• Apply Now for Summer 2021 Undergraduate Research Experiences (REUs)

Interested in spending the summer engaged in an exciting research project or a formal REU program? With February fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your materials and request letters of recommendation in order to apply for summer research opportunities including those listed below with February deadlines. To help you submit the strongest possible applications, check out OUR’s winter and spring online workshops, including sessions on Applying for Summer Research Programs and Letters of Recommendation: Who and How to Ask.

COVID-19 Note: All summer programs are closely following developments related to coronavirus in order to react quickly to changing situations. Many programs expect to resume in-person activities as planned in 2021, but others have made the decision to be fully virtual. Check the individual program websites for updates. Due to continued uncertainties about the occupancy of laboratories and regional travel restrictions, the Amgen Scholars Program will not accept applications for summer 2021.

Van Andel Institute Undergraduate Student Research Internship Program
Deadline: February 1, 2021
https://vaigs.vai.org/undergrad-research/
The Summer internship program pairs undergrads with a scientific investigator for an intense 10-week research experience. Students gain an understanding of research methods, instruments, and testing procedures in addition to valuable interpersonal and presentation skills. Applicants must have completed at least one year of higher education (minimum 24 credit hours) and be enrolled in a science-related degree program. Pay rate is based on number of credit hours completed.  

REU in Mathematics at California State University-San Bernardino 
Deadline: February 11, 2021
https://www.math.csusb.edu/reu/index.html
Students in this 8-week program execute guided independent and collaborative research in the fields of Geometry and Knot Theory. The program is designed for students majoring in mathematics. $4,800 stipend and housing costs are provided.

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center REU at Northwestern University
Deadline: February 12, 2021
http://mrsec.northwestern.edu/undergraduate-opportunities/
REU students will have the opportunity to contribute to a research project led by a center faculty member expanding their science and engineering experience. Students with an interest in nanomaterials and majoring in a science or engineering field are encouraged to apply for this 9-week REU program. Participants receive a $4,500 stipend, a travel allowance, and on-campus housing.

BIT SURE: BIoTechnology-based Sequencing-based Undergraduate Research Experience at North Carolina State University
Deadline: February 14, 2021
https://biotech.ncsu.edu/nsfbitsure/
The BIT SURE program funds ten undergraduates to work on research projects that utilize next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools. This 10-week program includes professional development and science outreach components as well. Note that the summer 2021 BIT SURE program will be entirely virtual. $5,500 stipend and housing provided.

Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences – Summer Research Program at Tufts University School of Medicine
Deadline: February 15, 2021
https://gsbs.tufts.edu/academics/BDBS
The Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences (BDBS) Program offers a 10-week, mentored research experience for students interested in pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD. Participants in the program will receive training in written and oral communication of scientific data and learn about careers in biomedical science through workshops. The 2021 program will be fully online, but a stipend will be provided.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences REU Program 
Deadline: February 15, 2021
http://www.bigelow.org/education/reu/
This highly competitive, 10-week REU program pairs students with scientist mentors for a hands-on, independent research experience. Student applicants should have a minimum of one year of basic biology and at least one earth or ocean science course. Housing and $5,000 stipend provided.

Molecular Biology REU at the Ohio State University
Deadline: February 15, 2021
https://molgen.osu.edu/research-experience-undergraduates
This NSF-funded research program is hosted by the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics at Ohio State. Students will engage in research, focusing on the use of model organisms and molecular biology techniques to address fundamental questions in biology. Program participants will receive a $6,000 stipend. Students from groups historically underrepresented in the sciences are encouraged to apply.

Maryland Sea Grant REU Program
Deadline: February 19, 2021
https://www.mdsg.umd.edu/reu
Fifteen students are selected to conduct marine research on the Chesapeake Bay at one of two University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences laboratories. This 12-week REU is designed for students majoring in marine science, ecology, environmental science, biology and chemistry. Preference is given to students who are rising seniors. A decision regarding program format (in-person, remote, or hybrid) will be made in late March. $7,200 stipend and housing costs are provided.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Oceanography – University of Rhode Island
Deadline: February 21, 2021
https://web.uri.edu/gso/academics/surfo/
The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships in Oceanography program is a 10-week research experience designed for science, math, and engineering students and primarily targets students who are completing their junior year. The program emphasizes the quantitative aspects of Oceanography; many projects involve fluid dynamics, marine geophysics, or numerical/physical modeling. $6,000 stipend.