There are many ways to connect with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory (NREL) at Colorado State University. You might want to collaborate on a research project, become involved as a CSU researcher, find a student opportunity, use NREL facilities, participate in science or simply find a job.
Choose the option below that best describes you to get started.
I’m a Community Member
You do not need to be a scientist or work at Colorado State University to engage with NREL.
One of the easiest ways to participate directly in research is through CitSci, NREL’s participatory science platform. CitSci connects researchers and communities and provides tools for people to contribute observations and data to scientific research.
You can also explore NREL research to learn about work happening across Colorado and around the world.
Start here: Explore CitSci or contact NREL with an idea, question or interest.
I Represent a Community, Government Agency, Nonprofit, Business or Other Organization
NREL works with partners including government agencies, land managers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, universities and communities.
Partnerships can take many forms, including:
- Developing research questions together
- Collaborating on grant proposals and funded research
- Applying ecosystem science to management or policy decisions
- Working with NREL scientists on remote sensing, ecological modeling, climate, soil, water, wildlife, rangelands or other environmental questions
- Designing participatory science projects
- Accessing analytical facilities and scientific expertise
- Connecting researchers with communities and practitioners
The best starting point is to look for a researcher whose expertise overlaps with your needs.
Start here: Browse NREL investigators and current research projects. If you are not sure who to contact, contact NREL and describe what you are interested in doing.
I’m CSU Faculty or Staff
NREL is built around collaborative and interdisciplinary research and works with researchers across Colorado State University.
CSU faculty and staff may connect with NREL to:
- Find collaborators with complementary expertise
- Develop interdisciplinary research projects and proposals
- Connect with NREL research scientists and research staff
- Use NREL-supported facilities and programs
- Incorporate participatory science into a project
- Explore opportunities for an ongoing affiliation with the laboratory
Start here: Browse NREL investigators or the full NREL directory to identify potential collaborators. If you are interested in a broader or formal relationship with NREL, contact NREL to start the conversation.
I’m a CSU Student
Undergraduate and graduate students contribute to research throughout NREL.
Depending on the project and available funding, students may have opportunities to:
- Work on NREL research projects
- Assist with field, laboratory, modeling or data-analysis work
- Conduct undergraduate research
- Complete thesis or dissertation research with NREL-affiliated scientists
- Apply for student research positions
- Participate in internships and training programs
- Apply for NREL scholarships and fellowships
If you are interested in a particular subject, start by finding the NREL researchers who work in that area.
Start here: Browse NREL investigators and the NREL directory. You can also explore NREL scholarships and NASA DEVELOP.
For paid student employment, visit CSU’s jobs website for instructions on finding student positions through Handshake and Workday.
I’m Considering Graduate School
NREL is a research laboratory rather than a degree-granting academic department. Graduate students generally become involved with NREL through a CSU academic department or graduate program and conduct research with NREL-affiliated faculty and scientists.
If you are considering graduate study:
- Browse NREL investigators.
- Identify researchers whose work matches your interests.
- Review their CSU departmental and program affiliations.
- Contact prospective advisors about research and funding opportunities.
- Apply through the appropriate CSU graduate program.
Start here: Explore NREL investigators.
I’m Looking for a Postdoctoral Opportunity
Postdoctoral researchers work across NREL projects in areas ranging from ecosystem modeling and biogeochemistry to remote sensing, conservation and social-ecological systems.
Postdoctoral opportunities depend on active projects and available funding.
Start here: Search current openings through CSU’s Prospective Employees website and browse NREL investigators to identify research groups that align with your expertise.
I Just Want a Job at NREL
NREL employs more than scientists.
The laboratory’s work is supported by research scientists, research associates, project managers, laboratory professionals, information technology specialists, administrative and business staff, student employees and other professionals.
Open positions are posted through Colorado State University.
Start here: Visit CSU’s Prospective Employees website to search current openings.
If you are already a CSU employee, use the Jobs Hub in Workday to search and apply for internal positions.
I’m Interested in NASA DEVELOP
The Colorado location of NASA DEVELOP is co-hosted by NREL and the U.S. Geological Survey Fort Collins Science Center.
DEVELOP offers paid, 10-week opportunities in which teams use NASA Earth observations, remote sensing and GIS to address real-world environmental and natural resource management questions.
There are two ways to get involved:
As a participant: DEVELOP welcomes applicants from a wide range of educational and career stages who want to build remote sensing, GIS, teamwork and science communication skills.
As a partner: Government agencies, nonprofits, private organizations, landowners and other organizations can propose management or policy questions that may be suitable for a DEVELOP project.
Start here: Learn about NASA DEVELOP at NREL.
I Need Laboratory or Analytical Services
NREL manages the EcoCore Analytical Facility, a CSU core facility available to researchers and clients both on and off campus.
EcoCore provides analytical capabilities and expertise for environmental samples, including soil, plants and water, with services related to elemental, molecular, microbial and isotopic analysis.
Researchers can submit samples for analysis, and in some cases receive training to use instruments directly.
Start here: Visit the EcoCore Analytical Facility to explore services, instruments and analytical capabilities.
I Want Help With Participatory Science
NREL’s CitSci program supports researchers, organizations and communities interested in involving people directly in scientific research.
CitSci provides online tools for building projects, engaging participants, collecting and managing data and supporting collaborative research.
NREL researchers also study participatory science itself and work with partners to develop projects, technologies and engagement approaches.
Start here: Visit CitSci or learn more about participatory science at NREL.
I Want to Support NREL
Financial support helps NREL advance ecosystem research, support students and researchers, sustain international collaborations and invest in new scientific opportunities.
You can support NREL research generally or contribute to specific student, research and program funds.
Start here: Learn about ways to support NREL or support NREL research.
I’m Not Sure Where I Fit
You do not need to know which NREL researcher, program or office you need before reaching out.
Tell us who you are, what you are interested in and what you hope to do, and we can help point you in the right direction.
Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499 USA