As climate change intensifies, carbon sequestration—the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to prevent it from contributing to global warming—has become a cornerstone of mitigation strategies. Biomass, referring to organic materials derived from plants such as crops, trees, and agricultural residues, plays a pivotal role here. Through growth, biomass naturally absorbs CO2 via photosynthesis, locking it away in plant tissues, soils, and wood products. Advanced techniques like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), biochar production, and sustainable forestry amplify this potential, turning biomass into a renewable resource for negative emissions.

In the United States, universities are at the forefront, offering hands-on research internships that immerse undergraduate and graduate students in this vital work. These programs bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, addressing real-world challenges like scaling bioenergy crops for maximum carbon uptake or optimizing soil carbon storage. With federal funding from agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE) and partnerships across institutions, these opportunities are expanding rapidly.

🌿 Why Pursue a University Internship in Biomass Carbon Sequestration?

Participating in a university-led research internship provides unparalleled benefits. Students gain expertise in field sampling, laboratory analysis, data modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration—skills highly sought in the green economy. For instance, interns often quantify carbon stocks in bioenergy crops like switchgrass or miscanthus, which can sequester up to 8-15 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, according to studies from the DOE's Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).

These programs also foster networks with leading faculty and industry partners, paving the way for graduate school admissions or jobs in sustainability consulting, renewable energy firms, or government roles. Moreover, with the US aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, biomass research addresses policy priorities outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates billions for carbon management innovations.

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like CRISPR gene editing for enhanced biomass yields.
• Contribution to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Stipends ranging from $6,000 to $6,500, plus housing and travel support in many cases.
• Exposure to diverse ecosystems, from Midwest farmlands to Pacific Northwest forests.

RISE: Research Internship in Sustainable Bioenergy by CABBI

The Center for Advanced Bioenergy Research (CABBI), a DOE-funded consortium, runs the flagship Research Internship in Sustainable Bioenergy (RISE) program. Hosted at eight US universities including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, RISE targets undergraduates with at least two semesters completed.

Over 10 weeks from late May to late July, interns tackle projects directly tied to biomass carbon sequestration. Examples include assessing soil carbon cycling under sorghum cultivation, optimizing microbial biomass for nutrient uptake in miscanthus, and developing catalysts for converting biomass into sustainable aviation fuels. These efforts aim to boost the carbon sequestration potential of perennial grasses, which store more soil organic carbon than annual row crops.

For more details, visit the RISE program page. Applications for 2026 close February 15, with a $6,000 stipend, housing, and travel provided.

GLBRC Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Michigan State University

Michigan State University's Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) offers a competitive 10-week Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), running May 17 to July 25 in 2026. Open to students nationwide, it emphasizes plant-soil-microbe interactions crucial for biomass production and carbon sequestration.

Interns might evaluate mixed-linkage glucan in CRISPR-modified sorghum for improved biomass yield, or study how switchgrass roots enhance soil carbon storage through microbial communities. Techniques include X-ray computed tomography for root imaging, amplicon sequencing, and greenhouse experiments. With a $6,500 stipend, this program has trained hundreds, many advancing to PhDs in bioenergy fields.

Deadline: February 1, 2026. Learn more via the GLBRC site.

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

MASBio Summer Scholars: Sustainable Bioproducts Innovation

Led by West Virginia University, the Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Bioproducts Initiative (MASBio) Summer Scholars program hosts undergraduates at partner institutions like Penn State and Virginia Tech for June-July research. Past projects include biochar's role in soil microbial activity and GHG emissions monitoring—key to enhancing carbon sequestration in biomass systems.

In 2025, six scholars explored lignin depolymerization and low-grade wood assessments, building toward circular bioeconomies. While 2026 details are pending, expect similar focus on biomass thermal treatments and hybrid renewable systems. This program stands out for its educator toolkits, extending impact to K-12 outreach.

Check MASBio education page for updates.

Additional University Opportunities Across the US

Beyond these, Princeton University's High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) funds undergrad internships (Princeton students primarily) on forest carbon monitoring and soil organic carbon retention. The University of Washington's School of Environmental and Forest Sciences (SEFS) conducts biomass-to-biofuels research, often integrating undergrads via REU programs.

Oregon State University's Branch Experiment Station internships cover agroforestry carbon dynamics, while directories like PathwaysToScience.org list dozens more, including DOE's Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) at national labs partnering with universities.

Essential Skills Developed in These Internships

Interns master step-by-step processes: from planting bioenergy crops and measuring aboveground/belowground biomass, to analyzing soil cores for organic carbon via elemental analyzers, and modeling sequestration using tools like DayCent. Safety training covers lab protocols and fieldwork in variable weather.

• Field: GPS mapping, biomass harvesting, eddy covariance for flux measurements.
• Lab: DNA extraction, enzyme assays, pyrolysis for biochar production.
• Computational: GIS for carbon mapping, Python/R for data analysis.
• Soft skills: Team presentations, grant writing basics.

These equip participants for roles in the $100+ billion US bioeconomy projected by 2030.

Navigating Applications: Tips for Standing Out

1. Research programs deeply—tailor resumes to specific projects, e.g., prior plant bio coursework for GLBRC.
2. Craft personal statements highlighting passion for climate solutions and relevant experience like volunteering on farms.
3. Secure strong faculty recommendations early.
4. Apply early; deadlines cluster in January-February.
5. Prepare for virtual interviews demonstrating analytical thinking.

Diversity is prioritized; underrepresented groups often receive extra support.

Photo by Mauro Romero on Unsplash

Career Trajectories and Impact

Alumni enter PhD programs at top unis, join USDA ARS as soil scientists, or work at firms like Climeworks on BECCS scaling. With US forests and croplands holding 50+ gigatons of carbon potential, these experts drive policy and innovation.

Long-term, internships contribute to goals like sequestering 1 billion tons of CO2 yearly via biomass, per DOE estimates.

Future Horizons in Biomass Research

Emerging trends include genetic engineering for hyper-accumulating crops and AI-optimized plantations. Challenges like land use competition persist, but university research tests sustainable models, ensuring biomass supports food security while sequestering carbon.

Stakeholders from farmers to policymakers benefit, with actionable insights like extended forest rotations boosting storage by 20-30% in Pacific Northwest models from UW SEFS.