Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs started at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in 1988. Over the ensuing 33 years, 340 students have participated in the 12 week program with the support 11 grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), along with grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and institutional support from the Institute. The theme of the program from 1988-2010 was Ecology in Context, and since 2011, Translational Ecology.