Applications for our 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) are open!

The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies (or SM²ART) REU program is designed to provide an opportunity for up to twelve, highly qualified undergraduate students to participate in a ten-week research experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory or The University of Maine. Students will be granted access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment, will be mentored in research by world-class scientists and engineers, will gain experience in technical writing and oral presentations, take part in an ethics in research workshop, and will join their fellow students on professional field trips and industrial tours. The program will run between May 26th and August 2nd, 2024. Accepted students will be awarded a $6,500 stipend over the course of the program, and all transportation and lodging costs will be covered. The program is fit for students in a variety of disciplines, including bioenergy, bioengineering, bioproducts or biomaterials, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer science/computer engineering, environmental engineering, material or polymer science, wood science and technology, forest products, or forest operations. This year, our research projects will explore the following topic areas: 

– Composite formulation & optimization

– Computational modeling & simulation

– Large-scale additive manufacturing

– Sustainable materials development & characterization

– New product development

– Techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis

To be considered for the summer 2024 session, complete applications must be received prior to 11:59 PM EST, on March 1, 2024. However, since complete applications are reviewed as received and awards can be made earlier, it will increase your chances of being selected if you submit them sooner than the due date. In addition to completing of all questions on the application form, we must receive two letters of recommendation and a copy of your most current transcript. The transcript may be attached to the application form or emailed to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu. The letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly from the recommenders using this form or emailed to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu.

Please click here to view the program website, where you will find the application form, more information, and answers to FAQs.