NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

		Supported by NSF CHE – 1757942

2024 REU Program Dates: May 27 – August 2, 2025 (10 weeks)

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 (Recommendation letters must be submitted by March 14, 2025)

Spend 10 weeks of your summer carrying out research in residence in our Chemistry Department. We use the term “Snapshots of Chemistry” to emphasize our focus on gaining insights on key chemical features of molecular processes via visual images. Research projects will cover a broad range of topics, spanning from femtosecond time-resolved observations of transient events to synthesis of novel drugs, development of nanostructures and catalysis in energy research, biochemical and structural investigations of proteins and nucleic acids, and theoretical investigations using advanced algorithm and state-of-the-art computer graphics and multimedia capabilities

In our summer program, you will work one-on-one in a lab with a faculty advisor and graduate student mentor. We will have weekly seminars on scientific topics as well as graduate school applications and scientific ethics. Included will also be tours of local research facilities such as the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and other social activities. The summer will end with a poster session, where you will display your summer research and discuss it with Chemistry faculty and graduate students.

“I really enjoyed this REU and am very thankful for the opportunity! I learned a lot about data analysis softwares, new lab techniques, experimental design, and daily life as a graduate student at USC. I also met great people in the lab who I can hopefully keep in touch with.” [Alisa Quon]

“I greatly enjoyed the entire program and have really grown as a scientist. After this program, I am excited to return to my own college and share my experience. This program has also confirmed that I want to pursue a PhD after undergrad.” [Matthew Coe]

“I felt grateful to be a part of a program where I was able to learn and challenge my skills in the lab. The experience solidified my interest in the field of chemistry.” [Rita Bilamenjian]

Participants will receive a stipend for the program. Housing, travel and health insurance will also be covered. The program targets juniors although applications from sophomores will also be considered. Women and underrepresented minorities are encouraged to apply.

For more information about the NSF REU Program, contact the program coordinator Anahit Martirosyan via e-mail at chemreu@usc.edu.

Application Information

Apply by simply filling out the form below by February 28, 2025.  Recommendation letters must be submitted by March 14, 2025.

Application Materials

1. Transcripts: You will upload a PDF of your transcripts from all universities that you have attended. You will not mail your official transcripts to USC until you are accepted to the program.
2. Research Interests (1 page maximum): In an uploaded PDF, write a brief statement about your career plans and research interests. In your research interest statement, please indicate 3 names of USC Chemistry faculty that you are interested in.
3. Personal Statement (1 page maximum): In a personal statement, describe attributes that may distinguish yourself from other applicants.
4. Recommender Contact Information: In the field indicated, enter the email addresses of 3 references who can provide letters of support. The admissions committee will email them directly with instructions for uploading the letter. We do not accept mailed recommendation letters.

Potential Faculty Advisors

You are welcome to email Department of Chemistry faculty whose research interests you. However, keep in mind that admissions decisions are not based on which professors have space in their lab.

Additional Information

Here is a list of former REU students.