Summer Research
Do something extraordinary this summer
Summer offers an ideal time for you to dive into research, either on campus, at another elite university, research institute, or company. It provides an extended, concentrated amount of time to focus on a certain research topic without the obligations of a standard semester course load.
Illinois REUs
Frontiers in Biomedical Imaging
Train and perform research at the forefront of biomedicine using advanced imaging and microscopy technologies. Contact: Prof. Marina Marjanovic: marinam@illinois.edu | 217-244-6221
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Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS)
Conduct research pertaining to cellular systems that may help to solve problems in health, security, and environment. Contact: EBICS Admin: ebics_admin@mit.edu
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The Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems (POETS)
Work on research projects to help increase the power density of current mobile electrified systems by 10-100 times the current state of the art. Contact: Joe Muskin: jmuskin@illinois.edu | 217-265-6481 or Dr. Jessica Perez: jgperez@illinois.edu | 217-300-5866
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Physics at Illinois
Work on challenging, meaningful projects focused on the diversity of physics subfields. Contact: Professor Karin Dahmen: dahmen@illinois.edu | 217-244-8873
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Illinois Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (I-MRSEC)
Solve a challenging, meaningful scientific question by taking part in the interdisciplinary innovative materials research. Contact: Dr. Pamela Pena Martin: pmartin9@illinois.edu | 217-300-6699
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Illinois Space Grant Consortium – Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
Conduct research on NASA-related science and engineering topics. Contact: Diane Jeffers: dejeffer@illinois.edu | 217-244-8048
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Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Toxicology (SURE Tox)
Train and perform research in the field of toxicology. Contact: Prof. Jodi Flaws: jflaws@illinois.edu | 217-333-7933 or Prof. Romana Nowak: ranowak@illinois.edu | 217-244-3902
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Carle Illinois College of Medicine REACH Program
Participate in an intensive clinical and research immersion summer experience in the field of medicine. Contact: Lisa Goodpaster: lisag18@illinois.edu | 217-300-7103
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Summer Research Opportunities @ Illinois (SROP)
Work on a research project in various fields of study and learn more about graduate school. Contact: I-SROP@illinois.edu
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Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) are offered by different universities, institutions, and agencies nationwide. These experiences give you the opportunity to actively participate in research and work with faculty and researchers on ongoing research projects.
Through these experiences, you develop not just your research skills, but also your interpersonal skills. You are able to explore your fields of interest, perform research, and build relationships with scholars. If you're interested in graduate school, this experience may open doors to that opportunity. These are also great ways to make new friends and to travel!
National Science Foundation REU
The National Science Foundation (NSF) REU provides indirect funding for undergraduate students to participate in research. The NSF REU program sites may be based in a single discipline or academic department or may offer interdisciplinary or multi-departmental research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme. An NSF REU site may be located in the United States or different country. Students participating in REUs are generally provided a stipend, housing, and transportation to and from the site.
Summer Research through the International Programs in Engineering (IPENG)
IPENG provides international engineering research abroad opportunities to engineering students within The Grainger College of Engineering at Urbana-Champaign. These opportunities are offered in the summer, fall, or spring semesters. All research is reviewed by the respective chief department advisors upon return to campus to determine if a student will receive technical credit. Applications deadlines vary.
International Research Opportunities
The Grainger College of Engineering departments have partnerships with universities abroad to offer research opportunities for you.
- Illinois-Sweden Program for Educational and Research Exchange (INSPIRE)
- X-FU(s)ION International Research Internship in Japan
- The Illinois renewable energy PIRE project is currently accepting applications from outstanding undergraduate students to carry out 2 month paid undergraduate research internship in Kyushu University (KU), Japan. The goal of the x-FU(s)ION international research internship is to increase your awareness, exposure and motivation about renewable energy research and provide you with a unique global workforce experience. All award recipients are required to present the results of their project (as a poster presentation) at the PIRE annual meeting.