Participating in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while working closely with faculty mentors and graduate students. Through the CPAC Summer REU program, students develop technical skills in polymers and advanced composites, learn how research is conducted from concept to results, and gain exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and equipment. The program helps students explore graduate school and research-focused career paths, build professional networks, and strengthen their preparation for future opportunities in engineering.

Students selected for the CPAC Summer REU program will work on faculty-mentored research projects focused transport phenomena in engineered materials. Projects emphasize hands-on laboratory experience and may include synthesizing and characterizing polymer materials, designing and manufacturing composite structures, investigating transport phenomena in materials systems, and performing advanced materials testing to evaluate performance and durability. Polymers and advanced composites are critical because they enable materials that are lighter, stronger, more durable and more efficient than traditional materials, directly influencing how modern technologies are designed and manufactured for applications in aerospace, transportation, energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, while preparing students for graduate study and careers in engineering-related fields.

REU Site Leads:

  • PI: Dr. Russell Mailen, associate professor of aerospace engineering;
  • Co-PI: Dr. Kyle Schulze, assistant professor of mechanical engineering

Additional project mentors:

  • Bryan Beckingham, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director, Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites
  • Lauren Beckingham, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
  • Pengyu Chen, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
  • Suhasini Gururaja, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering
  • Michael Howard, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
  • Jean-Francios Louf, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
  • Cassandra Porter, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering
  • Xinyu Zhang, Professor of Chemical Engineering

 

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This is a 10-week intensive research experience coupled with professional development activities. Fellows will meet daily with their mentors (faculty and graduate students) for progress review and work planning and weekly with the entire REU to present progress reports. These activities align with the two overarching professional development themes of this REU site: communication of scientific results and effective team practices. These activities also facilitate the growth of independent researchers. Additional activities include weekly expert talks and two industry field trips.

Each student will receive:

  • A stipend of $700/week
  • On-campus housing
  • A living allowance to cover food and other living expenses
  • Travel reimbursement of up to $500

It is best to complete the application (below) in one sitting. Applications will include the following information:

  1. Resume including major and GPA;
  2. two letters of recommendation; and a personal statement addressing interest in the REU program and future career goals