Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage

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Program Overview

Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in state of the art facilities at Binghamton University for a hands-on summer research and professional development experience. This NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage 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

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form (available in early 2025)
2. Prepare a one-page resume in pdf format showing work and/or research experience. Email the resume to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
3. Ask two professors to email recommendations to: energyreu@binghamton.edu

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. The program welcomes the participation of first-generation college students, students from small colleges and universities with limited research infrastructure, and students from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering, including women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Important Dates:

• Application window: Feb 3 - Mar 14, 2025
• Notification of acceptance:  Feb 17 - Mar 31, 2025
• Arrival in Binghamton: May 26, 2025
• First day of program: May 27, 2025
• Last day of program: Aug 1, 2025

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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 (see Research Areas below). 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. 

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Research Areas

Students in the program will work for ten weeks 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, a roster that includes Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham. Further information about research topics and the involved faculty are provided below.

REU students can also gain industry experience through collaborations with local energy companies. Program participants have worked with industrial partners on new battery materials, large-scale battery storage, and power grid simulation.

• ENERGY GENERATION

  	Jeffrey Mativetsky Organic and perovskite solar cells; piezoelectric energy harvesting
  	Mengen Wang Computational modeling of solar energy materials
  	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

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Participating 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
• New Energy New York
• Northeast Center for Chemical Energy Storage
• Southern Tier Clean Energy Incubator

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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 battery factory tours. Other organized student groups are also active during the summer, providing opportunities for socialization and professional networking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply after the deadline?
  Yes. However, applications received before the deadline will receive priority consideration.
• 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.

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Have Questions?

Direct all inquiries and application materials to: energyreu@binghamton.edu