A Global Leader in Biodiversity Research

The Living Earth Collaborative is the premier science-driven consortium in leading edge biodiversity research and education. It is a partnership between Washington University, Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Our mission is to develop new approaches to biodiversity and conservation science that foster the next generation of scientists and provide tangible benefits for applying results to conserving biodiversity at local-to-global scales.

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SURGE

Summer Undergraduate Research Guided Experience (SURGE)

Applications Now Open for WashU’s SURGE Program

Are you a WashU undergraduate looking for a paid summer research opportunity? Apply to the Office of Undergraduate Research’s SURGE program to work alongside a Living Earth Collaborative (LEC) Biodiversity Fellow this summer!

The SURGE program provides financial support and programming for students to pursue biodiversity research with leading faculty and researchers from WashU, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Program Details

  • Program Dates: Research activities should occur between May 13 and August 24, 2025, with flexibility to define an exact schedule within this timeframe.
  • Stipends: Participants receive stipends ranging from $2,700 to $5,400, based on project timelines.
  • Explore previous participant’s projects: LEC Undergraduate Research Projects
  • Need help finding a research mentor or project? Visit the LEC Mentor Page to learn about ongoing projects and connect with researchers.

Questions? Email us!

Applications are due March 1, 2025

Apply Now

The center was launched in early 2018 under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Losos  as a collaborative hub that facilitates interdisciplinary research among plant and animal biologists, and scholars across a wide range of fields.