Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

At the University of Delaware, CHARM’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates provides full-time, 10-week summer research opportunities in innovative materials science and engineering. Participants in our highly collaborative and interdisciplinary program, which focuses on nature-inspired, computationally designed materials and tomorrow’s terahertz technologies, will be fully immersed in the research laboratories of CHARM faculty from the Departments of Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and Physics & Astronomy.

• • broaden their understanding of how materials research tackles tough design challenges impacting our everyday lives;
  • gain skills in computational and/or experimental materials research in a collaborative ecosystem; and,
  • cultivate a community of mentorship and professional development opportunities, including what it takes to move an idea from the lab to market and how to position yourself for grad school success.

For their work with us during the summer, CHARM REU students receive:

• • A $6,000 stipend
  • On-campus housing
  • Professional development workshops around STEM research and careers
  • Trips to local industry sites and national labs
  • A new network of resources to help you on your path

*Quotes below taken from post-program assessments.

Eligibility

Ideal applicants should:

• • Be a current sophomore or junior in a STEM program (graduating in 2026 or later)
    • Freshman applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered on special basis
  • Have a cumulative GPA > 3.00
  • Be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident of the US

Preference will be given to those candidates who have demonstrated an interest in soft and hard materials through their curriculum choices or extracurricular activities

Research Projects

Our REU offers a mix of experimental and computational opportunities in both soft and hard materials. Descriptions of our 2025 REU research projects can be viewed here once the application goes live. This list will be updated until the application closes as new projects are identified.

Application Materials

In PDF format, you will need the following materials when filling out our online application:

1. 1. Your updated resume or CV
   2. A copy of your current transcript
      • • Unofficial transcripts are accepted
   3. A letter of recommendation sent directly to Program Coordinator, Joseph Madanat at jmadanat@udel.edu
      • • A research or teaching faculty member is preferred, if possible
   4. A personal essay (500 word, 1 page maximum) discussing the following prompts:
      • • What research areas are you focused on right now? How could they apply to the field of materials science?
        • How will spending your summer with CHARM’s REU program help you in your research/academic/career goals?

All application materials for our priority deadline must be submitted by 11:59 pm on February 15^th, 2025.
Applications are accepted after this deadline, however, applications submitted before the deadline are prioritized.

** REU 2025 Application will go live on December 1, 2024. **

After Admission

Notifications of acceptance will begin in March and continue until all slots are filled. Those not accepted into the program will be notified as soon as possible, by April 15ᵗʰ at the latest.

For those accepted to the 2024 CHARM REU cohort, notifications of lab project placement will be sent closer to the start of the program. Our 2024 program runs for 10 weeks starting on June 3ʳᵈ.

COVID-19: What you need to know

Please keep in mind that although we are planning for a fully in-person experience in 2024, we continue to monitor the status of the pandemic. We will be following campus and State of Delaware recommendations to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and local community. Applicants must be prepared to comply with University of Delaware COVID-19 requirements for campus visitors. Thank you for prioritizing public safety alongside us.