REU Program Summer Research

The Chemistry Department's REU summer research program emphasizes broad, interdisciplinary projects under the theme Reimagining the Chemical Heartland: Chemistry for a Changing Gulf Coast. Participants will integrate fully into research groups, engaging in both fundamental and applied research across diverse areas of the chemical sciences aligned with this theme. Additionally, students will take part in specialized chemistry workshops and professional development sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Should funding be approved, the following dates will be observed:
Application Window: January 1, 2025 – March 14, 2025

Program Dates: May 27 - August 1, 2025

Students interested in nuclear chemistry might be better suited to the Cyclotron Institute REU Program.

The REU summer research program at Texas A&M University's Department of Chemistry offers undergraduate students a premier opportunity to engage in graduate-level research addressing critical challenges in sustainability, green chemistry, climate change, and human health. Participants work closely with faculty and graduate mentors on independent projects aligned with the "chemical transition," focusing on the shift from fossil fuels to sustainable precursors in the Gulf Coast region. In addition to rigorous research, students will participate in weekly professional development workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing science communication, ethical research practices, and teamwork skills. These sessions, delivered by faculty and industry leaders, provide valuable context for their work while preparing students for graduate studies and STEM careers. The program also fosters connections through social and networking events with peers, mentors, and professionals from academia and industry, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.The program concludes with opportunities for students to present their research through a poster session, symposium, and social media,
showcasing their achievements and preparing them for academic and professional success.

Pending funding approval, students will receive the following support

• A stipend of $6,000
• Up to $850 for travel expenses to and from College Station
• Lodging in university housing
• A meal card valued at $650
• Financial support for presenting their research at an ACS conference

This competitive program is open to undergraduates majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, or related fields, who have completed at least one year of college, including two semesters of college chemistry with laboratory experience. We welcome applications from students at 4-year universities (excluding Texas A&M) and community colleges, and encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups, including minorities, women, and veterans, to apply.

Required for your application to be reviewed:

• Completed online application including statement of purpose and unofficial transcript with Fall grades
• 2 letters of recommendation on letterhead to be sent directly to reu@chem.tamu.edu

See Personal Statement Pointers (page 10) for tips about what to include in your personal statement.

Apply online at Texas A&M 2025 REU Application.
Application Window: January 1-March 14, 2025
Questions may be directed to Miranda Wickesser at reu@chem.tamu.edu or 979-845-0520.

Click on the faculty member’s name to view their webpage to learn more about their research interests.

Each week, the REU cohort will engage in dynamic seminars led by faculty members, alumni, and industry experts in an informal setting. These sessions will highlight the pivotal role of chemistry in addressing the urgent challenges facing the "chemical heartland" of the Gulf Coast region, home to much of the U.S. chemical industry. Topics will include the impacts of climate change, the plastics industry, and the consumption of water and energy resources. Faculty will illustrate fundamental principles through examples from ongoing research within the department and in industry. Renowned industry leaders from companies like Dow, BASF, and Exxon will showcase chemistry as a vibrant, interdisciplinary field at the core of modern industries, sharing insights from their professional journeys. The seminars will be hands-on, designed as active learning workshops that foster engagement and creativity.

Additional seminars will dive into essential topics like scientific writing, ethics, publication, and communication. Science writing is a crucial skill often overlooked in undergraduate programs but invaluable in future academic and professional endeavors. In these sessions, students will learn how to craft compelling abstracts and research reports, building a foundation for peer-reviewed publications. The series will also explore key topics like Research Ethics and feature a hands-on, engaging session on chemical demonstrations, offering both fun and valuable insights into effective science communication.

Students will take part in a university-wide poster session to present their summer research, scholarly, and creative activities alongside undergraduate students from institutions worldwide. Open to the public, this event offers each student the chance to share the results of their REU project with the broader campus community. Following the session, students will return their posters to their home institutions for display.

REU students will have the exciting opportunity to share their summer research results with the entire department through a short oral presentation. Working closely with their graduate student mentor, faculty mentor, and research group, students will be fully supported as they prepare for this engaging and impactful activity.

Tours are offered for many different research facilities across campus. In the past tours have been offered of:

• Immersive Visualization Center
• Cyclotron Institute
• Nuclear Science Center
• Observatory
• Wind Tunnel
• Microscopy & Imaging Center
• Materials Characterization Facility
• Offshore Technology Research Center

The Chemistry department will offer one-day short courses on:

• Crystallography Workshop: A short course on X-ray crystallography will be offered in collaboration with the X-ray Diffraction Laboratory in the Department of Chemistry. This powerful technique is essential for structure-based understanding of various molecules, yet it is rarely included in undergraduate lab curricula.
• Computational Toolset: A workshop will be organized to indroduce students to computational modeling, a critical element in modern chemical research. The session will cover fundamental concepts in setting up molecular models, performing quantum chemistry calculations for common molecular and material systems, and utilizing high-performance research computing resources.

Throughout the 10-week REU program, participants will immerse themselves in a variety of engaging social activities that foster meaningful interactions with faculty, peers, and the broader TAMU community. Kicking off with welcome orientations and chemical safety training sessions led by graduate students and faculty mentors, the program offers exciting opportunities for networking and team-building. Students will enjoy departmental social events, tours of local industrial laboratories, and fun activities such as Trivia Night, First Friday in Bryan, and bowling. Research groups will also host outdoor adventures like hiking and lake day, providing a balance of professional development and social connection.