Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Engage in sustainable materials research which could be used in future technologies!
2025 Materials Science & Engineering REU Program
June 22 – August 16, 2025
Deadline to apply: February 2
The UCSC Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) summer program provides undergraduate students with the opportunity of engage in research in physics, chemistry, and engineering related to the discovery and study of materials that can be used in future sustainable technologies, such as low-power electronic devices, renewable energy sources, and biomimetic devices.
The program is especially designed to support students from community colleges and other non-Ph.D.-granting institutions who may be considering graduate study in science or engineering. However, it is open to all eligible undergraduates, and we encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds. Underrepresented minorities in science and engineering are especially encouraged to apply.
Details
In addition to research, students engage in educational and professional development activities, such as technical writing, oral presentation, scientific poster preparation, and graduate school application skills. The program includes field trips to national labs, weekly group meetings to discuss research, and social activities in the beautiful setting of Santa Cruz, CA.
The UCSC REU program provides a competitive stipend in addition to travel support and housing on the UCSC campus.
Sample Research Subjects
- Bioelectronic Devices
- Antiferromagnetic Spintronics
- Magnetoelectric and Quantum Materials
- Nano-magnetooptics
- Phononic Metamaterials
- Organometal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots
- Materials for Photovoltaic Applications
- Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Organic Frameworks
- Two-dimensional Materials
- X-ray Spectroscopy of Complex Materials
- Spintronics
- Computational Materials
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate, you must:
- Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in an institution of higher education in the United States.
- Have a minimum 2.8 GPA in STEM undergraduate courses.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Application for Summer 2026 REU program opens December 2025
Questions?
Contact David Sanchez,
Program Coordinator: dsanc110@ucsc.edu
