Research
Research
REU
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are competitive summer research programs for undergraduate students studying any science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program, they are hosted in various universities and research laboratories around the country. The programs are small, usually with 8 to 10 students per program, and they typically last 8 to 10 weeks.
Although the National Science Foundation sponsors a majority of Research Experiences for Undergraduates, there are several other organizations that offer great research experiences:
SULI
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships program encourages undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission.
The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with the DOE laboratories/facilities.
Applications for the SULI program are solicited annually for three separate internship terms. Internship appointments are 10 weeks in duration for the summer term (May through August) or 16 weeks in duration for the fall (August through December) and spring (January through May) terms. Each DOE laboratory/facility offers different research opportunities; not all DOE laboratories/facilities offer internships during the fall and spring terms.
The application process, key dates, and deadlines are found here.
SURF
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) are a summer immersion experience, which supplements research activities that occur during the academic year. Typically, these highly competitive undergraduate programs are overseen by a member of a college's faculty who provides general guidance to the undergraduate's research work. Areas of research vary widely and can come from any science discipline.
RIT offers SURF opportunities through the College of Science. Other opportunities can be found by doing a Google search in your field of interest, asking your faculty advisor for suggestions, and searching government agencies, including National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Research with RIT Faculty
Many RIT faculty have funded projects in strategic research areas and often need student researchers to participate in their projects. Students work directly with faculty, gaining valuable experience in exploring, investigating, and problem solving. Part-time, paid research assistant positions are available throughout the academic year; additionally, some faculty have funding for full-time positions during the summer.
To find a research opportunity with a faculty, ask your faculty advisor, or approach faculty in your courses directly. Here are some individual college resources:
National Labs Info
Students can connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities.
For over 80 years, National Laboratories have been on the leading edge of American technology and innovation, seeking solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in energy, science, national security, and environmental stewardship. It is often said that the Laboratories exist to tackle particularly difficult problems that fall beyond the capabilities of private industry or individual universities. Each Laboratory contributes specific core competencies, unique facilities, and research teams representing an array of disciplines to push the boundaries of science, engineering, and technology.
The National Laboratories are a diverse and inclusive career destination for the next generation of scientists and engineers aspiring to make an impact through their research. As a National Laboratory employee, you will work with leaders in their fields who share diverse backgrounds and perspectives. You will use cutting-edge equipment at facilities that can be found nowhere else in the world. Most importantly, you will join generations whose work has improved lives through scientific research and discovery.
National & Research Lab RIT Alumni & Employer Panel recording link
Highlighted List of National Labs:
Ames Lab
Argonne National Lab
Brookhaven
Fermi National Accelerator
Idaho National Lab
Lawrence Berkeley
Lawrence Livermore
Los Alamos
National Energy Technology Lab
National Renewable Energy Lab
Oak Ridge National Lab
Pacific Northwest National Lab
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
Sandia National Lab
Savannah River
SLAC National Accelerator Lab
Thomas Jefferson National Lab
Other Similar Labs
Air Force Research Lab
Applied Research Lab at Penn State
Cold Spring Harbor
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
MIT Lincoln Lab
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Naval Research Lab
Naval Nuclear Lab
RAND Arroyo Center
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
UR Lab for Laser Energetics