CAFNR Undergraduate Research Internships

Looking for a paid research internship? If you’re in a CAFNR degree program, you’re eligible to apply!

How it works

  • Develop a research proposal with the assistance of a faculty mentor.
  • If your project is approved, you will prepare and present your research results at a poster display in the spring.
  • Receive a scholarship applied to your financial aid of $1,500 per semester.
  • Discover benefits and expectations.

Benefits of Participation

These one-year internships provide students with financial support of $1,500 per semester (applies to financial aid as a scholarship). Interns gain valuable research experience, including thesis development, experimental design, use of analytical procedures to test hypotheses and interpret data, and methods of disseminating research findings. Interns have been shown to be more competitive for research assistantships and fellowships. Undergraduate research interns also interact with numerous faculty, staff, and graduate students while completing their research project.

Expectations of Research Interns

Research interns will work closely with a faculty mentor. Interns will complete the research project during the 2026–27 academic year (fall and spring semesters). In April 2027, research interns will prepare and present a research poster during the undergraduate research symposium.

The intern is responsible for preparing a written research report describing the background leading to the hypothesis, the materials and methods used in the experiment(s), the results, and the important implications of their findings.

For projects funded for two semesters, a mid-term research progress report must be submitted in December describing research progress (fall semester) and research plans for the spring semester.

Note: For project applications for fall semester only, the student must explain how they will be in attendance to present at the April poster session.

Application Procedure

  1. A concise, two-page student-written project proposal that includes:
    • Background/Introduction of the project
    • Hypothesis
    • Materials and methods, including an outline of research steps
    • Estimated timeline for the project
    • Explanation of the benefits of the proposed research
    • Explanation of how the project relates to the student’s educational and career objectives
  2. A one-page student resume
  3. A letter from the faculty mentor sponsoring the project. The letter should describe:
    • The intern’s role in preparing the proposal
    • The intern’s expected role in conducting the research
    • The mentor’s role in the project
    • How the project will be funded
  4. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member (other than the mentor) describing how the internship will benefit the student’s educational and career goals, and the faculty member’s confidence in the student’s ability to successfully complete the internship.
    • This letter may be emailed directly to Lena Johnson or submitted by the student in a sealed envelope attached to the application.

How to apply

Questions? Contact Lena Johnson, johnsonlm@missouri.edu.

Note: Real signatures or date/time-stamped Adobe Acrobat signatures from all parties are required.

Why should you get involved?

Research is a great way to learn more about your field of study and gain problem-solving skills. It also looks good on your resume and can help you get into graduate school.

Visit Getting Started from the Office of Undergraduate Research for step-by-step guidance or talk to your advisor.