Program Overview

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

Program Overview

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage at Binghamton University offers a hands-on summer research and professional development experience. This program addresses scientific, technological, and training needs in the energy sector with research opportunities ranging from battery materials to photovoltaics and energy efficient systems.

Support for REU Students

• $7000 stipend
• Housing in dormitories for out-of-town students
• Travel subsidy to and from Binghamton, up to $500
• $750 meal allowance

Eligibility

Undergraduates from all areas of science and engineering are eligible for the program. Participants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Students who graduate prior to the summer are not eligible.

Important Dates

• Application window: February 1 - March 15, 2026
• Notification of acceptance: February 16 - April 15, 2026
• Arrival in Binghamton: May 25, 2026
• First day of program: May 26, 2026
• Last day of program: July 31, 2026

Research Activities

Students will be involved in experimental or computational work with a faculty mentor on a topic related to that faculty member's research. Additional opportunities are available to work in collaboration with local energy companies. Students will also benefit from weekly professional development workshops focused on science communication and careers in science and engineering.

Research Areas

Students in the program will work on projects in one of two main research areas: energy generation and energy storage. These projects range from the development of advanced battery electrode materials and nanomaterials for fuel cells, to thin films for mechanically-flexible solar cells. REU students work with Binghamton's most distinguished energy researchers.

• ENERGY GENERATION
  • Jeffrey Mativetsky: Organic and perovskite solar cells
  • Yuxin Wang: Environmental impacts of energy technologies
  • Tara Dhakal: Inorganic and perovskite solar cells
  • Scott Schiffres: Heat transfer
• ENERGY STORAGE
  • Stan Whittingham (Nobel Prize Winner): Lithium-ion batteries; intercalation reactions
  • Sean Choi: Bioenergy; biobatteries
  • Chuan-Jian Zhong: Catalysis; fuel cells
  • Manny Smeu: Computational modeling of alternative battery materials
  • Ana Laura Elias: Hydrogen evolution; 2D nanomaterials
  • Hao Liu: Battery structure-function relationships
  • Xiaotu Ma: Battery Recycling
  • Brent Melot: New battery materials

Participating Programs and Departments

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Participating Organizations

• Advanced Catalysis for Energy Sustainability Center
• Binghamton Smart Energy Transdisciplinary Area of Excellence
• Center for Autonomous Solar Power
• Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York
• New Energy New York
• Northeast Center for Chemical Energy Storage
• Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator

Other Activities

Binghamton's summers are great for outdoor pursuits, including hiking in the university's nature preserve. Students take part in group activities such as kayaking, blueberry picking, and company tours. Other organized student groups are also active during the summer, providing opportunities for socialization and professional networking.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Students from which majors can apply? Students from all areas of science and engineering are encouraged to apply.
• Can freshmen or sophomores apply? Yes, freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to apply, as long as introductory chemistry or physics has already been taken.
• Can I apply if I am graduating this semester? No, you can only apply if you will be registered as an undergraduate during the following academic year.
• Do I need to have prior research experience? No, prior research experience is not required to enter the program.
• Do I need to be a US citizen? You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident.