Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Summer Research Program

University of New Orleans Advanced Materials Research Institute Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program Funded by the National Science Foundation

The University of New Orleans (UNO) has sponsored many Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs since the summer of 2003. Historically the site has involved materials science and nanotechnology and has been directly affiliated with the interdisciplinary Advanced Materials Research Institute (AMRI) at UNO. Typically, 7-10 students are recruited every year for a ten-week summer research experience. Recruitment efforts focus on undergraduates from historically black colleges and universities in the greater New Orleans area though we routinely host students from all across the country. The REU Site involves faculty mentors from AMRI and the Departments of Chemistry, Physics, Biological Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering. Undergraduate students are involved in a wide range of both fundamental and applied independent hands-on projects, including those in catalysis, quantum materials, polymers, nanocomposites, medical materials, and environmental remediation. Beyond research, students get impactful training through career pathway and professional development, a 1–2-day industrial laboratory rotation, safety, ethics, and harassment seminars, and a series of working lunches with professionals from academics, industry, and government laboratories.