Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) - Summer 2027
The joint Materials Research Center program at Columbia University and City College of NY (CCNY) supports outstanding undergraduates as Summer Research Fellows each year. In addition, a joint REU program between Columbia and the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) may have additional openings. Those selected will have an opportunity to participate fully in an interdisciplinary research program that draws faculty from the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, nearby government laboratories (Brookhaven National Laboratory, etc.), and industry (Global Foundries, IBM, etc.).
Our materials research program encompasses two research thrusts around the theme of developing advanced electronic materials needed to improve semiconductors, quantum hardware and other emerging electronic technologies. The first thrust designs semiconductors to transport information through rippling quantum excitations, rather than electricity; the second endeavors to predict and create new kinds of quantum metamaterials. Both thrusts are built around techniques pioneered by the team, and bring together researchers with diverse capabilities, strong accomplishments, and a record of collaboration.
During the program, all REU students will also be involved in workshops, visits to local industry, recreational activities, a symposium of presentations by students, and other activities. It will include training in: laboratory practices and safety; shared materials characterization tools; and scientific writing/presentations. Students attend a weekly research seminar series by Columbia, CCNY and ASRC faculty, and present results at a daylong symposium at the end of the program.
Summer 2027 research areas available: TBC
Tentative Summer 2027 program dates: June 1st, 2027 – August 7th, 2027*
*NOTE: Summer 2027 program dates and details are subject to change, and will be confirmed closer to the start of the program.
The Summer 2027 REU application will open in mid- to late-November! Please find application requirements below:
- Online application form submitted by the deadline (11:59 PM EST on February 12th, 2027)
- Unofficial college/university transcript uploaded to application
- Personal statement (500 words maximum) describing:
· Your research interests and experiences
· Which REU research area interests you and why
· Expectations for the summer
· Graduate school plans, and your career plans and goals - Resume/CV
- At least one recommendation letters from professor or lab supervisor (Two are preferred, at least one should be from a math, science or engineering professor). The letters are required to be submitted by the deadline.
*NOTE: Before submitting your application, please confirm all documents have uploaded correctly and are fully visible in the application
Tip: If you experience difficulty accessing the application or uploading your materials, please reach out to [email protected].
Projects of interest and instruments for the MRSEC REU:
Topics of interest (projects)
- TBC
Instruments
- Electron microscopes
- Etching
- Deposition
- E-beam and photo-lithography
- X-ray diffraction
- AFM
- Raman
1. What are the dates of the summer 2027 program?
We plan to run our summer 2027 REU program for approximately 10 weeks. Pending updates, we plan for the full-time program to begin on or around June 1st and run through August 7th, 2027.
2. How much is the stipend?
The stipend for 2027 is expected to be approximately $6,000. This stipend may be used for food and subsistence. You will not be paying for housing.
3. What about housing?
Housing will be coordinated and provided for REU participants near the Columbia Morningside (116th Street) campus. Summer 2027 participants will most likely be offered suite-style housing in Carleton Arms (109th St. & Riverside Dr.) Please be aware that this is university housing, and certain amenities are subject to availability. We will do our best to communicate information about dormitories and dorm amenities ahead of the start of the program. Participants are expected to bring their own linens.
4. What about food?
REU participants are responsible for their own meals. There are university summer meal plan options as well as local grocery stores and restaurants. On-campus dormitories also offer kitchenettes for cooking meals.
5. What about travel expenses?
Allowable round-trip travel expenses to and from the summer program will be reimbursed up to $500 (“regular” tickets only, no first-class, etc.) per participant, subject to the Columbia University travel policy. Only travel to and from New York City can be reimbursed. Original receipts must be provided.
6. Do I need health insurance? Are there other health requirements?
Yes – Columbia will cover minimal care for health issues during the program. All participants must also submit proof of vaccination against MMR and a decision on the Meningitis vaccine. Additional details will be conveyed toward the start of the program.
7. What will I be doing during the program?
You will be working on your research project with your faculty mentor, attending our weekly seminar series, and interacting with other summer science research students in other programs formally and informally, such as on field trips and special events/symposium/seminars.
8. When is the application deadline?
We anticipate that all complete online applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, February 12th, 2027.
9. What are the application requirements?
Prospective REU participants must complete the online application and personal statement; upload all college transcripts (unofficial is fine), a resume/CV, as well as at least one (preferably two) letters of recommendation. No prior research experience is required. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years of college – no graduating seniors will be admitted!
10. When do I find out if I am accepted?
Applicants will be notified in late March to mid-April 2027.
11. When do I find out what projects I will be working on?
REU students, faculty, and projects are closely matched after participants have been accepted. The participant will be notified of this match as soon as possible. Each student’s major, research preference, and experience are taken into careful consideration regarding project match.
12. Are international students allowed to apply?
Unfortunately, due to regulations governing the use of federal funding, we are only able to offer admission to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
13. Why choose Columbia’s Materials Research REU program?
- Access to leading materials research faculty mentors
- Excellent materials science research facilities
- Collaborative setting with other summer program participants at Columbia University and CCNY
For additional information, please contact:
Columbia University MRSEC REU
Schapiro/CEPSR, Room 1001
530 West 120th St., MC 8903
New York, NY 10027