Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
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 will address important 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:
- $6000 stipend
- Housing in dormitories for non-Binghamton students
- Travel subsidy to and from Binghamton, up to $500
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form
- Prepare a one-page resume in pdf format showing work and/or research experience. Email the resume to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
- 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 students from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Important Dates:
- Application window: Feb 1 - Mar 15, 2023
- Notification of acceptance: Feb 15 - Apr 15, 2023
- Arrival in Binghamton: May 29, 2023
- First day of program: May 30, 2023
- Last day of program: Aug 4, 2023
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 large-scale battery storage, thermally-insulating aerogels, and power grid simulation.
- ENERGY GENERATION
Jeffrey Mativetsky
Organic and perovskite solar cells; nanomaterials; nanoscale electrical propertiesSherry Towfighian
Energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations; triboelectric generatorsTara Dhakal
Inorganic and perovskite solar cellsRoxana Margine
Ab initio modeling; superconductivity; two-dimensional materialsScott Schiffres
Heat transferJulien Panetier
Artificial Photosynthesis; computational chemistry - ENERGY STORAGE
Stan Whittingham (Nobel Prize Winner)
Lithium-ion batteries; intercalation reactionsSean Choi
Bioenergy; biobatteriesChuan-Jian Zhong
Catalysis; fuel cellsManny Smeu
Multivalent ion batteries; computational modelingAna Laura Elias
Hydrogen evolution; 2D materialsPuja Goyal
Organic batteries, computational chemistryHao Liu
Battery structure-function relationships
Participating Departments
Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Participating Research Centers
- Advanced Catalysis for Energy Sustainability Center
- Binghamton Smart Energy Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence
- Center for Autonomous Solar Power
- Northeast Center for Chemical Energy Storage
- Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator
Other Activities
Binghamton’s summers are great for outdoor activities, including hiking in the university’s nature preserve. The university is near the Finger Lakes region and within four hours of New York City and Philadelphia. Other organized student groups will be active during the summer at Binghamton, and the REU program will coordinate its student activities with them to offer additional opportunities for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply after the deadline?
Yes. However, applications received before the deadline will receive priority consideration. - Students from which majors can apply?
Students from all areas of science and engineering are encouraged to apply. - Can freshmen or sophomores apply?
Yes, freshmen and sophomores can apply, as long as introductory chemistry or physics has already been taken. - Do I need to have prior research experience?
No, prior research experience is not required to enter the program. - Do I need to be a US citizen?
You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident.
Have Questions?
Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
NEWS
Check back in early 2024 for information about next summer's program.
Aug 2023: Great to see everyone grow as researchers and present their work on solar
energy, batteries, and materials for hydrogen evolution at the final poster session!
Jul 2023: Toured iM3NY, New York State's first battery manufacturing gigafactory -
a great learning experience!
July 2022: The Renewable Energy REU was featured in Binghamton University news! Link to article
Oct 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