Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

2009 Agenda
FAQs

The Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM) and the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) are sponsoring research opportunities for undergraduates in disciplines related to Materials Science summer of 2009, June 8 to August 7. Potential projects span a broad range of topics under the guidance of faculty from the departments of Physics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. The research topics are chosen each year to complement the research of faculty associated with the Princeton Center for Complex Materials.


Jacob Gayles (California State University Northridge) worked on Nonlinear Optics in Nonlocal Material	Courtney Sams (California State University Northridge) worked on Conformations of Solvated Divalent Metal Clusters	Dariya Momot (CUNY Brooklyn College) worked on Bio-Solar Hydrogen Production from Arthrospiramaxima

REU Program

The REU program is principally focused on providing students with the opportunity to carry out research at the forefront of materials science and engineering. A listing of suggested research topics with brief descriptions may be found at Suggested Research Projects from Summer 2008. In addition, we provide a proactive educational program consisting of short courses and lectures, designed to introduce students to the grand challenges of materials research. The schedule of events for the REU program in 2009 can be found at REU Summer Agenda 2009. Photos of the 2008 participants can be found at REU Participants 2008. A listing of 2008's research topics may be found at Research Projects Summer 2008.

Over the past several years two short courses have been offered each year with different topics, including: Ceramic Materials, Organic Films for Electronic Materials, Microscopy for Materials Characterization, Polymer Materials, Processing and Characterization of Colloidal Materials, Catalyst Materials, and Computational Materials Science. Special seminars also examine the role of science and engineering in society. Lab visits to both Princeton labs and industrial labs in the area are arranged.

The dates of the program for 2009 are June 8 to August 7 (9 weeks). Those students selected for the program will receive a stipend of $500 per week. Housing is available from Princeton University during the program, costing about $125 per week.

The deadline for applications for summer 2009 has passed

We encourage applications from students of all science and engineering disciplines. Those interested in applying to the program may do so by mail (to the address below), or on-line (REU on-line application). Note: Please us the latest version of Internet Explorer with javascript enabled to submit this form. If you experience problems submitting the form, please contact the REU coordinator at sswilley@princeton.edu.

Required application materials:

Online application

One letter of recommendation

Official transcript

On-line applications are preferred. Please note, if submitting your application on-line, an email will be automatically generated and sent to the faculty member you provide asking for a letter of recommendation to be sent via email. No resume is necessary if you are applying on-line.

All applicants should mail an official hard copy of your college transcript to the address below. When describing your research interests in your application, it is important to be explicit about the research areas that interest you, and we will then make an effort to find the best match between potential research projects and your research interests.

Only if you are unable to apply online, please apply by mail. Mailed (not on-line) applications should include:

a resume
a short essay describing research areas of interest to you, and relevant courses you've taken in those areas
at least one letter of recommendation
an official copy of your college transcript

The deadline for applications has been extended to March 18, 2009. Selection of participants will be made beginning in mid-February and continuing until early April. Those selected for the program will be notified by email, with information about a potential research topic and research mentor. Students are encouraged to contact the Faculty Advisors or Professor Jay Benziger if in need of further information or assistance.

International Students Click Here

All application information that cannot be submitted electronically should be mailed to:

Princeton Center for Complex Materials
Princeton University
Attn: Shannon Swilley
70 Prospect Avenue, Bowen Hall
Princeton, NJ 08540-5211

FAX: (609) 258-1177

Inquiries may be addressed to:

Jay Benziger
Faculty Advisor
Phone: 609 258-5416

Shannon Swilley
REU Coordinator
Phone: 609 258-8830

Dan Steinberg
Director of Education Outreach
Phone: 609 258-5598

2009's information:

Agenda