Applications are now open for our NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Water Quality in the Yucatán Peninsula for Summer 2026.
This 8-week international REU program (June 15 – August 7, 2026) will engage eight undergraduate students in interdisciplinary research focused on groundwater quality in the Yucatán Peninsula, a region highly dependent on karst aquifer systems and experiencing rapid population and tourism growth.
Program highlights include:
- Hands-on field and laboratory research on groundwater quality and contamination
- Close mentorship by faculty across multiple disciplines
- Collaboration with Mexican scientists
- Research activities based at Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Cultural and historical exploration of the Yucatán region
- Preparation of research abstracts and posters at the conclusion of the program
Program structure:
- June 15 – June 25: Northern Illinois University (training, project development)
- June 25 – July 23: Puerto Morelos, Mexico (fieldwork and lab analyses at CICY)
- July 24 – August 7: Northern Illinois University (data analysis and presentations)
Important dates:
- Application deadline: February 15, 2026
- Letter of recommendation due: March 1, 2026 (one letter required)
- Decision notifications: By March 15, 2026
Note: Due to late FAFSA processing this year, applicants who are unsure of their Pell Grant eligibility are encouraged to answer “Yes” on the application.
Additional information about research projects and the application can be found here:
https://www.niu.edu/clas/ese/reu/index.shtml
If you or your students have any questions, please feel free to contact:
Melissa Lenczewski
Northern Illinois University
cancunreu@gmail.com
lenczewski@niu.edu
815-762-5452