2025 Summer Program

The Center for Dynamics and Control of Materials is offering a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in 2025. Students will have the opportunity to work directly with faculty on interdisciplinary materials research projects involving chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering disciplines. In addition to the research, students will participate in an organized program of lectures, lunches with CDCM faculty, laboratory visits and a variety of recreational activities. The anticipated start date is late May 27, 2025 through July 25, 2025. 

Benefits of the CDCM REU:

• Gain hands-on research experience in a cutting-edge field
• Be mentored by a faculty member
• Join a team of researchers and scientists
• Participate in professional development workshops
• Produce results and present your research
• Prepare for your future!

Potential Research Topics:

• Ultra-fast characterization of infrared materials and devices (Wasserman Lab, ECE)
• Effect of conjugation chemistry on the potency of small molecule chemotherapeutics in peptide-drug conjugates  (Rosales Lab, ChE)
• Chemical vapor deposition of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductors (Shih Lab, Physics)
• Development of catch-bond-based protein switches (Belardi Lab, ChE)
• s-SNOM imaging of CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelet to Elucidate Surface Topography and Ligand Organization (Roberts Lab, Chemistry)
• Harnessing Shewanella oneidensis Metabolism for Cyclopropane Synthesis (Keitz Lab, Chemistry)
• Phase control of DNA origami-peptide hybrid materials (Marras Lab, MechE)
• Microwave Plasma for Carbon Capture (Wang Lab, MechE)
• M-Valley Moiré Materials (McDonald Lab, Physics)
• Computational Analysis of Actin-Myosin Networks (Alvarado Lab, Physics)
• Experimental Study of Actin-Myosin Networks (Alvarado Lab, Physics)
• Assessing Interactions and Assembly between Charged Nanocrystals (theoretical/modeling project) (Truskett Lab, ChemE)

Support

The 9-week program takes place on the University of Texas at Austin campus and includes:

• A stipend valued at $5,850
• Housing in a UT Austin university dorm
• Travel allowance
• Social/recreational activities

Application Requirements (online)

In order to apply you must complete an online application form (item 1 below). You are also required to upload the materials requested below via the Box Widget found at the bottom of this page.

1. Submit an online Application/Student Information Form 
2. Statement of Purpose*
3. One Letter of Recommendation* (from Faculty member) uploaded via the Box widget or emailed to Audrey Colegrove
4. Copy of Academic Transcript*
5. Record a video introduction of yourself. Directions can be found here: CDCM REU Video Interview Directions & Questions
6. Proof of Insurance* (before start date) [if the candidate does not have insurance, please apply without it]

         * – files to upload via Box Widget at the bottom of this page. Please label all files in the following format: Last Name, First Name | File Type (i.e., Statement, Letter of Recommendation, Transcript, Insurance)

Tips for Applying to the REU Program

REU Informational Session

Eligibility

• Sophomore, Junior, or non-graduating Senior
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Minority and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• All chemistry, physics, molecular biosciences and engineering majors are welcome to apply
• GPA of 3.0 or greater (out of 4.0).
• Non-UT Austin students

Application Deadline

The application for the Summer of 2025 is opens November 1, 2024 and will now close on February 10, 2025 at Noon. 

If you have questions about the application process or the program, please email Audrey Colegrove.