Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

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

 

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Program Overview

 Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in our new 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 for out-of-town students in dormitories
• Travel subsidy to and from Binghamton, up to $500

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form. The 2022 application form can be seen  here; check back in early 2023 to complete the form for summer 2023.
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 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 (tentative)
• First day of program: May 30, 2023 (tentative)
• Last day of program: Aug 4, 2023 (tentative)

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Research Activities

Students will work with a faculty mentor on a topic related to that faculty member’s research (see Research Areas below). Opportunities are also available to work in collaboration with local energy companies. Research will involve experimental or computational work using the extensive facilities at Binghamton University. Students will also benefit from weekly professional development workshops focused on science communication and careers in science and engineering. 

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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 properties
  	Sherry Towfighian Energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations; triboelectric generators
  	Tara Dhakal Inorganic and perovskite solar cells
  	Roxana Margine Ab initio modeling; superconductivity; two-dimensional materials
  	Scott Schiffres Heat transfer
  	Julien Panetier Artificial Photosynthesis; computational chemistry

• ENERGY STORAGE

  	Stan Whittingham (Nobel Prize Winner) Lithium-ion batteries; intercalation reactions
  	Sean Choi Bioenergy; biobatteries
  	Chuan-Jian Zhong Catalysis; fuel cells
  	Manny Smeu Multivalent ion batteries; computational modeling
  	Ana Laura Elias Hydrogen evolution; 2D materials
  	Puja Goyal Organic batteries, computational chemistry
  	Hao Liu Battery structure-function relationships

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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

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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.

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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.

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Have Questions?

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