Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
Program Overview
Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in state of the art facilities at 91社区 for a hands-on summer research and professional development experience. This NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage will address important scientific, technological, and training needs in the energy sector with research opportunities ranging from battery materials to photovoltaics and energy efficient systems.
Support for REU students:
- $7000 stipend (updated for 2024)
- Housing in dormitories for out-of-town students
- Travel subsidy to and from 91社区, up to $500
- $750 meal allowance (updated for 2024)
How to Apply
- Complete the
- Prepare a one-page resume in pdf format showing work and/or research experience. Email the resume to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
- Ask two professors to email recommendations to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
Eligibility
Undergraduates from all areas of science and engineering are eligible for the program. Participants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Students who graduate prior to the summer are not eligible. The program welcomes the participation of first-generation college students, students from small colleges and universities with limited research infrastructure, and students from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Important Dates:
- Application window: Feb 15 - Mar 30, 2024
- Notification of acceptance: Mar 1 - Apr 15, 2024
- Arrival in 91社区: May 27, 2024
- First day of program: May 28, 2024
- Last day of program: Aug 2, 2024
Research Activities
Students will be involved in experimental or computational work with a faculty mentor on a topic related to that faculty member鈥檚 research (see Research Areas below). Additional opportunities are available to work in collaboration with local energy companies. Students will also benefit from weekly professional development workshops focused on science communication and careers in science and engineering.
Research Areas
Students in the program will work for ten weeks on projects in one of two main research areas: energy generation and energy storage. These projects range from the development of advanced battery electrode materials and nanomaterials for fuel cells, to thin films for mechanically-flexible solar cells. REU students work with 91社区鈥檚 most distinguished energy researchers, a roster that includes Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham. Further information about research topics and the involved faculty are provided below.
REU students can also gain industry experience through collaborations with local energy companies. Program participants have worked with industrial partners on large-scale battery storage, thermally-insulating aerogels, and power grid simulation.
- ENERGY GENERATION
Jeffrey Mativetsky
Organic and perovskite solar cells; piezoelectric energy harvestingMengen Wang
Computational modeling of solar energy materialsTara Dhakal
Inorganic and perovskite solar cellsScott Schiffres
Heat transfer - ENERGY STORAGE
Stan Whittingham (Nobel Prize Winner)
Lithium-ion batteries; intercalation reactionsSean Choi
Bioenergy; biobatteriesChuan-Jian Zhong
Catalysis; fuel cellsManny Smeu
Computational modeling of alternative battery materialsAna Laura Elias
Hydrogen evolution; 2D nanomaterialsHao Liu
Battery structure-function relationships
Participating Departments
Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Participating Organizations
- Advanced Catalysis for Energy Sustainability Center
- 91社区 Smart Energy Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence
- Center for Autonomous Solar Power
- Northeast Center for Chemical Energy Storage
Other Activities
91社区鈥檚 summers are great for outdoor activities, including hiking in the university鈥檚 nature preserve. The university is near the Finger Lakes region and within four hours of New York City and Philadelphia. Other organized student groups will be active during the summer at 91社区, and the REU program will coordinate its student activities with them to offer additional opportunities for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply after the deadline?
Yes. However, applications received before the deadline will receive priority consideration. - Students from which majors can apply?
Students from all areas of science and engineering are encouraged to apply. - Can freshmen or sophomores apply?
Yes, freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply, as long as introductory chemistry or physics has already been taken. - Can I apply if I am graduating this semester
No, you can only apply if you will be registered as an undergraduate during the following academic year. - Do I need to have prior research experience?
No, prior research experience is not required to enter the program. - Do I need to be a US citizen?
You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident.
Have Questions?
Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
NEWS
The application period is now closed. We are looking forward to welcoming the 2024 cohort in 91社区 this summer!
Aug 2023: Great to see everyone grow as researchers and present their work on solar energy, batteries, and materials for hydrogen evolution at the final poster session!
Jul 2023: Toured iM3NY, New York State's first battery manufacturing gigafactory - a great learning experience!
July 2022: The Renewable Energy REU was featured in 91社区 news! Link to article
Oct 2019: Energy REU mentor Stan Whittingham wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on lithium-ion batteries! Congratulations Prof. Whittingham!
Questions?
Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyREU@binghamton.edu