Research Experiences for Undergraduates

The program is open to 10 students during a 10-week summer research program and features:

• Support from a mentoring team of PME researchers;
• Immersion in the University’s research culture, including faculty research seminars and lab safety and ethics training;
• Science communication training and the opportunity to present your work to the University community and the general public through a partnership with local museums;
• Resources and support for the graduate school application process; and
• Guidance preparing a written report of your work, and optional follow-through support beyond the summer to write technical reports and prepare a paper for submission to a conference.

Applications for the Summer 2024 program are now open. 

Based on students' preferences and faculty availability, each student will be assigned a faculty mentor and a graduate student/postdoc supervisor and will design a research project in close consultation with those mentors. Active participation in that research project will be the main focus of the summer experience, and students will be expected to participate in research for 40 hours per week for the full 10 weeks. 

Possible research project areas include self-assembling polymers for nanomanufacturing, immune system engineering to prevent and treat diseases, quantum material development for next-generation information and sensing technologies, and molecular-level energy storage and harvesting tools and techniques. Take a look at past participants' projects. 

PME REU Faculty

To be an REU participant, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident enrolled in (but not yet graduated from) an accredited undergraduate college degree program with a major in a STEM field.

We select REU program participants from a nationwide pool. Our target students share the following:

• Strong background in chemistry, physics, biology, or computer science as well as mathematics
• Sound past academic performance
• Interest in attending graduate school and pursuing a career in science
• Currently attending a college or university where research opportunities are limited

We also aim to increase participation by members of traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM (women, minorities) and first-generation college students. 

After you’re chosen to participate in the program, you’ll be registered at the University of Chicago (associated costs and fees will be covered by the program). Benefits include:

• $6,000 stipend
• Modest travel allowance
• Housing and meals for the duration of the program
• Access to libraries, athletic facilities, and substantial discounts to University-sponsored social and cultural events

To apply for the REU Program in Molecular Engineering, complete the online application by February 15, 2024. Successful candidates will be contacted by mid-March.