Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Overview

Paid 10-weeks of summer research at the University of Rochester (UR) beginning in late May, annually. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for undergraduates from any institution in the United States.

The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity supports students through academic advising, tutoring, courses, and program coordination for various professional social and academic programs including five NSF REU programs.

2024 REU Program Dates

Begins May 28, 2024 and concludes August 3, 2024

The different 2024 REU offerings at the University of Rochester are depicted on a picture of campus with the University of Rochester logo

The graphic depicts the five different REU offerings at the University of Rochester for 2024. Those include Chemistry, Data Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics and Photonics. The tiles of each REU are depicted in the graphic and are also listed below.

2024 University of Rochester REU Offerings

Chemistry:

Chemistry Research for Medicine and Energy

Data Science:

Computational Methods for Understanding Music, Media, and Minds *pending NSF funding decision

Electrical Computer Engineering:

Imaging in Medicine and Biology for Underrepresented Minorities

Physics:

Physics and Astrophysics

Photonics:

Nanophotonics, Quantum Photonics, and Vision/Biomedical Optics at University of Rochester

Each UR REU Includes

  • $5,500 - 6,000 Research stipend (department dependent)
  • Travel reimbursement
  • On-campus housing
  • Faculty mentor and Kearns advisor
  • Professional development workshops
  • GRE test and Personal Statement preparation class
  • Graduate school preparation class
  • Community building and social events
  • Opportunity to present your work at a conference-style summer symposium

The University of Rochester operates on a personal scale, creating exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close work with faculty. Explore how graduate study or industry work fit into your future at UR! Complete your summer with new skills and an enhanced vision of yourself as a researcher, collaborator, and mentor to others.

Information Sessions/Webinars

The Kearns Center hosted information sessions via zoom for prospective Summer 2024 REU students on 11/29 & 11/30. Webinar discussions centered around an overview of the REU structure and programming, application timeline, details about housing, transportation and stipends. 

Additional Zoom discussions have been scheduled for early January 2024.

  • January 3, 2024 1-2 PM
  • January 8, 2024 4-5 PM
  • January 11, 2024 from 12-1 PM

Interested in attending? Please fill out our webinar interest form to receive an emailed RSVP link!

Webinar Interest Form

Eligibility

Eligible undergraduate students must be:

  • U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or U.S. Permanent Residents
  • Enrolled in any undergraduate program leading toward a bachelor’s or associate degree at the time of participation in the REU

*UR REUs prioritize applicants from institutions other than UR

Applying

Each REU program has its own deadline. Most applications will open in November and close in January/February. Please check individual REU websites for details.

Application materials typically include:

  • Online (ETAP) application
  • Personal statement
  • Two references
  • Resume or CV
  • Transcripts

Accepted applicants will be notified in the beginning of March.

All University of Rochester REUs utilize the NSF ETAP application portal. Enter keyword "University of Rochester" to locate the application for any UR REU.

REU Milestones

Students typically go through the following research stages throughout the summer program:

  • Prior to REU (mid-April): Connect with faculty mentor and outline research question(s)
  • Weeks 1 – 2: Read background literature, get acquainted with lab/equipment
  • Weeks 3 – 4: Define research project, participate in lab meetings
  • Weeks 5 – 8: Conduct research, analyze data, present initial findings
  • Weeks 9 – 10: Prepare talk, poster, and final paper and participate in Symposium

2024 REU Participants 

Students who are participating in the 2024 REU programs, can visit this page for more resources. 

Contact

For more information, please email REU Coordinator Samantha Branch, at samantha.branch@rochester.edu.

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