Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Overview
Paid 10-weeks of summer research at the University of Rochester (UR) beginning in late May, annually. This year the program will run from May 27, 2025 to August 2, 2025. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for undergraduates from any institution in the United States.
The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity supports students through academic advising, tutoring, courses, and program coordination for various professional social and academic programs including five NSF REU programs.
REU Offerings at Rochester
The graphic depicts the five different REU programs that have been offered at the University of Rochester over the years. Those include Chemistry, Data Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics and Photonics. The 2024 REU ran from May 28 - August 3. The tiles of each REU are depicted in the graphic and are also listed below.
2025 University of Rochester REU Offerings
2025 Pending University of Rochester REU Offerings
- Data Science:
- Physics:
2026 University of Rochester REU Offerings
- Electrical Computer Engineering:
Each UR REU Includes
- $6,000 Research stipend (department dependent)
- Travel reimbursement
- Free on-campus housing for participants
- Faculty mentor and Kearns advisor
- Professional development workshops
- GRE test and Personal Statement preparation class
- Graduate school preparation class
- Community building and social events
- Opportunity to present your work at a conference-style summer symposium
The University of Rochester operates on a personal scale, creating exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close work with faculty. Explore how graduate study or industry work fit into your future at UR! Complete your summer with new skills and an enhanced vision of yourself as a researcher, collaborator, and mentor to others.
Information Sessions/Webinars
The Kearns Center hosts information sessions via zoom for prospective Summer 2025 REU students. Information sessions are centered around an overview of the REU structure and programming, application timeline, details about housing, transportation and stipends.
The 2025 information sessions will be held on the following dates:
- December 11, 2024 6pm EST
- December 12, 2024 12pm EST
Interested in attending? Please fill out our webinar interest form to receive an emailed RSVP link!
Eligibility
Eligible undergraduate students must be:
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or U.S. Permanent Residents
- Enrolled in any undergraduate program leading toward a bachelor’s or associate degree at the time of participation in the REU
*UR REUs prioritize applicants from institutions other than UR
Applying
Each REU program has its own deadline. Most applications will open in November and close in January/February. Please check individual REU websites for details.
Application materials typically include:
- Online (ETAP) application
- Personal statement
- Two references
- Resume or CV
- Transcripts
Accepted applicants will be notified in the beginning of March.
All University of Rochester REUs utilize the NSF ETAP application portal. Enter keyword "University of Rochester" to locate the application for any UR REU.
REU Milestones
Students typically go through the following research stages throughout the summer program:
- Prior to REU (mid-April): Connect with faculty mentor and outline research question(s)
- Weeks 1 – 2: Read background literature, get acquainted with lab/equipment
- Weeks 3 – 4: Define research project, participate in lab meetings
- Weeks 5 – 8: Conduct research, analyze data, present initial findings
- Weeks 9 – 10: Prepare talk, poster, and final paper and participate in Symposium
Contact
For more information, please email REU Coordinator Samantha Branch, at samantha.branch@rochester.edu.