Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (“REUs”) are paid summer internships where students can work with faculty on research projects. These programs are funded by the National Science Foundation.

In an REU, you will

Be part of a small group of 8-10 student researchers
Work under the mentorship of a science faculty member
Receive training in research methods and professional development
Receive a stipend, room and board, and social activities

REUs are held all over the US, so there is one for you somewhere!

Hear from participants in SMU's Data Science for Social Good REU (2024):

REUs at SMU

SMU currently offers the following REU programs. Participants are also invited to participate in the Summer Research Intensive workshops and attend the Summer Research Symposium

NSF REU Site: Chemical Synthesis and Structures for a Better World
Award #2155170

ON HOLD FOR 2024

Faculty mentors: Anindita Das, Alex Lippert, Tomce Runcevski

Summer REU projects are available in the area of atomically precise nanoclusters, molecular materials, chemiluminescence imaging, 3D photopatterning, and other areas. Students can learn skills ranging from organic & inorganic synthesis, materials & solid-state chemistry, structural characterization, catalysis, optical spectroscopy, mammalian cell culture, microscopy/optics, and nanofabrication. More information can be found in the research group websites: Das Lab; Lippert Lab; Runcevski Lab.

$4000 stipend
On-campus room and board

Eligibility

Have not completed your undergraduate degree before January 2023
We encourage applications from historically marginalized groups and anyone excited about science

Applications close April 15
Feel free to reach out to faculty or apply online!

NSF REU Site:Data Science for Social Good in Dallas and Beyond

Award #2150505 *Awaiting Renewal

June 2 - July 25, 2025

Learn how to use data science tools for improving the lives of people. You will join a team of researchers using data to find solutions to pressing economic and environmental problems affecting neighborhoods in the city of Dallas, Texas.

$4800 stipend
On-campus room and board included

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Completed Sophomore of Junior Year of college with strong academic record
Major in math, statistics, computer science or related field and an interest in social science OR major in social science field and an interest in data science

We are now accepting applications for Summer 2025. Applications are due February 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

NSF REU/RTG Site: Modeling and Computations for Complex Systems.
Award #1840260

ON HOLD FOR 2024

There are two options for this REU:

Mathematics REU 1: Modeling transport processes in micro- and nanoscale systems

June 18– June 30, 2023

Faculty Mentors: Vladimir Ajaev and Scott Norris

Research projects involve modeling and simulation of complex processes of transport of heat, mass, and electrical charge in configurations with micro- and nanoscale features such as structured surfaces, nanopores, and microfluidic channels. Some of the projects will be in collaboration with Lyle School of Engineering.

$1200 stipend
Up to $600 travel reimbursement
On-campus room and board included
You may apply to attend both Mathematics REU 1 and REU 2

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have not have completed your undergraduate degree before January 2023.
We encourage applications from women and other groups traditionally underrepresented in mathematics.

Applications close March 27

Mathematics REU 2: Complex Systems

July 5- July 15, 2023

Faculty Mentors: Alejandro Aceves and Brian Choi

Research projects will center on modeling complex systems in the broadest sense. We will identify projects in diverse areas of applications in science and engineering.

$1200 stipend
Up to $600 travel reimbursement
On-campus room and board included
You may apply to attend both Mathematics REU 1 and REU 2

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have not have completed your undergraduate degree before January 2023.
We encourage applications from women and other groups traditionally underrepresented in mathematics.

Applications close March 27