Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage
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
- 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, 2021
- Notification of acceptance: Feb 15 - Apr 15, 2021
- Arrival in Binghamton: May 31, 2021
- First day of program: June 1, 2021
- Last day of program: Aug 6, 2021
Research Activities
Students will work with a faculty mentor on a topic related to that faculty member’s research (see Research Areas below). 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.
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 supercapacitors, to thin films for mechanically-flexible solar cells. Students will 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.
- ENERGY GENERATION
Jeffrey Mativetsky
Organic 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 materialsBill Bernier
SupercapacitorsPuja Goyal
Organic batteries, computational chemistryHao Liu
Battery structure-function relationships
Participating Departments
Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Science and Industrial 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
April 2021: Preparations are underway for an in-person summer REU program. We look forward to meeting this year's participants!
There were many strong applications. If you applied and a spot was unavailable, we encourage you to apply next year.
Dec 2019: The REU site was awarded National Science Foundation funding support for 3 more years!
Oct 2019: Energy REU mentor Stan Whittingham wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on lithium-ion batteries! Congratulations Prof. Whittingham!
Aug 2019: Congratulations to Hendrick Lopez-Beltran on receiving this year’s Best
Poster Award and for being selected to attend the 2019 REU Symposium in Virginia.
Aug 2019: The poster session and research celebration wrap up the 2019 Energy REU
summer program.
Questions?
Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyREU@binghamton.edu