Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) : Undergraduate Programs : The David T. Kearns Center : ��ǿ��

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Overview

Paid 10-weeks of summer research at the ��ǿ�� (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.

REU Offerings at ��ǿ��

The graphic depicts the five different REU programs that have been offered at the ��ǿ�� over the years. Those include Chemistry, Data Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics and Photonics. The 2024 REU ran from May 28 - August 3. The tiles of each REU are depicted in the graphic and are also listed below.

2025 ��ǿ�� REU Offerings

Photonics:

2025 Pending ��ǿ�� REU Offerings

Chemistry:
Data Science:
Physics:

2026 ��ǿ�� REU Offerings

Electrical Computer Engineering:

Each UR REU Includes

$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 ��ǿ�� 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 hosts information sessions via zoom for prospective Summer 2025 REU students. Information sessions are centered around an overview of the REU structure and programming, application timeline, details about housing, transportation and stipends.

The 2025 information sessions will be held on the following dates:

October 14, 2024 12pm EST
October 17, 2024 6pm EST
November 5, 2024 12pm EST
November 6, 2024 6pm EST

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

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 ��ǿ�� REUs utilize the . Enter keyword "��ǿ��" 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.

����ǿ��