Columbia University Summer Materials Research REU Program

Opportunity Description:

The joint Materials Research Center program at Columbia University and City College of NY (CCNY) supports outstanding undergraduates as Summer Research Fellows each year. In addition, a joint REU program between Columbia and the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) may have additional openings. Those selected will have an opportunity to participate fully in an interdisciplinary research program that draws faculty from the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, nearby government laboratories (Brookhaven National Laboratory, etc.), and industry (IBM, etc.).

Our materials research program encompasses two research thrusts around the theme of building higher dimensional materials from lower dimensional structures with unprecedented levels of control. The first thrust combines two-dimensional layered materials such as graphene into layered heterostructures; the second combines molecular ‘superatoms’ into three-dimensional solids.  Both thrusts are built around techniques pioneered by the team, and bring together researchers with diverse capabilities, strong accomplishments, and a record of collaboration. 

During the program, all REU students will also be involved in workshops, visits to local industry, recreational activities, a symposium of presentations by students, and other activities. It will include training in: laboratory practices and safety; shared materials characterization tools; and scientific writing/presentations. Students attend a weekly research seminar series by Columbia, CCNY and ASRC faculty, and present results at a daylong symposium at the end of the program.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

This program is open to undergraduates majoring in engineering disciplines, materials science, biology, chemistry, physics and related fields. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply.

Application Process: 

To apply, complete the following requirements:

1. Online application form submitted by the deadline
2. Unofficial college/university transcript uploaded to application
3. Personal statement essay (500 words maximum) describing:
   1. Your research interests and experience
   2. Which REU research area interests you and why
   3. Expectations for the summer
   4. Graduate school plans, and your career plans and goals
4. CV/Resume
5. Two recommendation letters from professors or lab supervisors (at least one should be from a math, science or engineering professor). Two letters are required to be submitted by the deadline.

Before submitting your application, please confirm all documents have uploaded correctly and are fully visible in the application.

Application deadline varies from year-to-year.