Your summer experience as a Virginia Tech REEL fellow
This Research and Extension Experiential Learning program at Virginia Tech (VT-REEL) is for undergraduates interested in applying their education in life sciences to developing solutions to our food, fiber and fuel needs. The program provides students with a generous stipend and an on-campus dining plan. In addition to participating in hands-on research with an interdisciplinary team of two faculty mentors, students also engage in professional development opportunities, including a scientific workshop series. Dormitory housing is available for students who do not have an active lease in Blacksburg, VA.
The VT-REEL program takes place over 10 weeks in the summer and is designed to help undergraduates develop a career in plant science and be prepared to bridge the existing gap between discovery and practical applications of discoveries to solve real-world problems. Students may participate in basic science and/or applied science research projects, involving laboratory, greenhouse or field experiments.
All VT-REEL fellows will engage in research with a faculty member associated with the Translational Plant Sciences Center (TPSC). Many of the participating labs are interested in molecular-focused work that explores the mechanisms plants use to combat pests and pathogens, especially during times of stress. Faculty associated with TPSC have expertise in a variety of disciplines, including: plant physiology, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, crop science, biological systems engineering, and plant biology. Fellows will work alongside TPSC graduate students and undergraduate researchers on a project designed to gain new technical skills.
This Research and Extension Experiential Learning program at Virginia Tech (VT-REEL) is for undergraduates interested in applying their education in life sciences to developing solutions to our food, fiber and fuel needs. The program provides students with a generous stipend and an on-campus dining plan. In addition to participating in hands-on research with an interdisciplinary team of two faculty mentors, students also engage in professional development opportunities, including a scientific workshop series. Dormitory housing is available for students who do not have an active lease in Blacksburg, VA.
The VT-REEL program takes place over 10 weeks in the summer and is designed to help undergraduates develop a career in plant science and be prepared to bridge the existing gap between discovery and practical applications of discoveries to solve real-world problems. Students may participate in basic science and/or applied science research projects, involving laboratory, greenhouse or field experiments.
All VT-REEL fellows will engage in research with a faculty member associated with the Translational Plant Sciences Center (TPSC). Many of the participating labs are interested in molecular-focused work that explores the mechanisms plants use to combat pests and pathogens, especially during times of stress. Faculty associated with TPSC have expertise in a variety of disciplines, including: plant physiology, horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, crop science, biological systems engineering, and plant biology. Fellows will work alongside TPSC graduate students and undergraduate researchers on a project designed to gain new technical skills.
To facilitate greater flexibility in VT-REEL in summer 2025, the second faculty mentor in the interdisciplinary team may be associated with an Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) or an on-campus department performing research relevant to plant science. ARECs are located in agricultural areas several hours from campus in order to facilitate the interaction between AREC faculty, extension agents, farmers, and producers. Depending on lab placement, fellows may split their time between campus and an AREC, spending 5 weeks at each location, or they may be on campus for the duration of the 10-week program. Fellows are expected to engage in research activities with both faculty mentors, regardless of geographic location.
The VT-REEL program will also provide a variety of professional development activities, including: a multi-day group trip to tour the ARECs, a weekly scientific workshop series, and a panel discussion about agricultural extension. Fellows also have the opportunity to attend workshops organized by Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research; past topics include: mentor-mentee relationships, resume writing, and graduate school. At the end of the summer, all fellows will present their research at the University's annual summer research symposium.
Financial details
Each VT-REEL fellow will receive a $6,000 stipend and an on-campus meal plan. Dormitory housing* will be provided for out-of-state fellows while they are on campus. Housing will also be provided for fellows while they are at ARECs. Depending on availability, this may be a short-term rental or hotel accommodations. Public transportation is available in Blacksburg, but is rather limited at most ARECs. You may want to bring your own personal vehicle to campus for convenience. Please note that fellows are responsible for all vehicle-associated expenses, including gas, tolls, insurance, parking permits, etc.
Students who need help with travel costs to participate in this program are encouraged to apply, and if accepted, to speak with Dr. Sasha Marine (Program Faculty Director).
*Dormitory housing will not be provided for Virginia Tech students, who have active leases for off-campus housing during the summer. They will receive all other benefits (i.e., stipend and on-campus meal plan).
Tips and reflections from former VT-REEL fellows
"I joined the program looking for an adventure and fully understanding that I would not see anyone I had previously known for the next 10 weeks of summer. Since arriving here, I have made friends with people from all over the U.S. and even different countries!"
"I learned in both labs [on-campus and at the AREC] what all I need to document while I conduct research and how to put what I've done on a resume."
The VT-REEL program will also provide a variety of professional development activities, including: a multi-day group trip to tour the ARECs, a weekly scientific workshop series, and a panel discussion about agricultural extension. Fellows also have the opportunity to attend workshops organized by Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research; past topics include: mentor-mentee relationships, resume writing, and graduate school. At the end of the summer, all fellows will present their research at the University's annual summer research symposium.
Financial details
Each VT-REEL fellow will receive a $6,000 stipend and an on-campus meal plan. Dormitory housing* will be provided for out-of-state fellows while they are on campus. Housing will also be provided for fellows while they are at ARECs. Depending on availability, this may be a short-term rental or hotel accommodations. Public transportation is available in Blacksburg, but is rather limited at most ARECs. You may want to bring your own personal vehicle to campus for convenience. Please note that fellows are responsible for all vehicle-associated expenses, including gas, tolls, insurance, parking permits, etc.
Students who need help with travel costs to participate in this program are encouraged to apply, and if accepted, to speak with Dr. Sasha Marine (Program Faculty Director).
*Dormitory housing will not be provided for Virginia Tech students, who have active leases for off-campus housing during the summer. They will receive all other benefits (i.e., stipend and on-campus meal plan).
Tips and reflections from former VT-REEL fellows
"I joined the program looking for an adventure and fully understanding that I would not see anyone I had previously known for the next 10 weeks of summer. Since arriving here, I have made friends with people from all over the U.S. and even different countries!"
"I learned in both labs [on-campus and at the AREC] what all I need to document while I conduct research and how to put what I've done on a resume."
"My research experience at VT broadened my perspective on different lab techniques and lab life. ... Though it is likely one may be nervous to meet many new people, it is in fact one of the greatest treasures of this program."
"VT-REEL allowed me to learn about a vastly different and dynamic area of research than what I had previously studied. It greatly expanded my view of research, and I left the program with a better idea of where and how to apply my research abilities in the future."
"Work on your poster and abstract as soon as possible. Working on it, while moving along in your project, gives you time to ask your labmates questions."
"I think that the most important skills a researcher must have are to: be patient, be inquisitive, be a good troubleshooter, and be detail-oriented. Research inevitably runs into problems, so your ability to ask questions and communicate with your mentors will determine your success."
"There is a lot more physical work at an AREC, compared to a campus lab, but the environment is very collaborative. To students nervous about working outdoors, my advice is to embrace the "all hands on deck" mentality. The rewards of working in the field are immensely fulfilling!"
"Agricultural research is more than just farming. Growing food, fiber and fuel is much more complex than I initially thought."
"VT-REEL allowed me to learn about a vastly different and dynamic area of research than what I had previously studied. It greatly expanded my view of research, and I left the program with a better idea of where and how to apply my research abilities in the future."
"Work on your poster and abstract as soon as possible. Working on it, while moving along in your project, gives you time to ask your labmates questions."
"I think that the most important skills a researcher must have are to: be patient, be inquisitive, be a good troubleshooter, and be detail-oriented. Research inevitably runs into problems, so your ability to ask questions and communicate with your mentors will determine your success."
"There is a lot more physical work at an AREC, compared to a campus lab, but the environment is very collaborative. To students nervous about working outdoors, my advice is to embrace the "all hands on deck" mentality. The rewards of working in the field are immensely fulfilling!"
"Agricultural research is more than just farming. Growing food, fiber and fuel is much more complex than I initially thought."