Experience interdisciplinary materials research with a diverse group of students from across the country, learn new science, techniques, and learn the excitement of communicating science to scientists, your peers, and the public. Research topics include:

Physics and Chemistry of Materials
Computational Materials Science and Physics
Nano-Materials Fabrication and Synthesis
Nanoscale Physics and Engineering
Condensed Matter Physics
Quantum, Optical, Magnetic and Electrical Properties of 2D Nano-materials

In collaboration with the Physics Department and the Center for Nanoscale Science (MRSEC) at Penn State University will host a summer research experience for 18 undergraduates*. Students from across the country are eligible to apply. Research positions span various Penn State departments and are open to undergraduate students from all across the country who are majoring in physics, chemistry, material science, all branches of engineering, applied math, etc. and have an interest in materials related research. Research projects on experimental, theoretical and computational topics are available.

Students will work closely with one of Penn State’s faculty members, together with graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in their research group on an independent research project. In addition, students will acquire valuable skills, participate in seminars and join in a variety of extra-curricular activities. 

Applicants must have a GPA no less than 3.0, and be US citizens, or permanent residents.  We welcome applications from freshman, sophomores, and all students currently enrolled as undergraduates with graduation no sooner than Winter 2021. The REU carries a $5500 stipend, on-campus housing* and travel expenses*.

An important goal of the REU program is to provide an opportunity to do research to students who are historically underrepresented within scientific research. This includes women, members of underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities. To that end this REU has an excellent track record of recruiting a diverse student population with a variety of personal and scientific backgrounds. 

*Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we are unsure if the 2021 Nanoscale Physics and Materials REU will be held in-person at Penn State. In 2020 we held a very successful virtual REU program in which students participated fully in an online research project.