REU Program
Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Experimental and Computational Modeling of Materials and Bio-Molecular Systems
Program Dates: May 26 - August 5, 2022
Application Open: January 15, 2022
Application Deadline: February 15, 2022 (for non-University of Utah students)
Application Deadline: March 15, 2022 (for University of Utah students)
Join undergraduates from colleges and universities across the United States. Engage
in full-time, cutting-edge research on a project of your choice.
The program includes:
- Stipend of $6,000
- Travel allowance and on-campus housing (to non-local students)
- Training and research
- Weekly luncheon seminars
- Activities with other University of Utah REU programs
- Outdoor adventures in the spectacular Wasatch mountains
- Culminating symposium
- Travel support to present at a research conference
REU Information for Summer 2022
Faculty members in the Chemistry Department will offer diverse research projects in all areas of Chemistry – see the list of subfields that are represented. Projects will integrate hands-on training in advanced tools or techniques specific to a lab’s expertise – see the list of possible tools or techniques. In addition, this REU program will emphasize the development of data analysis and modeling skills that are broadly applicable to modern Chemistry research. REU participants will be fully integrated in our faculty’s research groups, which address a range of challenging problems in energy, health, environment, and education – see the list of research goals and systems.
analytical separations |
biochemistry |
catalysis |
chemical and STEM education |
chemical microbiology |
computational chemistry |
electrochemistry |
materials synthesis |
medicinal chemistry |
nanoscale chemistry (nanoparticles, nanopores) |
nucleic acid chemistry |
organic synthesis |
organometallic chemistry |
protein synthesis |
spectroscopy |
surface chemistry |
bioanalytical methods |
biophysical computer simulations |
cognitive and social psychological methods |
computational quantum chemistry |
device fabrication |
gas phase laser spectroscopy |
kinetics and thermodynamics |
mass spectrometry |
molecular dynamics computer simulations |
nonlinear and time-resolved spectroscopy |
peer-led collaborative learning strategies |
single-particle chemistry and spectroscopy |
spectroscopic and structural biophysical methods |
antibiotic development |
bacterial signaling |
belonging and inclusivity in STEM courses Biosensors |
CO2 recycling & sustainability |
computational materials design |
energy conversion and storage |
mechanisms of phase transformations |
membrane biophysics |
molecular recognition & self-assembly |
molecular thermochemistry in the gas phase |
nanomaterials |
natural products synthesis |
plasmonics |
polymer brushes |
structure-function relationships (biological) |
structure-property relationships (materials) |
transcription and epigenetics (incl. DNA damage & repair) |
Program Directors
How to Apply
Application form will go live on January 15, 2022.
Application Parts: Personal, school, and references info (two reference letters required); College transcript (file upload); Project selection and statement of interest (300 words), Personal statement (1 page, file upload)
Important Information for Reference Letters: Your reference letter writers will receive an email with submission instructions once you complete the application. You are encouraged to inform them to look out for this email (including checking spam folders). The deadline for reference letters is one week after the REU application deadline (Feb 22 for non-University of Utah students' references; Mar 22 for University of Utah students' references). For University of Utah students: one reference letter must be from the Chemistry faculty that has agreed to sponsor your REU application and serve as your summer research mentor.
Step one: Imagine. Step two: Do. Opportunity awaits.
All things are possible at a place we call Imagine U.
The University of Utah