Multi-Campus Research Experience for Undergraduates

The MC REU program supports Penn State undergraduate students to conduct research with Penn State faculty. Selected students will complete their proposed research project in conjunction with two Penn State faculty members — one from the student’s home campus and one based at University Park.

The objectives of the MC REU are (1) to promote undergraduate students participating in research early in their academic program to broaden their education and increase their chances of entering graduate studies, and (2) to promote mutual awareness and collaboration among faculty across the Commonwealth.

Program Information

Participants will spend approximately 40 hours per week working on a research project under the supervision of research mentors. At the recommendation of the faculty mentors, projects will be designed as either 10-week (beginning May 20, 2024) or 8-week (beginning June 3, 2024) research experiences.

Student participants will engage in professional development sessions weekly throughout the program. Professional development sessions cover topics including research safety and ethics, effective research communication, presentation skills, graduate school information, and more.

Program deliverables due at the end of the program include a research presentation at the MC REU Exhibition.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the REU program, students must be enrolled as an undergraduate student. Students must not be intending to graduate prior to the completion of their REU experience. Preference is given to students associated with a commonwealth campus who are working towards a degree connected to the College of Engineering or the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.

As the program is a full-time commitment, participants are not permitted to have a large course load during the program. Any students choosing to also take classes during the core program weeks must have approvals of their project faculty and program staff.

Application

To apply, log in at www.engr.psu.edu/ceri. Applications open in January and are accepted through March 10. Using the application website, follow the three steps below to apply to the MC REU:

1. Add your biographical data and résumé
2. Link with a faculty member and list them as a reference. Your faculty mentor should help you inform your project application and review the document you submit. The faculty will be prompted by the application website to submit a letter of support for your project.
3. Apply to the MC REU Posting. When you apply, you must also upload a 1-2 page proposal which describes:
   • Goals of the project
   • Importance of research
   • Research plans including a timeline showing how the intended results can be achieved within the scope of the REU dates
   • Plan for engagement (types/frequency of interactions) with the faculty member and/or the research team throughout the project
   • Include a project heading which includes: (a) Student’s name and Penn State ID number; (b) campus where the project will be based for the summer; (c) project start date; and (d) Primary faculty mentor, campus, and Penn State email address

Compensation

Students will be awarded in the form of scholarship. Primary faculty are eligible to receive funds to support research.

Contact

If you have questions contact Erin Hostetler (ErinH@psu.edu) with the College of Engineering or Karen Marosi (ket2@psu.edu) with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.