Other Summer Research Opportunities

Off-Campus Summer 2009 Research Opportunities
Last updated February 16, 2009

There are numerous research opportunities available for undergraduate students around the country. The sponsors of this research include academic institutions, government agencies and private or public companies. Some of the programs are very small and informal while some are quite large and well organized. They can also have specific research areas targeted or be open to a variety of research interests. Each is unique in terms of requirements, compensation (including whether room and board or even travel to the site is included), duration, etc.

One way to find information is to go to a department at Holy Cross and check out fliers posted for summer undergraduate research opportunities in that field.

Other programs can be found in a variety of ways. If you know someone who works in a place you think you might like to work, it doesn't hurt to ask about summer opportunities.

Certainly a very good way to find out about opportunities like this is via the web.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) is a general listing of many nation-wide undergraduate research opportunities. It is maintained by the University of California, Irvine. Visit their web site where you’ll find a search engine allowing you to locate a summer research program according to a discipline of interest

Below are additional listings for the Summer of 2009. The opportunities are listed by the stated deadline (nearest are first).

Caltech's MURF program provides support for talented undergraduates to spend 8-10 weeks during the summer working in a research laboratory on the Caltech campus. MURF students will work in the laboratory of a Caltech faculty member or a JPL technical staff member in a research area matched to the interests expressed in the student's application. Guidance and supervision of the research project will be provided by the faculty member along with a postdoctoral fellow and/or advanced graduate student. For further information and to access the online application, please visit the MURF web site. The application deadline is January 12, 2009.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is offering an REU program for the summer of 2009 in high energy density physics. More information can be found at http://internships.llnl.gov/hed_physics/. The application deadline is January 18, 2009.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) has a summer internship program at the LPI or NASA Johnson Space Center. More information can be found at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/lpiintern. The application deadline is January 23, 2009.

National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Summer Student Research Assistants conduct research under the supervision of NRAO staff at one of three NRAO sites (Socorro, NM; Green Bank, WV; Charlottesville, VA) on a project in the supervisor's area of expertise. The project may involve and aspect of astronomy, including original research, instrumentation, telescope design, or astronomical software development. More information can be found at www.nrao.edu/students/. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2009.

Kitt Peak National Obseratory in Tucson, Arizona has 6 REU positions available for the summer of 2009. The KPN0 REU program provides an exceptional opportunity for undergraduates to engage in research activities with scientists working in the forefront of contemporary astrophysics. More information can be found at http://www.noao.edu/kpno/reu. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2009.

The Molecular Foundry, a national nanoscience user facility at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Is seeking enthusiastic, motivated undergraduate students in the physical and biological sciences to participate in a summer internship program. Apply for the SULI program by January 31, 2009 at http://www.scie.science.doe.gov/scied/ERULF/about.html.

2009 Junior Summer Abroad Research Program in Europe for Undergraduate U.S. Students. During this 8-week study abroad program, you will be exposed to international research, education and culture. In addition, you will be working in an experienced, collaborative research team to develop and apply algorithms and software for simulating reactions with organic materials that involve transitions between electronic states. Don't know exactly what kind of science this is? Well, if you have a chemistry background and an enthusiasm for learning new science, we will help you to become familiar with this exciting area of complex systems research that is becoming more important in the global environment. We offer 8 weeks at the University of Pisa, Italy: June 1 - July 24, 2009; $2,000 stipend; housing, food and air fare paid; extensive contact with graduate student mentors and professors; theoretical and computational chemistry research projects; training in cyberinfrastructure; assistance in helping the students arrange tours and outings; participation in a concluding workshop. To qualify, the candidate must be a United States citizen; must have completed the junior year of undergraduate study by summer 2009, but not the senior year majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer science, chemical engineering, materials science, or related discipline, with an interest in chemistry and/or scientific computing; must have completed one semester of physical chemistry or related course(s); particular attention will be paid to applicants considering graduate studies, with a theoretical/computational research interest in chemistry or other science and engineering disciplines. Visit their website for more information. Download applications here. Completed application must be submitted by January 31, 2009.

The Solar Physics research group of the Montana State University Department of Physics will offer REU positions during the summer of 2009. Most projects in this program involve analysis of data from solar space missions which are suitable for most students at the sophomore or junior level. More information can be found at http://solar.physics.montana.edu/reu. Deadline for application is February 1, 2009.

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program is designed to provide opportunities for undergraduates students to gain experience in medical physics by performing research in a medical physics laboratory or assisting with clinical service at a clinical facility. For more information visit their website. The application deadline is February 2, 2009.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), offers summer research experiences in programs designed to give undergraduates an opportunity to learn and become active participants in basic biological and biomedical research (NSF 10 fellowships - emphasis in cellular-molecular biology and genetics; NCI 15 fellowships. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org/summer. Application form available here. Application must be received by Roswell Park Cancer Institute by Monday, February 2, 2009.

The National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center will be conducting a summer student program for undergraduates at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rice. Areas of research include radar and radio astronomy and atmospheric science. Students interested in electronic instrumentation or computer science are also encouraged to apply. More information can be found a www.naic.edu/science/summer_set.htm. The application deadline is February 2, 2009.

In the summer of 2009, the Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) will offer its fifth Research Experience for Undergraduates Summer Program at Cornell University. For general information such as our REU research topics and program organization visit www.cns.cornell.edu/reu. The application deadline is February 3, 2009 and students will be notified about their application by March 6, 2009.

Cornell University is pleased to announce its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Observational Astronomy for the summer of 2009. The following web page contains more information and a link to the application form:http://astro.cornell.edu/specialprograms/reu/index.html. Application deadline is February 6, 2009.

The Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy, SARA, expects to host an REU program in the summer of 2009. Information and an online application can be found at www.astro.fit.edu/sara-reu. The application deadline is February 6, 2009.

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at CIC universities. The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities. The CIC SROP application allows you to apply to a variety of summer research programs at participating institutions using a single application. More information and an application can be found at their website. Applications for Summer 2009 will be accepted November 1, 2008 until February 10, 2009.

Brigham Young University has REUs available in a number of areas including optics, computer modeling, plasmas, solid state and thin film science, acoustics, theory and astronomy. On-line applications here. The application deadline is February 10, 2009.

The 2009 National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (2009 NNIN REU) sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NNIN and Industry. During the summer of 2009, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates (NNIN REU) Program from June through August. We are looking for engineering and science students with broad interests across disciplines focusing on nanotechnology. Minority and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply, along with students with no previous research experience. Visit their website for more information. APPLICATION DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH, 2009 - ONLINE options go offline* (application and recommendations options); 8:00 PM EST, 5:00 PM PST; WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2009 - All application materials must be RECEIVED by this date. All materials may be faxed on this date but MUST be followed up with mailed originals. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2009 - Award Process Begins.

The laboratories of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) will conduct a joint REU program during the summer of 2009. Opportunities exist in all areas of the country, across a broad range of science and technology. More information can be found at www.nnin.org. The application deadline is February 11, 2009.

This summer Maryland Sea Grant will offer 13 undergraduates the opportunity to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay. We invite applications from undergraduates in diverse disciplines, including engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, ecology and marine and environmental science. To apply visit www.mdsg.umd.edu/Education/REU/. The application deadline is February 12, 2009.

The University of Minnesota has REUs in Mechanical Engineering. The program is designed for students who have completed their sophomore or junior year in engineering, physics, math, chemistry, biology or related fields. Research topics include medical device design, air quality and pollution control, engines and diesel research, energy, and nanotechnology. More information can be found at www.me.umn.edu/research/reu.shtml. The application deadline is February 13, 2009.

The University of Akron College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering offers a competitive summer research experience for undergraduate (REU) students. Students will participate in a 12-week summer internship to investigate a fundamental question within the broad field of polymer science, involving either theory, simulations, and modeling of polymer properties, polymer synthesis and kinetics, polymer engineering or physical properties of polymers. Visit their website for more information and an application. Application deadline: February 15, 2009.

APS and IBM will co-sponsor a research internship program for undergraduate women in physics and related fields in the summer of 2008. Visit the website for complete details on the program and how to apply. Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2009.

Caltech's Amgen Scholars program introduces students to research under the guidance of veteran researchers. For more information about the Amgen Scholars Program go to www.amgenscholars.caltech.edu. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

Physics and astronomy undergraduates who are currently sophomores or juniors are invited to apply for the Seyfert Prize Fellowship in the Department of Astronomy at Case Western Reserve University. The Fellowship will support one student each summer to come to Cleveland and work on cutting-edge astronomical research with a CWRU faculty member. More info can be found at http://astronomy.case.edu/seyfertprize.shtml. Applications should be mailed or emailed no later than February 15, 2009.

University of Nebraska's summer program offers research opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. A complete listing of programs and descriptions of the research projects available can be found at http://www.unl.edu/summerprogram/research.shtml. Applications are due February 15, 2009.

NASA seeks highly motivated undergraduates for participation in a Summer 2009 research program in Earth system science using its DC-8 flying laboratory. The program is managed by the National Suborbital Education and Research Center at the University of North Dakota. More information can be found at http://www.nserc.und.edu/learning/. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

The International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University is offering a Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in nanotechnology. For more information and to get an application visit www.nsec.northwestern.edu/REU.htm. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

The Materials Research Center at Northwestern University offers a 9-week, paid summer research experience for undergraduates. The students are paired up with some of the leading research professors in science and engineering fields. Research areas include ceramics, polymers, nanocomposites, photonics, nanoparticles, molecular electronics and biomaterials. Students currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in science or engineering who are US citizens or permanent residents are eligible. For more information visit their web site. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

The University of Oklahoma has REU opportunities in Physics and Astronomy. Areas of research include astronomy and astrophysics, atomic, molecular & chemical physics, high energy particle physics, and condensed matter physics. More information can be found at http://physics.ou.edu/reuhome/. The application deadline is February 15, 2008.

Penn State has an REU program for students with interests in environmental science and engineering through the Center for Environmental Kinetics Analysis (CEKA). More information can be found at http://www.ceka.psu.edu/ps_reu.htm. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

The Rice Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering is offering two summer internship programs, one in bionanotechnology and one in cellular engineering. More information can be found at http://cohesion.rice.edu/naturalsciences/hhmi/index.cfm?doc_id=10945 and http://cohesion.rice.edu/naturalsciences/nsfreu/index.cfm?doc id=11338. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

The Synchrotron Radiation Center (SRC), funded by the National Science Foundation, is offering a summer research opportunity for undergraduates. The SRC uses an electron storage ring to provide synchrotron light as a tool for doing scientific research. It is located southeast of Madison, Wisconsin. For more information including eligibility requirements and abstracts of previous projects visit our website at http://www.src.wisc.edu/outreach/SRC-REU.htm. The application deadline is February 15, 2009.

Pennsylvania State University NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program: Astrobiology Summer Program. Dates: 8th June to 14th August, 2009. Program details: There will be independent research under the guidance of one or more astrobiologists, a field trip to NASA and astrobiology-related sites around Washington, D.C., weekly seminars, laboratory tours, stargazing opportunities, discussion group, and a research symposium. Expenses: Travel and living expenses will be covered and participants will receive, in addition, a stipend of $4000 for the summer. Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents between their sophomore and senior years at a college or university other than Penn State (exceptional applicants between their freshman and sophomore years will be considered). Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a research interest in astrobiology and be contemplating a career in science. College graduates are not eligible. Participants: Up to ten students will be selected from among the applicants. Visit their website for more information. Application deadline: Review of applications will begin February 15th, 2009.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is looking for highly talented students with interest and background in science, engineering, and math to contribute in small research groups that are exploring fundamental biomedical questions in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary culture. Up to eight full-time undergraduate positions are available for summer 2009. Housing is provided on campus, plus travel expenses and a $4,500 stipend. Janelia Farm is located in Ashburn, Virginia, where the $500 million campus opened in October 2006. For more information visit http://www.hhmi.org/janelia/undergrad.html. Application deadline is February 16, 2009.

The Bradley Hospital, Brown University affiliated Sleep Research Laboratory in Providence announces research apprenticeships available for the summer of 2009 for NIH-sponsored research: the William C Dement Summer Sleep and Chronobiology Research Apprenticeship. This fellowship is intended for undergraduate students interested in an intense full-summer (May 26 through August 20) experience in a human sleep research laboratory Recent graduates or doctoral students may apply as well. The apprenticeship funds travel and registration to the APSS meeting and a stipend. The application deadline is February 20, 2009. Interested students should consult http://www.sleepforscience.org/academic/apprenticeship,php for additional information and application materials

<UCLA Physics and Astronomy Department is offering students an opportunity to work closely with top scientists in their field. You will chose projects from plasma and beam physics, solid state physics, astrophysics, and high-energy physics. Apply online at http://reu.physics.ucla.edu. The application deadline is February 20, 2009.

The Research Internships in Science and Engineering Program (RISE) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), run by the Materials Research Laboratory, provides an opportunity for students from all over the country to travel to UCSB and work in a research laboratory for 10 weeks. Internships span an array of fields including materials, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, computer science, and mechanical engineering. Applications and information on the program can be found at http://www.mrl.ucsb.edu/RISE. The application deadline is February 20, 2009.

Notre Dame has an REU program for physics majors. Areas of research include astronomy, astrophysics, atomic physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, high energy and elementary particle physics, nuclear physics and theoretical physics. More information can be found at http://physics.nd.edu/reu/index.html. The application deadline is February 20, 2009.

Pennsylvania State University NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program:
Summer Research Program in Electrical Engineering. Goals: Providing high quality and balanced research activities in electrical engineering to enable participation and to stimulate interests in future research careers for talented and diversified domestic undergraduate students. Program Dates: May 26, 2009 - July 24, 2009. Visit website for more information. Application Deadline: February 20, 2009.

Each summer the Space Telescope Science Institute brings 15 to 20 students to Baltimore, Maryland, for our Summer Student Program (SSP). The SSP lasts ten weeks, from mid-June to mid-August. SSP students work with STScI researchers and staff one-on-one in projects ranging from astronomical research to science writing, software development. and preparation of scientific data for public release. The SSP is oriented around upper division undergraduates, but we have had students from all academic levels and a broad variety of backgrounds. There are no restrictions on who may apply, and the SSP is open to foreign students. Complete information may be found at: http://www.stsci.edu/institute/sd/students. The application deadline is February 20, 2009.

Coe College has a 10-week REU program focuses on spectroscopy in the areas of Optics, Materials Science, Acoustics, Gas Phase Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Chemical Synthesis. More information can be found at http://www.public.coe.edu/departments/Chemistry/reu/reu.shtml. The application deadline is February 27, 2009.

Montana State University will also offer REU positions during the summer of 2009 in Condensed Matter and LASER physics. More information can be found at http://www.physics.montana.edu/reu. The application deadline is February 27, 2009.

The National Undergraduate Fellowship Program in Plasma Physics and Fusion Energy Sciences provides outstanding undergraduates with an opportunity to conduct research in the disciplines that comprise the plasma sciences in general and fusion research in particular. The Program is administered by the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Find more information at http://science-education.pppl.gov/Nuf/Index.html. The application deadline is February 27, 2009.

Washington State University is offering REUs for the summer 2009. Research areas include Bose-Einstein condensation, chaos and complexity, high-pressure physics, materials and optics, and physical acoustics. More information can be found at physics.wsu.edu/reu.htm. The application deadline is February 27, 2009.

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) has announced that the American Psychological Foundation (an affiliate of the APA) is supporting a summer fellowship in the field of psychology in 2009. Applications for student summer internships are done through the faculty mentor. Visit their website for more information. The deadline for application is March 1, 2009.

Hope College is offering a number of REUs in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Nursing, Physics and Engineering, Psychology and Science Education for the summer of 2009. More information and an online application can be found at http://sharp.hope.edu. Students should apply by March 1, 2009.

The REU program at Penn State gives visiting undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in frontier materials physics and materials research at a major research facility. Visit website for application at http://www.phys.psu.edu/undergraduate/research/reu/non_up.html. Selection of candidates begins on March 1, 2009.

The Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM) and the Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) are sponsoring research opportunities for undergraduate students in Materials Science and Engineering. For more information on the PRISM/PCCM Research Experiences for Undergraduates and the online application, please visit http://www.princeton.edu/~pccm/outreach/reu.htm. Application deadline is March 1, 2009.

The University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography is offering summer undergraduate research fellowships in oceanography, SURFO. More information and applications can be found at http://espo.gso.uri.edu/~surfo. The application deadline is March 1, 2009.

Stony Brook University invites undergraduates Physics majors to apply for 2009 REU Physics Summer Program. More information can be found at www.stonybrook.edu/ureca/physicsreu.htm. Admissions will be on a rolling basis beginning March 1, 2009.

The University of Washington, Seattle is offering REUs with projects in Astrophysics, Cosmology, Atomic Physics, Nuclear Physics, Condensed Matter, Particle Physics, and Biological Physics. Apply online at www.int.washington.edu/REU. The application deadline is March 1, 2009.

Physics REU at The College of William & Mary this summer will provide opportunities for joining in research not only on the Williamsburg campus, but also at nearby Jefferson National Accelerator Laboratory & NASA Langley Research Center. To apply: go to http://www.wm.edu/physics/reu/reu.php. Although there is not a firm deadline date, application materials should be completed by March 1, 2009.

The UNLV Physics Department is accepting applications for their summer REU program. The program offers research opportunities in areas including experimental atomic, molecular and laser physics; experimental condensed matter physics; high pressure science; and astrophysics. More information can be found at www.physics.unlv.edu/reu/. The application deadline is March 3, 2009.

Lehigh University is offering REUs in physics for the summer of 2009. More information and an online application can be found at http://www.lehigh.edu/~inreu/reu/index.html. The application deadline is March 7, 2009.

The Cornell Center for Materials Research is offering a summer program with stipend. Students will work with Cornell faculty on interdisciplinary materials research projects and will also participate in an organized program of lectures, mini-courses, laboratory visits and recreational activities. More information can be found at http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/reu. The deadline for applications is March 10, 2009.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy of Michigan State University is seeking interested students to participate in the REU Program during the summer 2008. The REU program will provide opportunities for 20 students to engage in research in nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, high energy physics and astrophysics. More information and an application can be found at www.pa.msu.edu/reu/. The application deadline is March 14, 2009.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has REUs in Electronic Materials, Biophysics & Biomaterials, Nanomaterials, Laser & Optical Materials, Planetary Materials, High Pressure Materials Research, Computational Materials Research, and Biosensors. Visit their website for more information. The application deadline is March 15, 2009.

Ohio Wesleyan University is pleased to announce a new REU site beginning this summer. The topic of the site is Interdisciplinary Scientific Computation, which consists of research projects in astronomy, computer science, mathematics/statistics, and physics. More information can be found at http://reu.owu.edu/. The application deadline is March 18, 2009.