Summer Authentic Research Experiences (SARE)
Summer Authentic Research Experiences (SARE) is designed to engage Idaho undergraduates in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields related to I-CREWS research and increase the number and preparation of skilled scientists and engineers in I-CREWS fields (geosciences, biological sciences, social sciences, and resilience science, computational modeling, machine learning and artificial intelligence) to provide analytical outcomes to proactively address the impacts of meteorological, population, and technological change on energy-water (E-W) systems.
Each student receives hands-on, paid (up to $6,000) summer research experiences (full-time or part-time educational opportunities available), where they study topics broadly related to the I-CREWS project. Each SARE educational opportunity is designed as a learning experience and not employment. The novelty of the approach is the statewide integration of the I-CREWS research, and opportunities for undergraduate students to network across the institutions through research team interactions, data collection, fieldwork, and research activities.
Summer SARE 2026 Online Application Information
Faculty application period:
December 15, 2025 — April 17, 2026
Student application period:
February 17, 2026 — May 1, 2026
SARE Eligibility
All Idaho STEM faculty, and students currently enrolled at an Idaho academic institution, including Idaho 2-yr and 4-yr colleges, are eligible.
Idaho 2- and 4-Year Colleges
We strongly encourage participation of students and faculty from Idaho’s 2-yr and 4-yr colleges. Funding is available for faculty from 2-yr and 4-yr colleges who would like to lead a research project in a research mentor role or partner with an existing university SARE project in a learning or contributing research role.
A SARE application to serve as a research mentor or to partner with a university SARE project will also serve as an application for funding. Funding includes one month of summer salary and fringe benefits. (2-yr and 4-yr college faculty wanting to partner with a university SARE project must coordinate with university faculty prior to submitting an application.)
SARE Selection and Placement
- Faculty who wish to host SARE students should submit their research description by April 17, 2026. Please note that only faculty are allowed to apply. Graduate students and Postdocs interested in hosting a SARE student must have a supervising faculty member apply on their behalf.
- We encourage students to visit with faculty to discuss potential projects and to help with the placement process. Students will also be required to complete a short SARE application.
- Students who wish to apply to the SARE program can submit their applications beginning February 17, 2026. The student application period closes May 1, 2026.
- A limited number of paid positions are available during the summer at UI, ISU, BSU and Idaho 2-4 year colleges.
- Positions will range from full-time (approximately 330 hours) to a quarter time (approximately 80 hours) during the summer, for a total of up to $6,000.
- Up to $500 will be provided to the faculty supervisor for research supplies and/or student travel.
Related Opportunities / Requirements
Students participating in SARE will be expected to present research results at the Idaho Conference on Undergraduate Research (ICUR) in July 2026, as well as the Idaho NSF EPSCoR Annual Meeting. Students will be expected to participate in a virtual Summer Research Community, hosted by Boise State University, and network with other students in the SARE program. Students will also be required to submit a research profile to the Idaho EPSCoR website.
Contact Information
Please contact institutional leads if you have any questions:
Boise State University
Jim Fredricksen
University of Idaho
Sarah Penney-Jackson
Idaho State University
Emma Fox-Fogle
Idaho 2-yr and 4-yr Colleges
Miranda Striluk / Bill Ebener