Your summer experience as a Virginia Tech REEL fellow
This Research and Extension Experiential Learning (REEL) program at Virginia Tech is for undergraduates students who are interested in applying their education in life sciences to developing solutions to our food, fiber and fuel needs of the future. During summer 2023, we will engage 8 fellows in this program, which will provide students with a generous stipend and living expenses. We are planning for a traditional, in-person program, with students transitioning from on-campus labs to off-campus AREC labs in week 6. However, if the public health situation worsens, it may be necessary to modify the program. This may involve engaging students in a virtual VT-REEL experience (as we did in summer 2020) or in a single location in-person experience (as we did in summer 2021). More information about how our program has worked in the past can be found below.
In the VT-REEL program, fellows will gain experience over 10 weeks in the summer in both basic bench-top science and its field applications. This experiential learning will help VT-REEL fellows 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.
VT-REEL fellows will engage in research for the first 5 weeks of the program in a laboratory on Virginia Tech’s main campus (Blacksburg, VA), with a member of our Translational Plant Sciences program (https://translationalplantscience.org). You will live in a Virginia Tech dormitory* and have a meal plan at our award winning dining hall. Fellows will work with faculty mentors, TPS graduate students, and Virginia Tech undergraduate researchers on a project designed to gain new skills. Many of the participating labs are interested in molecular-focused work that help delineate mechanisms plants use to combat pests and pathogens, and maintain productivity especially in times of stress. Weekly workshops will be presented by faculty, giving fellows an opportunity to explore important issues such as organic farming, regulation of transgenic plants, international agriculture and the use of big data in science.
This Research and Extension Experiential Learning (REEL) program at Virginia Tech is for undergraduates students who are interested in applying their education in life sciences to developing solutions to our food, fiber and fuel needs of the future. During summer 2023, we will engage 8 fellows in this program, which will provide students with a generous stipend and living expenses. We are planning for a traditional, in-person program, with students transitioning from on-campus labs to off-campus AREC labs in week 6. However, if the public health situation worsens, it may be necessary to modify the program. This may involve engaging students in a virtual VT-REEL experience (as we did in summer 2020) or in a single location in-person experience (as we did in summer 2021). More information about how our program has worked in the past can be found below.
In the VT-REEL program, fellows will gain experience over 10 weeks in the summer in both basic bench-top science and its field applications. This experiential learning will help VT-REEL fellows 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.
VT-REEL fellows will engage in research for the first 5 weeks of the program in a laboratory on Virginia Tech’s main campus (Blacksburg, VA), with a member of our Translational Plant Sciences program (https://translationalplantscience.org). You will live in a Virginia Tech dormitory* and have a meal plan at our award winning dining hall. Fellows will work with faculty mentors, TPS graduate students, and Virginia Tech undergraduate researchers on a project designed to gain new skills. Many of the participating labs are interested in molecular-focused work that help delineate mechanisms plants use to combat pests and pathogens, and maintain productivity especially in times of stress. Weekly workshops will be presented by faculty, giving fellows an opportunity to explore important issues such as organic farming, regulation of transgenic plants, international agriculture and the use of big data in science.
During the second 5 weeks, VT-REEL fellows will relocate to one of four ARECs (Agricultural Research and Extension Centers) in Suffolk, Painter, Blackstone or Virginia Beach, VA, in order to work one-on-one with an extension faculty member. This portion of the summer starts off with a group trip to tour the different ARECs, which are located in agricultural areas several hours from campus. ARECs are located where they are to facilitate the interaction between AREC faculty, extension agents, farmers and producers. Housing at these locations may be on-site or off-site. Fellows will work with an AREC faculty mentor, his/her graduate student(s) and staff on a research project that involves outdoor field or greenhouse trials. In addition, you will get the chance to participate in various Extension activities, such as field days and grower meetings.
At the end of the summer, VT-REEL fellows will travel back to Blacksburg and present their work in Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research's annual summer research symposium. Fellows will stay in a local hotel or off-site rental, and transportation between the campus and ARECs will be provided for those VT-REEL fellows without personal vehicles.
Financial details
Each VT-REEL fellow receives a $5,000 stipend, housing* for the duration of the program, an on-campus meal plan, and a financial supplement for incidental expenses (like food costs at the AREC, gas for your car, etc.). Transportation between Blacksburg and the ARECs will be provided by the program as part of the AREC tour. However, we encourage VT-REEL fellows, who can bring their own personal vehicles, to do so, as public transportation at the ARECs is limited. Fellows are responsible for all vehicle-associated expenses, including gas, tolls, parking permits, etc. while on-campus and at the AREC.
Students who need help with travel costs to participate in this program are encouraged to apply, and if accepted, to speak with Dr. Glenda Gillaspy (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, on-campus meal plan, AREC housing, financial supplement).
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."
At the end of the summer, VT-REEL fellows will travel back to Blacksburg and present their work in Virginia Tech's Office of Undergraduate Research's annual summer research symposium. Fellows will stay in a local hotel or off-site rental, and transportation between the campus and ARECs will be provided for those VT-REEL fellows without personal vehicles.
Financial details
Each VT-REEL fellow receives a $5,000 stipend, housing* for the duration of the program, an on-campus meal plan, and a financial supplement for incidental expenses (like food costs at the AREC, gas for your car, etc.). Transportation between Blacksburg and the ARECs will be provided by the program as part of the AREC tour. However, we encourage VT-REEL fellows, who can bring their own personal vehicles, to do so, as public transportation at the ARECs is limited. Fellows are responsible for all vehicle-associated expenses, including gas, tolls, parking permits, etc. while on-campus and at the AREC.
Students who need help with travel costs to participate in this program are encouraged to apply, and if accepted, to speak with Dr. Glenda Gillaspy (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, on-campus meal plan, AREC housing, financial supplement).
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."
"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."