Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates

June 23 - August 22, 2008

Application Deadline: February 15, 2008

The Northwestern University Materials Research Science & Engineering Center offers a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program over a 9-week period each summer. The program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents majoring in materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Participants traditionally represent schools and universities across the country. Each participant is paired up with a Center faculty based on mutual research interests. Furthermore, a graduate student or postdoctoral associate mentor will work closely with the undergraduate.

For an overview of Center research, please view the MRSEC research and highlights websites. Past projects have included polymer nanocomposites, nanopyramid fabrications, synthesis of functional molecules, electronic band structure calculations and granular material experiments. A list of some previous projects is available. A range of projects each summer is available both in experimental and theoretical/simulation fields.

The participants write a technical paper at the end of the summer and give a 15-minute presentation on their research at a symposium that is open to the public. Other activities include a field trip to a national lab (Argonne or Fermilab), a beach party, a panel discussion about graduate school as well as seminars by Northwestern faculty. On-campus housing is offered to all participants, so you may be living on the same hallway as your colleagues. Chicago is only a half an hour away with easily accessible public transportation and the Taste of Chicago takes place in early July.

REU participants receive a stipend of $4,000, plus on-campus housing and a travel allowance. The program dates for the summer of 2008 are June 23 to August 22. Since our start date is later than most other REU programs, this is the perfect summer program for students whose schools are on the quarter-system! The application deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008.

To apply:
1) Fill out the online application form. This includes writing a Personal Statement describing your academic and research goals and any previous research experiences. (200-250 words)
2) Mail in an official college transcript.
3) Arrange to have 2 letters of recommendation sent to us (e-mail or hard copy).

Send all application materials to mrc@northwestern.edu or:

Materials Research Center
Attn: REU
2145 Sheridan Rd. TECH K111
Evanston, IL, 60208

Women and members of under-represented minority groups are encouraged to apply.
For further information, contact Klara Mueggenburg, mrc@northwestern.edu, 847-491-3606.

Summer 2007 Participants and Program Director at the Closing Symposium