National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network

The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) conducts one of the largest and most successful Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Programs in the country with a special emphasis on nanotechnology. 

The NNIN REU program is designed to give undergraduate students an introductory research experience in nanotechnology. Each year a total of approximately 90 students are hosted across the network for a 10 week program, spread across the 14 NNIN sites. Each student works on an independent research project within their area of interest, using the advanced resources of our laboratories. Because of the breadth of expertise in NNIN, we are able to offer exciting nanotechnology research projects across the spectrum of nanotechnology fields: Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering. Students take advantage of the streamlined training process that NNIN employs for all its users to become proficient in advanced laboratory practices quickly. Projects are scaled to be challenging yet achievable within the 10 week time frame.

Students are assigned to a specific research project and make a meaningful research contribution to their research group. Each project involves hands-on nanotechnology research with state-of-the-art equipment. Each student works on an individual research project, with support from faculty, graduate student mentors, and facility staff. We have been in operation since 1997, with over 900 alumni. Through experience, we have developed mechanisms to assure that each student has a successful and educational research experience.

The program runs from early June until mid-August, although the exact dates vary by site. The program culminates in the NNIN REU Convocation, a three day technical symposium held at one of the NNIN sites.  All participants will travel to the REU Convocation and present their research results to their peers. Finally, each student writes a two page report which is published as part of the NNIN REU Research Accomplishments. All together, the program offers an excellent introduction to nanotechnology and a preview of a scientific research career.

Results from prior years’ programs, including photographs, participant listings, published reports, and in some cases presentation videos are accessible under the menu at the left.

Summary of Our Program

• Ten-week research program at one of fourteen state-of-the-art nanotechnology facilities.
• Each student is assigned a stand-alone, substantive research project, appropriate for a ten-week period. Many of these projects result in publishable research.
• NNIN covers all costs for travel and housing.
• $4000 stipend.
• Technical support by experienced NNIN staff members.
• Interaction with a faculty member and daily interaction with a graduate student mentor.
• End of program research convocation. In mid-August, ALL interns travel to a common site (Georgia Tech in Atlanta for 2013) at our expense for a three-day Research Convocation, sharing their results and networking with their peers from other sites. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the breadth of nanotechnology through the experiences of your fellow students.
• Finally, each participant publishes a project report in the NNIN REU Research Accomplishments, a professional publication of the program's research results.

Restrictions

• US Citizens or Permanent Residents only
• Undergraduates only; you must have graduated from high school, be currently enrolled at a US undergraduate institution, and must not be expecting to receive a bachelors degree in ANY field, prior to August 2012.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA

The REU program application is entirely online. One application gives you access to opportunities at the 14 NNIN sites. Students should not apply or inquire directly to sites. The application for summer 2013 will go live in November 2012 and will be accessible from a link on this page as well as elsewhere on this site. The application deadline is February 13, 2013. We will begin making placements on March 13, although some placements may not be completed until early April.

Students from all science and engineering fields are encouraged to apply. We also have a small number of positions for social science majors to study the social and ethical issues related to nanotechnology.

Women and minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. We also make special effort to accommodate students from smaller, non-research colleges and students with no prior research experience.

Please visit the Application Link on the left menu to apply.