Developing a Clean Energy Future
Clean Energy Science and Technology offers chemistry, physics and engineering students an opportunity to join one of the many interdisciplinary research teams in the WPI Energy Research Group for a summer research project. In addition to carrying out cutting-edge research, REU participants will attend weekly professional development seminars and workshops. They will learn about careers in renewable energy, nonprofits, the government sector, academic research, and STEM education. The REU program will conclude with the final poster presentation.
Learn more: wpi.edu/+cleanenergyreu
Industrial Mathematics and Statistics
What is the role of a mathematician in business and industry? What is it like to work with technical experts on a problem that requires significant mathematics, but also must satisfy real-world constraints? Students work in teams on real problems that come directly from business and industry and they work closely with a company representative to define the problem and develop solutions of immediate value to the company. They are guided by a faculty advisor in the Mathematical Sciences Department to maintain a clear focus on the mathematical issues at the core of the project.
Membrane Biochemistry and Bioinspired Synthesis
WPI’s Chemistry REU offers a comprehensive experience in research project work, while also presenting opportunities to participate in a weekly seminar series. Students study topics including career development and scientific ethics. Students also participate in a summer research conference with other WPI REU sites and two students have the opportunity to present at an ACS National Meeting. Students will start to form a research network of their own as they get to know other REU participants through social activities such as cookouts, a whitewater rafting trip, hiking excursions, a trip to Boston, a classical concert at Tanglewood, and opportunities to attend sporting events.
Learn more: wpi.edu/+chemistryREU
Integrated Bioengineering Research, Education, and Outreach Experiences for Females and Underrepresented Minorities
WPI’s Biomedical Engineering REU offers opportunities to complete research on a project that may include topics like stem cell differentiation and delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, biomaterials, bacterial adhesion, mechanobiology and bioreactors, developing engineered connective tissue, nanotechnology, and biophysics.
Recycling
The Center for Resource Recovery & Recycling (CR³) is helping industry address a pivotal societal need—the need to create a sustainable future. Companies work with CR³ to advance technologies that recover, recycle, and reuse materials during the manufacturing process. These advancements help reduce energy costs and increase profitability, while protecting the Earth’s natural resources. Students with a background in materials processing are invited to join CR³ to work on two distinct research projects: Upgrading Steel Scrap for Electric Arc Furnace Recycling or Sorting of Aluminum Scrap for Value-Added Recycling.
Learn more: wpi.edu/+cr3REU
Advanced Materials and Processes for a Resilient Society
Students in WPI’s interdisciplinary Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering REU research the materials, resources, and processes for a resilient society. Their work contributes to research exploring threats to the U.S., such as deteriorating infrastructure, climate change, environmental contamination, and material and energy resource scarcity. Students from backgrounds conventionally underrepresented in the STEM fields are especially encouraged to apply.
WPI Materials REU will run in summer of 2021 but check back later for future dates.
Learn more: wpi.edu/+materialsreu
Data Science Research for Healthy Communities in the Digital Age
The WPI Data Science program has successfully operated this REU site since 2016, offering students from geographically diverse institutions around the country access to vibrant scientific research projects and undergraduate mentorship. The students, working with WPI faculty and other students, learn about state-of-the-art data science techniques and technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence, visualization, and big data technologies. They apply this information to research focused on solving societal challenges with high societal impact in our communities. Research topics include digital health, sustainability, and mobility, all of which are interlinked concerns of critical national importance. Students present the results of their research at an open poster session during the final week of the program, and, where appropriate, at scholarly venues and conferences. Students also take field trips to tech companies.
Learn more: wpi.edu/+datasciencereu