Undergraduate Research

Hands-on research infuses the traditional undergraduate curriculum with excitement. Through its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) summer program, NU-NSEC provides students with a glimpse into the life of a scientific researcher as well as opportunities to meet and work with world-renowned scientists.

Under the leadership of Professor Mark Hersam, REU is held for a nine-week period each summer. Participants engage in full-time research on a nanotechnology-related topic. They attend regular group meetings, which give them opportunities to share their progress and gain a broad overview on a wide array of scientific projects. Additional activities include tours of Northwestern facilities and laboratories, special lectures, field trips, technical writing workshops, a public speaking seminar, and a summer picnic.

At the end of the summer, each student completes a substantive research paper that is then submitted for publication in Nanoscape—the first undergraduate journal of nanotechnology in the country. Students also participate in the peer-review process. Each REU participant receives round-trip airfare, housing in Northwestern dormitories, and a stipend of $4,500.

Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, majoring in the physical sciences or engineering, with at least one year left to complete their degree. Participants are selected based upon academic achievement and scientific interests. Efforts are also made to include students from smaller schools where research equipment and opportunities might not be available and to encourage participation by young women and minorities.

You may download an application by clicking on the link below, email a request to nanotechnology@northwestern.edu, or call 847/467-4862. Deadline for application is February 22.

REU Application