Research Experience for Undergraduates

Grid of the faces of the REU participants over the years

2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN 

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

The IMOD REU program is designed to provide undergraduate students from 2yr and 4yr institutions with an opportunity to participate in authentic research in chemical synthesis of quantum photonic materials and integration printable electronic applications under the mentorship of world-class faculty and graduate students.

Participants embark on a nine- to ten-week immersive research project in a single IMOD research lab and produce an abstract and poster summarizing their work. Students may be placed at a number of different participating IMOD labs and will participate in shared virtual seminars and symposia and will become members of the IMOD community.

Recent REU News & Events

2024 IMOD REU Cohort

IMOD 2023 REU Cohort Announced

2022 REU Graduate Catherine La Riviere Wins Poster Award at 2023 Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics

IMOD 2022 REU Cohort Announced

Program Details

Program Dates:

May  – August annually (specific dates vary by location)

Application Open:

November 1, 2024

Application Deadline:

February 1, 2025

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be a U.S. citizens or permanent resident.
  • Students must be 18 years old by the beginning of the REU start date.

Note: This program prioritizes students from non-IMOD partnering locations who have completed one or two years of  college

Stipend:

Up to $7,000 (or $700/week)

Travel & Housing:

  • Non-local students will be provided with up to $600 travel allowance
  • Participants will receive on-campus housing or a housing allowance if required
  • Participants will receive a modest food allowance in addition to the stipend

Research Focus:

Optoelectronic devices that generate, sense, and control light underpin the modern information-technology era. As society is increasingly reliant on such devices, the study of optoelectronics enables new technologies ranging from ubiquitous sensors and photorealistic virtual reality displays to quantum-based information technologies. Often these advance rely on the synthesis of highly precise materials and the integration of different materials into functional optoelectronic devices and systems. IMOD is developing new classes of optoelectronic materials, devices, and systems with research projects in a broad range of disciplines that REU students can choose from, including the areas of chemistry, physics, materials science & engineering, and electrical & computer engineering.

Application Components:

  • Personal Statement
    • Up to 750 words
    • Prompt: Address why you are interested in participating in the IMOD REU and how this experience will impact you personally and professionally.
  • Inclusivity Statement
    • Up to 750 words
    • Prompt: Address the importance of diverse and inclusive research environments, and how you plan to foster such an environment in your personal and professional life.
  • Names and contact information for two references
    • Note: References do not have to be faculty, but can include mentors or others who can speak to your education, skills, or potential. References cannot include family.
  • Lab Host Choices (3)
    • Note: Please rank your choices and indicate why you want to work with this lab
  • Unofficial transcript(s)
  • Resume/CV (optional) 

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