NSF REU in Advanced Materials Synthesis

This REU site offers unique opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research in advanced materials synthesis in a 10-week summer program.

The University of Virginia Advanced Materials Synthesis Research Experience will immerse rising sophomores through seniors in authentic materials research projects.

Participants will join an interdisciplinary research team on UVA Grounds for training in materials science and engineering, state-of-the-art research methods, the research culture and science communication. Participants will also benefit from mentorship activities, workshops and seminars to prepare for their next steps and successful careers in industry, national laboratories and academia.

Our Research Experience Undergraduate site advances fundamental research in societally-important materials and technologies relevant to advanced manufacturing, transportation, water filtration, energy storage, catalysis and drug delivery. Selected students will join one of a dozen state-of-the-art, federally funded research projects for hands-on learning.Gain experience and develop leadership skills with faculty and mentors, while earning a $6,000 stipend and exploring what Charlottesville has to offer through on-Grounds living accommodations.

Our Sponsors

Our sincere thanks to the National Science Foundation for primary support of the REU under grant DMR-2050867. Additional funds were generously provided by the Micron Foundation.

Develop Soft Skills Needed to Succeed in Research and Business

Learn about and practice responsible conduct in research including authorship, collaborative research, conflicts of interest, data management, peer review and reproducibility of research results.

Work and Play

Our REU students will have full access to summer social activities coordinated by the UVA Office of Undergraduate Research and participate in social activities organized by their research groups. We encourage participants to take advantage of all that Charlottesville has to offer.

"Materials scientists and engineers work in industries that are critical to Americans’ livelihoods and good health. We need graduates who are in touch with community needs, who can tackle complex problems with creativity and first-hand experience."

David Green headshot David Green associate professor of materials science and engineering, chemical engineering and mechanical and aerospace engineering
  • Faculty Advisors

    Twelve faculty members serve as advisors to the participants. They are editors of leading journals; winners of prestigious research, teaching and mentorship awards; professional society fellows and officers; national conference program chairs; and leaders in STEM outreach to groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the field.

  • Application Process

    Applicants are asked to submit an essay conveying their desire to learn about and engage in materials research and what they hope to achieve through their participation in the research experience.

  • Onboarding Process

    Find onboarding information for participants in the Advanced Materials REU.

Contact Us

David L. Green

Associate Professor

Our group focuses on the synthesis of well-defined nanoparticles, their dispersion into polymer solutions and melts, and their suspension rheology. With our fundamental studies, we seek to optimize processing to achieve a desirable microstructure in industrial suspensions, and to set a foundation for developing constitutive rheological models.

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