Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are programs that are designed to help students conduct meaningful research and learn how to be successful graduate students. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), REUs are an opportunity to pursue independent research projects at an outside university. Students work closely with a mentor at their host institution and often participate in conferences or talks at the end of the summer. Please note: Applications for CRC’s C-StREAM program are now available! If you are thinking about applying for an REU program, please consider also applying for C-StREAM, as we may be able to help with funding and placing you with a mentor.
All CRC member institutions offer REU programs:
Penn State University
The Penn State Climate Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program aims to bring together a diverse group of undergraduates in an environment where they can learn to pose climate research questions, answer them, and communicate findings by using cutting edge tools and the scientific method. The 10-week program provides undergraduates with a research experience in climate science as close as possible to what they can expect in graduate school.
Website (due February 15th)
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
SERC hosts an REU focused on Global Change Ecology. Students will pursue an independent project and will learn a variety of research techniques. At the end of the summer, students present their findings at a formal seminar to the SERC community. SERC also provides seminars with outside speakers and trips to Smithsonian museums and galleries throughout the summer.
Website (due February 15th)
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Each summer, 12-15 undergraduates are paired with faculty mentors and focus on marine science, including marine biology and ecology; biological, geological, chemical, and physical oceanography; environmental science; fisheries; and resource management. Some of VIMS’ resources include oceanographic instrumentation and analytical facilities, a large fleet of coastal research vessels, a world-class marine science library, and close proximity to a variety of habitats ranging from freshwater tributaries to the coastal ocean.
Website (due February 10th)
Johns Hopkins University
JHU offers an REU program in the rapidly-growing field of nanobiotechnology, where biology, medicine, and nanoscience come together. Applications open on November 10th. Students will participate in professional development workshops, poster presentations at a JHU symposium, an oral presentation, and trips to a variety of events.
Website (due February 1st)
JHU also hosts summer interns through the Rosetta Commons Summer Internships focusing on biomolecular structure and design. Interns spend one week at the Rosetta Code School, then spend eight weeks in a molecular modeling and design lab. At the end of the summer, interns attend the Rosetta Conference in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State to present their research in a poster and connect with Rosetta developers from around the world. Applications open on November 10th.
Website (due February 1st)
Students can also choose an REU with faculty from cell, molecular, and developmental biology, and biophysics. Students will work closely with faculty and graduate student mentors, prepare poster and oral talks, and take a trip to Washington, D.C.
Website (due February 3rd)
Finally, JHU offers an REU in computational sensing and medical robots. Projects are available in computer engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and computer science. Students will be mentored by a faculty member and a graduate student and will receive training on technical communication, oral presentation skills, and research ethics. The cohort will also take trips to other labs and will participate in a poster session. The application will likely be available in December.
Website (due February 17th)
University System of Maryland
USM has several REU programs across its campuses, but two in particular focus on marine research. The first is offered by Maryland Sea Grant and places students at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory and Horn Point Laboratory. Research areas include benthic environments, climate change, contaminants, environmental chemistry, estuarine processes, fisheries, modeling and analysis, molecular biology and genetics, and physical oceanography. Applications will enter in late November.
Website (due February 15th)
University of Maryland Eastern Shore also offers an REU focused on marine and estuarine science. The cohort will conduct research projects, take field trips, and attend seminars related to science careers.
Website (due February 28th)
Old Dominion University
ODU also has several REU programs across disciplines, but two in particular are focused on biological sciences. In the Department of Ocean, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, students will focus on issues of climate change and sea level rise in a coastal urban environment. This year, students will also be able to work on projects related to coastal resiliency.
Website (due March 1st)
ODU also offers an REU on clean fuels. The goal of the project is to develop undergraduates to be the energy professionals of a sustainable society. Students participate in seminars, writing and communications trainings, field trips, and career development activities.
Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech hosts many REU programs, but two in particular are focused on water. At the Macromolecules Innovation Institute, students focus on food-energy-water systems and research on polymeric materials for food distribution, water efficient crop production, manufacturing concepts for water purification, etc. Students will build skills in interdisciplinary teamwork, communications, and leadership.
Website (due February 15th)
Virginia Tech also offers an REU on Interdisciplinary Water Sciences and Engineering. Students complete independent research and work on written and verbal communications skills, as well as attend field trips and weekly seminars.
Website (due February 15th)