Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) REU

Opportunity Description:

The University of Chicago offers undergraduates the opportunity to gain research experience working in the laboratory or research group of MRSEC  faculty members. Our REU participants are selected from a nationwide pool. Highly selective, with a <10% acceptance rate, this program has provided us with a cohort of participants who benefit from the research experience, yet can simultaneously further our primary mission of research. We see this reflected in the significant number of REU student co-authored publications resulting from their summer research efforts. Of the  REU students enrolled since 1995, ~75% have gone on to graduate studies in fields related to materials science or expressed an intent to apply upon completion of their undergraduate degrees.

During the summer REU students are immersed in the University of Chicago research culture. They receive safety and ethics training as well as a number of enrichment opportunities to interact with graduate students/ faculty members and explore the city of Chicago. REU students attend seminars several mornings a week given by faculty and graduate students from across the Materials Centerand Physics. Guided tours of the nearby National Laboratories further broaden students' exposure to state-of-the art materials research. Each student also has the opportunity to present a seminar on their summer research during the last two weeks of the program, and prepares a written report.

As registered University students, summer REU students are afforded full University privileges for the duration of the program, with access to the libraries, athletic facilities, and substantial discounts to University-sponsored social and cultural events.

The stipend for the full ten-week (June 6 through August 13, 2022) program is $6,000. Housing is provided, and there is a modest travel expense reimbursement (flights and personal vehicles only (not rental cars)--both reimbursed only up to the cost of typical round-trip economy airfare w/o extras).

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

Participants should be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in (but not yet graduated from) an accredited undergraduate college degree program with a concentration in a materials science related field.

Application Process: 

To apply, please fill out the online web application.

Application deadline: February 15, 2022

Application Deadline: