Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Engineering & Nanotechnology

The Boston University Photonics Center hosts four REU programs focused on engineering and nanotechnology. Research projects are interdisciplinary and may involve biomedical, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, biology, and optics, photonics and imaging. Interested undergraduate students from 2- and 4-year institutions are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to participate in authentic cutting-edge research projects at Boston University. 

Applicants must be in their Freshmen, Sophomore, or Junior years studying science or engineering. Previous research experience is not required.

Most students will be placed in faculty labs, and a few will be placed with local biotechnology and nanotechnology startup company labs housed at Boston University’s Business Innovation Center. Each participant will work on a defined project with guidance and mentoring from faculty and graduate students or a startup R&D team.

In addition to their independent research projects, students will receive training and access to state-of-the-art equipment through the Site’s group training sessions in photolithography, 3D printing, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam machining. Participants will attend lunch and learn seminars, professional development workshops, and laboratory group meetings, with multiple presentation opportunities during the summer including a final research poster session.

Please visit our website to hear from past REU participants about their experience and to read more about our programs: https://www.bu.edu/photonics-reu/ .  

The Experience 

• Opportunities in Nanotechnology, Biomedical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Robotics, Chemistry, Physics, Optics, Photonics and Imaging.
• 10 week program: June 2 – August 10, 2024.
• $7,000 stipend plus free on-campus housing and travel to and from BU.
• Hands-on research in state-of-the-art laboratories at Boston University’s Charles River Campus.
• Professional development sessions on graduate school, presentation skills, research ethics, and more.
• Outings and social activities.
• Research presentations at final poster session and certificate ceremony.

Eligibility

• Participants must be at least 18 years of age and currently enrolled in an undergraduate STEM program at a 2- or 4-year college or university. Requirements specific to each REU program are listed here.
• This opportunity is not open to Boston University students.  

Apply Now!

To apply, please visit our website. Additional application materials include:  

• Transcript
• One recommendation letter
• Resume (optional)

The deadline for applications is March 15, 2024. Please contact phoreu@bu.edu with questions.