MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College (EWVCTC) is hosting a virtual open house in partnership with the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program at the University of Virginia’s Blandy Experimental Farm.
The event is hosted by Eastern Biological & Environmental Technology (BET) Program Coordinator and science faculty member Nathan Van Vranken and takes place Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST via this Zoom link. Students interested in science or pursuing a degree in Eastern’s BET program are encouraged to attend.
The REU program at Blandy Experimental Farm emphasizes experimental, field-based research focused on ecological impacts of environmental stressors. Research topics include plant-animal interactions, pollination ecology, landscape ecology and ecosystem ecology.
Students are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to participate in mentored ecological research during the summer of 2026. Selected participants receive a stipend, financial support for travel, a research supply budget and free housing at the Blandy Experimental Farm field station. Each student is paired with a faculty member or graduate student mentor and conducts an independent research project.
Participants gain hands-on experience in experimental design, data collection, analytical techniques and the written and oral presentation of research findings. REU students also take part in professional development workshops and research community activities throughout the program.
Van Vranken is available to assist students with the application process. Applications are due Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Blandy personnel also plan to host additional recruitment sessions, with dates to be announced.
For more information, visit blandy.virginia.edu/reu-program-ecology. An informational flyer created by the University of Virginia is also available through this link.