2024 Summer REU Program in Chemistry & Environmental Science

The 2024 Summer REU Program in Chemistry & Environmental Science is a research experience for undergraduates focused on BioSMART (Biosensor Materials for Advanced Research and Technology) at the Environment/Biotechnology Nexus.

Introduction

This REU site at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is supported by the National Science Foundation to provide undergraduate research experiences on BioSMART. The program introduces students to the rapidly growing field of biosensors through design, development, characterization, and applications. Students will receive a $6,000 stipend for the 10-week program, free accommodation, and participate in career development activities and industrial visits.

Participants Benefits

• Stipends of $6,000 and free accommodation for 10 weeks
• Attend an interactive three-day Research Boot Camp on biosensors and a series of seminars on practical aspects of research
• Conduct immersive research under the guidance of mentors in laboratories and field experience
• Participate in professional development, team-building, mini-workshops, and basic training on lab safety, cultural competency, and online resources
• Present research accomplishments in scientific conferences
• Participate in career opportunities and the Authentic Teach the Art of Dissemination workshop

Eligibility

• College sophomores, juniors/rising seniors with interest in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, nanotechnology, and biosciences
• Women and students with disabilities, LGBTQ+, underrepresented minorities, and non-traditional students are encouraged to apply
• Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions
• Students must be enrolled in a US college and have not received their bachelor's degree by the summer

Requirements

• Perform full-time research with a mentor for 10 weeks; participants cannot take any summer course or job during the period
• Submit an NSF-GRFP Style Graduate Research Application by the end of the program
• Present research outcomes at scholarly communities or national conferences
• Make a presentation at the NJIT Campus-wide Undergraduate Research Innovation Conference
• Participate in the regular summer orientation program NJIT offers
• Respond to all blinded questionnaires administered during the summer

Research Mentors

A central feature of this REU site is the interdisciplinary mentoring research team. Faculty pairs in each interdisciplinary team around a project goal, and students work together and across labs to increase exposure to different techniques. Expected to have 10 REU students placed in groups of 2 or more.

Faculty Mentors and Research Interests

• Omowunmi "Wunmi" Sadik: Biosensors, biorecognition, sensor materials, and applications for environmental, biological, and field testing
• Sara Casado-Zapico: Biochemical techniques applied to Forensic Sciences
• Hao Chen: Analytical and biological technologies for environmental and forensic mass spectrometry
• Trevor Del Castillo: Polymer Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Polymer Characterization
• Michael Eberhart: Inorganic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, electron transfer mechanisms
• Edgardo Farinas: Protein Engineering, Directed Evolution, Protein Display, Enzymes, Biotechnology
• Alex Khalizov: Understanding the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for the transformation of atmospheric aerosols
• Mengyan Li: Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Environmental Remediation
• Basuray Sagnik: Developing chemical and biological sensors using nano/microfluidics and nanotechnology platforms
• Farnaz Shakib: Theoretical and computational chemistry, Quantum information science
• Genoa Warner: Effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the reproductive system using chemical biology methods
• Liji Zhang: Environmental biogeochemistry, soil and water remediation
• Yuanwei Zhang: NIR Light-Regulated Cell Signaling and Neuron Activation

FAQs

• I participated in REU in the past. Can I apply again? Yes, but priority is given to first-time participants.
• I'm a senior and will graduate in May. Am I still eligible for your program? No, the program targets undergraduates who are yet to receive their bachelor's degree.
• What is the workload as an REU participant? As an REU participant, you are committed to working a maximum of 40 hours per week for 10 weeks.
• I am a high school student but will start college this Fall. Am I eligible for your program? Yes, according to NSF rules, high school graduates who have been accepted at an undergraduate institution for the coming academic year are eligible.
• I am a first-year student. Should I apply? Perhaps, if you have had some research experience or have taken upper-level courses with grades of B or higher.
• Can I take a part-time job while participating in the REU program in the summer? No, this program requires full-time participation.
• Can I take summer classes while participating in the REU? Typically not, though exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances.
• I need to take some time off during the 10-week program for personal or family obligations. Will I be accommodated? Participants are expected to be fully engaged during the REU program, but the program director would accommodate one- or two-day absences to attend to immediate family obligations in advance.
• How do I apply for the REU program? What is the selection process? The NJIT REU BioSMART Committee will select students based on set criteria, including student preference, faculty preference, program diversity, and special mentoring needs.

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Overview:

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a public research university located in Newark, New Jersey. It is known for its strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. NJIT is consistently ranked among the top schools for return on investment.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context highlights the positive experiences of NJIT students. Students have access to various resources and opportunities, including research experiences, internships, and career fairs. The university emphasizes the importance of student involvement and provides a supportive environment for students to pursue their academic and professional goals.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

• Strong focus on STEM fields
• High return on investment
• Excellent research opportunities
• Supportive faculty and staff
• Vibrant campus community

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Academic Programs:

The context mentions various academic programs, including: - Computing - Architecture & Design - Engineering - Humanities & Liberal Arts - Math & Science - Business