for Summer 2018 internships are now open! Apply Now!

The REACCH Summer Undergraduate Internship Program was offered from 2012-2018. Due to funding constraints, it is no longer available.

For more information visit the internship application page or contact the REACCH Internship Coordinator, Marijka Haverhals, at Marijka@uidaho.edu, or the Principal Investigator, Dr. Jodi Johnson-Maynard, at jmaynard@uidaho.edu. Funding is provided by USDA NIFA award 2016-67032-25012.

Hear from past REACCH interns about their experience

 
REACCH intern map

REACCH interns are drawn from institutions across the United States. The green circles indicate the number of students from each location from 2011-2015

Learn more about past interns and their research:

2017 Interns and Projects

2017 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Justin Archibald
    • Project: Evaluation of 4R's N Management for Canola   Presentation
    • Mentors: Tai Maaz, Issac Madsen, Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU
  • Breanna Bethea
    • Project: Perception of Weather Variables and Crop Production Yields   Presentation
    • Mentors: Clark Seavert, Lauric Houston. Host Institution: OSU
  • Kristina Estrada
    • Project: Nitrogen Deficiency in Waterlogged Wheat   Presentation
    • Mentors: Tai Maaz, Issac Madsen, Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU
  • Anna Green
    • Project: The Effect of Liming on Phosphorus Availability   Presentation
    • Mentors: Erin Brooks, Daniel Strawn. Host Institution: UI
  • Zoe Heuermann
    • Project: Evaluating Cover Crops Effects on Soil Organic Matter and its Fractions   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Macado, Rakesh Awale. Host Institution: OSU
  • Kirstie Jiles
    • Project: Climate Zones for Hazelnut Production   Presentation
    • Mentors: Laurie Houston, Phil Mote, Nik Wisman. Host Institution: OSU
  • Steven Miller
    • Project: Assessing Soil Health in the inland Pacific Northwest Agro-ecosystems   Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Kendall Kall. Host Institution: UI
  • Kristin Nesbitt
    • Project: Viruses in Aphids   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Crowder, Ben Lee. Host Institution: WSU
  • Ali Paskus
    • Project: Aphid Research   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode, Jake Hennessey. Host Institution: UI
  • Gaea Ridenhour
    • Project: Greenhouse Gas Flux Measurements of Agricultural Systems   Presentation
    • Mentors: Brian Lamb, Shelley Pressely, Eric Russell. Host Institution: WSU

2016 Interns and Projects

2016 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Eric Didion, Oregon State University
    • Project: GIS Approach to the Value of Coastal Protection and Risk: Evidence from the Oregon Coast   Presentation
    • Mentors: Steven Dundas, David Lewis, Susan Capalbo, Laurie Houston. Host Institution: OSU
  • Sierra Dymond-Smith, Willamette University
    • Project: A Geographic Look at Public Perceptions
    • Mentors: J.D. Wulfhorst. Host Institution: UI
  • Micco Emerson, Oregon State University
    • Project: Tillage Effects on Various Labile Fractions of Soil Organic Carbon in a Wheat-Pea Crop Rotation in Pendleton, OR   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Macado, Rakesh Awale. Host Institution: OSU
  • Adriana Gessler, Northern Arizona University
    • Project: A Geographic Look at Public Perceptions
    • Mentors: J.D. Wulfhorst. Host Institution: UI
  • Olivia Grove, University of Idaho
    • Project: Spatial Variability in Soil Phosphorus   Presentation
    • Mentors: Erin Brooks, Scott Fennema. Host Institution: UI
  • Brianna Hagstrom, Truman State University
    • Project: AgBiz Logic User Experience   Presentation
    • Mentors: Clark Seavert, Susan Capalbo, Laurie Houston. Host Institution: OSU
  • Spencer Hills, New College of Florida
    • Project: Virus and Predator Ecology of Pisum Sativum   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Crowder, Paul Chisholm. Host Institution: WSU
  • Hannah Lindell, Washington State University
    • Project: Exploring Novel Ways to Manage Downy Brome   Presentation
    • Mentors: Ian Burke, Amber Hauvermaale. Host Institution: WSU
  • Bianca Moreno, University of Florida
    • Project: Impact of Irrigated, Small-Acreage Vegetable Production on Water Resources in the Palouse Region   Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Kate Painter. Host Institution: UI
  • Tanya Valle, University of La Verne
    • Project: Subsoil Quality in No-Till Winter Wheat and Spring Canola   Presentation
    • Mentors: Bill Pan, Tai Maaz, Isaac Madsen. Host Institution: WSU
  • Catherine Wooster, New College of Florida
    • Project: Examinataion of the Effects of Genotype Clusters and Endosymbionts on the Ability of the Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) to transmit the PEMV Virus and Resist Heat Shock   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode. Host Institution: UI

2015 Interns and Projects

2015 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Caleb Aaberg, University of Washington
    • Project: Carbon Exchange Over Wheat Cropping Systems: Comparing Remote Sensing and Direct Flux Measurements   Presentation
    • Mentors: Brian Lamb, Shelly Pressley, Lee Vierling, Troy Magney. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Mayowa Adewale Balogun, Olive-Harvey College
    • Project: Predicting Grower Behavior and Environmental Outcomes Under Alternative Policy Scenarios Encouraging Mitigation Practices   Presentation
    • Mentors: Kathleen Painter, Nicole Ward, Claudio Stockle, David Huggins, Bill Pan, Brian Lamb. Host Institution: UI
  • Mikayla Allan, Humboldt State University
    • Project: The Effects of Cover Crops on Nitrogen, Soil Moisture, and Carbon in Wheat/Fallow Systems   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Machado, Rajan Ghimire, Larry Pritchett. Host Institution: OSU
  • Carrisa Burns, Boston College
    • Project: Long-Term Management Effects on Labile Carbon   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Machado, Rajan Ghimire, Larry Pritchett. Host Institution: OSU
  • Ned Caisley, University of Idaho
    • Project: Aphids and Climate   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode, Seth Davis, Nathaniel Foote. Host Institution: UI
  • Michelle M. Chaffee, Humboldt State University
    • Project: Improving Site Specific Nitrogen Management Using Crop Modeling Tools   Presentation
    • Mentors: Erin Brooks, Kristy Borelli. Host Institution: UI
  • Blaise DeFranco, New College of Florida
    • Project: Assessing the Skill of Seasonal Climate Prediction for Inland Northwest Agriculture   Presentation
    • Mentors: John Abatzoglou, Kristy Borrelli. Host Institution: UI
  • Sarah Hill, Washington State University
    • Project: Earthworm Burrow Morphology Through 3D Imaging   Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard. Host Institution: UI
  • Jacqueline Huettenmoser, The College of William and Mary
    • Project: Analyzing Subsoil Quality: A Survey of Root and Nutrient Distributions in Winter Canola and Wintern Wheat   Presentation
    • Mentors: Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU
  • Savannah Kisling, Walla Walla University
    • Project: Communicating Climate Change   Presentation
    • Mentors: Phil Mote, Kathie Dello, David Rupp. Host Institution: OSU
  • Mayra Nunez, University of Pennsylvania
    • Project: Analyzing Subsoil Quality: A Survey of Root and Nutrient Distributions in Winter Canola and Wintern Wheat   Presentation
    • Mentors: Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU
  • Nick Race, Stockton University
    • Project: Developing a Reliable Growing Degree Day Model for Antehemis cotula (Mayweed)   Presentation
    • Mentors: Ian Burke, Nevin Lawrence, Amber Hauvermale. Host Institution: WSU
  • Ashley Van Name, Rutgers University
    • Project: Evaluating Thresholds of Meteorological Variables in the Pacific Northwest Crops and Their Potential Economic Impacts on Regional Production   Presentation
    • Mentors: Clark Seavert, Susan Capalbo, Laurie Houston. Host Institution: OSU
  • Ashley Vandehey, Franklin University, Switzerland
    • Project: Assessing the Feasibility of Coltifavitng Arundo in the Mid-Columbia River Basin   Presentation
    • Mentors: Susan Capalbo, John Talbott. Host Institution: OSU
  • Jonathon Witkop, Humboldt State University
    • Project: Genetic diversity of Downy Brome in wheat Production Systems   Presentation
    • Mentors: Ian Burke, Amber Hauvermale. Host Institution: WSU

2014 Interns and Projects

2014 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Allison Buiser, Knox College
    • Project: Virtual Precision Ag. Field Day   Presentation
    • Mentors: Kristy Borrelli, Chad Kruger, Georgine Yorgey. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Jacob Cohen, Pennsylvania State University
    • Project: Exploring the Ecological Interactions of Plants, Viruses, Insects, and the Environment   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Crowder, Ivan Milosavljevic. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Jashvina Devadoss, UC Berkeley
    • Project: Exploring Field Scale Variability with Remote Sensing and EMI Sensors   Presentation
    • Mentors: Erin Brooks, Nichole Ward. Host Institution: UI
  • Rebecca Graham, California Polytechnic State University
    • Project: Tillage and Nitrogen Management Effects on Soil Organic Carbon Pools   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Machado, Rajan Ghimire, Larry Pritchett. Host Institution: OSU
  • Caitlyn Mack, Paul Smith's College
    • Project: SWOT Analysis of the Low Carbon Fuel Standard
    • Mentors: Susan Capalbo, John Antle, Laurie Houston Host Institution: OSU
  • Richard Manuli, Oregon State University
    • Project: Obstacles Implementing Oil-Seeds in Biofuel Production in the PNW   Presentation
    • Mentors: Susan Capalbo, John Antle, Laurie Houston . Host Institution: OSU
  • Carolyn McCotter, University of Puget Sound
    • Project: Competitive Interactions of Metopolophium festucae subsp. cerealium and Rhopalosiphum padi   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode. Host Institution: UI
  • Christian McGillen, Virginia Tech
    • Project:Researching Consistencies and Discrepancies of Regional Climate Models   Presentation
    • Mentors: Phil Mote, Sihan Li. Host Institution: OSU
  • Zachary Milang, Oregon State University
    • Project: Integrating Environmental Accounting into AgTools   Presentation
    • Mentors: Clark Seavert, Susan Capalbo. Host Institution: OSU
  • Brita Olson, University of Idaho
    • Project: Impact of Precipitation of Wheat Production in Idaho   Presentation
    • Mentors: Kathleen Painter, Vince Matthews, Dave Huggins. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Savannah Sheehy, University of Idaho
    • Project: Earthworms and the Weed Seed Bank   Presentation
    • Mentors: Ian Burke, Jodi Johnson-Maynard. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Jenna Way, Oregon State University
    • Project: Integrating Environmental Accounting into AgTools   Presentation
    • Mentors: Clark Seavert, Susan Capalbo. Host Institution: OSU

2013 Interns and Projects

2013 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Jordan Bailey, Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Project: Impacts of Drought and Pest Community on Wheat Productivity   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Crowder. Host Institution: WSU
  • Kelsey Burkum, Oregon State University
    • Project: Toward AgEnvironment   Presentation
    • Mentors: Susan Capalbo. Host Institution: OSU
  • Sydney Cave, George Fox University
    • Project: Generating Water Characteristic Curves of Soil at OSU, CBARC, Moro, and Pendleton   Presentation
    • Mentors: Stephen Machado, Larry Pritchett. Host Institution: OSU
  • Laura Crawford, DePauw University
    • Project: Likelihood that the Range of Mayweed Chamomile in the PNW Will Change as a Result of Climate Change   Presentation
    • Mentors: Ian Burke. Host Institution: WSU
  • Austin Dutch Wardall, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
    • Project: Effects of Climate Change on Cropping Systems in the Palouse   Presentation
    • Mentors: Brian Lamb, Shelley Pressley, Erin Brooks. Host Institution: UI/WSU
  • Valerie Espinoza, University of Georgia
    • Project: Earthworm Density and Soil Property Relationships in the Pacific Northwest Region   Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Chelsea Walsh. Host Institution: UI
  • Heath Hewitt, University of Idaho
    • Project: Climatic Controls of Earthworm Activity/Aestivation in Agroecological Zones of the Inland Pacific Northwest   Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Chelsea Walsh. Host Institution: UI-EPSCoR
  • Danika Hill, Knox College
    • Project:Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization in Diverse Farming Systems   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Huggins, Claudio Stockle, Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU
  • Tyler Knapp, Oregon State University
    • Project: Toward AgEnvironment   Presentation
    • Mentors: Susan Capalbo. Host Institution: OSU
  • Helen Mallett, University of East Anglia
    • Project: Modelling Climate in Fine Detail in the Pacific Northwest   Presentation
    • Mentors: Phil Mote. Host Institution: OSU
  • Sebastian Mortimer, Willamette University
    • Project: Potential Effects of Projected Climate Change on Cereal Leaf Beetle Biology and Biological Control   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode, John Abatzoglou. Host Institution: UI
  • Julian Nin, University of Rochester
    • Project: Government Policy on Climate Change
    • Mentors: Laurie Houston. Host Institution: OSU
  • David Noel Steury, Bowdoin College
    • Project: Prevented Planting Policy in a Highly Erodible Area of the Inland Pacific Northwest   Presentation
    • Mentors: Kathleen Painter. Host Institution: UI
  • Joanna Parkman, Sewanee: The University of the South
    • Project: Assessing Producer and Crop Adviser Decision-Making Strategies in a Wheat-Based Food System
    • Mentors: J.D. Wulfhorst, Kathleen Painter, Stephanie Kane. Host Institution: UI
  • Dylan Quinn, Western Washington University
    • Project: Online Hydrologic Modeling of Agricultural Erosion: Future Climate Scenarios   Presentation
    • Mentors: Erin Brooks. Host Institution: UI
  • Yao Yi Xiao, University of Washington
    • Project: Long Term Effects of Biosolids on Carbon Sequestration   Presentation
    • Mentors: David Huggins, Claudio Stockle, Bill Pan. Host Institution: WSU

2012 Interns and Projects

2012 REACCH Summer Interns

  • Heather Baxter, Washington State University
    • Project: Atmospheric Carbon Flux Measurements for Agricultural Sites in the Inland Northwest   Presentation
    • Mentors: Brian Lamb, Shelley Pressley. Host Institution: WSU
  • Kelsey Burkum, Oregon State University
    • Project: Research for New Methods of Eliciting Producer Attitudes Toward Agro-Climatic Changes in the Pacific Northwest    Presentation
    • Mentors: Penelope Diebel. Host Institution: OSU
  • Ames Fowler, Seattle University
    • Project: Spatial Mapping of Soil Water by Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Sensor    Presentation
    • Mentors: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Robert Heinse. Host Institution: UI
  • Laura Hancock, Christopher Newport University
    • Project: Aphid Community Diversity Across the REACCH Region    Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode Host Institution: UI
    • Publications and Presentations:
      • Stinson, K. A., Albertine, J. M., Hancock, L. M. S., Seidler, T. G., and Rogers, C. A. 2016. Northern ragweed ecotypes flower earlier and longer in response to elevated CO2: what are you sneezing at? Oecologia DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3670-x.
      • Ruane, L. G., L. M. S. Hancock, A. T. Rotzin, and C. N. Luce. 2013. Pollen viability and the potential for self-pollen interference in Phlox Hirsuta, an endangered species. International Journal of Plant Sciences 174: 1251-1258.
      • Hancock, L. M. S., C. L. Ernst, R. Charneskie, and L. G. Ruane. 2012. Effects of cadmium and mycorrhizal fungi on growth, fitness, and cadmium accumulation in flax (Linum usitatissimum; Linaceae). American Journal of Botany 99: 1445-1452.
  • Stephanie Jenck, Oregon State University
    • Project: Historical Changes in Total and Recalcitrant Soil C of Wheat Cropping Systems in Pendleton, OR    Presentation
    • Mentors: Bill Pan, Dave Huggins. Host Institution: WSU
  • Kayla Novak, San Jose University
    • Project: Climate Trends in Pacific Northwest American From 1960s to Early 2000s    Presentation
    • Mentors: Phil Mote. Host Institution: OSU
  • Georgia Seyfried, University of Washington
    • Project: Projecting Effects of Climate Change on Pests   Presentation
    • Mentors: Sanford Eigenbrode. Host Institution: UI
  • Tasha Sitz, The College of Idaho
    • Project: Assessing Soil Texture of Soils at OSU CBARC Moro and Pendleton
    • Mentors: Stephan Machado. Host Institution: OSU
 

REACCH interns participated in several summer field days. In addition to research products, intern teams developed extension/education products. Interaction with stakeholders highlighted the importance of actionable science.

A hands-on experience: Undergraduate internships

Contributed by Jodi Johnson-Maynard, jmaynard@uidaho.edu

Issue: The number of jobs in agricultural fields is expected to grow faster than the number of students being trained in four-year degree programs. This trend suggests a lack of future professionals to fill critical jobs within the agricultural sciences. In addition, student diversity in agricultural fields is extremely low.

Action taken: We provided internships for undergraduates to complete independent research in faculty laboratories and provided professional development with the goal of encouraging students to continue in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. We made efforts to ensure diversity within our internship cohorts. REACCH faculty also participated in HOIST (Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers into STEM) programming at the University of Idaho to encourage diverse students to consider careers in the agricultural sciences. 

Results: Seventy-five undergraduates from across the US received intensive, hands-on research experience and training in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration and in how to apply to and succeed in graduate school. These internships helped prepare students for graduate work through dynamic, hands-on research and provided them with greater knowledge of career opportunities in agricultural fields. The students participated in seminars and workshops, culminating in final presentations where they shared their work with the larger scientific community.

In 2013, 56% of our interns were female and 25% were ethnic minorities (Hispanic and American Indian). Over the last three years of the REACCH internship program, 68% of the students were female and 12% were ethnic minorities. In addition to the internship program, several REACCH faculty and graduate students conducted workshops during the six-week HOIST program to enhance understanding of climate change and agriculture among the high school participants.