June 3 – July 26 2024 (8 weeks)

Society generates energy and produces goods from finite resources, at a rate which is faster than they can be replaced naturally. Sustainable chemistry seeks to improve the efficiency with which such resources are used to meet human needs. At USC, we are developing scientific solutions to the world’s most pressing sustainability problems. We are bringing together students and faculty to collaborate on basic research aimed at making a real-world impact. Research areas include CO2 reduction, energy conversion and storage, lighting, and manufacturing. Our program fits into the larger goals of USC and Los Angeles to become global leaders in sustainability.

Do you want to be part of the solution? Join us! USC and Cerritos College have teamed up to offer a summer research program for qualified Cerritos students. Those with experience in this critical area are expected to gain a competitive advantage on the job market as a growing number of industries incorporate sustainable practices into their core strategy and operations. Follow these links to take a look at research ongoing in the USC groups accepting summer interns from Cerritos.

Steve Bradforth

Studying the interaction of light with materials toward renewable energy applications.

Richard Brutchey

Sustainable methods for nano materials synthesis.

Michael Inkpen

Charge transport and self-assembly processes relevant to energy storage and catalysis.

Smaranda Marinescu

Development of biologically inspired catalytic systems for the efficient conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels.

Barry Thompson

Sustainable routes to polymeric materials for alternative energy applications.

Mark Thompson

Materials used to create organic LEDs, solar cells, and catalysis for fuel cells.

Key Details:

Interns will be expected to work 40 hours/week in the Department of Chemistry at USC. Summer 2023 participants will receive a $5,370 stipend ($671/week) for the program.

  • You should have completed the first year of General Chemistry.
  • You must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.
  • Program open to majors in any scientific discipline. Applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 are preferred.
  • Applications are due by April 15, 2024.

For more information about the USC-Cerritos Program, contact Jeff Bradbury at Cerritos College (jbradbury@cerritos.edu).