Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage

Research Experiences for Undergraduates sponsors


Program Overview

Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in state of the art facilities at Binghamton University for a hands-on summer research and professional development experience. This NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage addresses 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
  • Housing in dormitories for out-of-town students
  • Travel subsidy to and from Binghamton, up to $500
  • $750 meal allowance
How to Apply
  1. Complete the online application form (available in early 2025)
  2. Prepare a one-page resume in pdf format showing work and/or research experience. Email the resume to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
  3. 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 3 - Mar 14, 2025
  • Notification of acceptance:  Feb 17 - Mar 31, 2025
  • Arrival in Binghamton: May 26, 2025
  • First day of program: May 27, 2025
  • Last day of program: Aug 1, 2025

research

Research Activities

Students will be involved in experimental or computational work with a faculty mentor on a topic related to that faculty member’s 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 Binghamton’s 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 new battery materials, large-scale battery storage, and power grid simulation.


Participating Departments

Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Participating Organizations


activities

Other Activities

Binghamton’s summers are great for outdoor pursuits, including hiking in the university’s nature preserve. Students take part in group activities such as kayaking, blueberry picking, and battery factory tours. Other organized student groups are also active during the summer, providing opportunities for socialization and professional networking.


Frequently Asked Questions


Have Questions?

Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyreu@binghamton.edu

NEWS

The application portal for summer 2025 will become available in early 2025.

Poster sessionAug 2024: Great to see everyone grow as researchers and present their work on solar energy, batteries, and mechanical energy harvesters at the final poster session! 

Blueberry picking

July 2024: Blueberry picking

Visiting iM3NYJul 2024: Learned about battery manufacturing at iM3NY, New York State's first battery gigafactory

In the labJuly 2022: The Renewable Energy REU was featured in Binghamton University's news. Link to article

Stan Whittingham Nobel PrizeOct 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