2023 Summer REU Program in Chemistry & Environmental Science
Research Experience for Undergraduates on BioSensor Materials for Advanced Research and Technology (BioSMART) at the Environment/Biotechnology Nexus
Research Experience for Undergraduates on BioSensor Materials for Advanced Research and Technology (BioSMART) at the Environment/Biotechnology Nexus
Program Dates: May 29, 2023 – August 4, 2023
Organizers: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Sponsor: National Science Foundation
Site Directors: Professor Wunmi Sadik and Dean Kevin Belfield
Priority Application Deadline March 1, 2023
Program Flyer | Introduction | Research Mentors | Application | FAQs
This REU Site at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is supported by NSF to provide undergraduate research experiences on BioSensor Materials for Advanced Research and Technology (BioSMART) at the Environment and Biotechnology Nexus. BioSMART capitalizes on the interdisciplinary biosensor research opportunities for undergraduates (UG) at NJIT in the departments of Chemistry & Environmental Science, Biological Sciences (Federated with Rutgers), and Chemical & Materials Engineering and the members of the BioSMART Center.
The program provides a unique learning experience by introducing UG students to the rapidly growing and technologically relevant research field of biosensors through their designs, development, characterization, and applications. Students participating in this project will receive a $6,000 ($600/week) stipend for the 10-weeks program, free accommodation, and a host of career development activities and industrial visits. The program is designed for four-year and community college students interested in completing graduate school or attending professional school and who have not had substantial research experience. Most students in this category will be rising sophomores with credits in introductory Chemistry, Physics, and Biological Sciences with a grade of B or better. Such scholars are not bound by location, are interested in exploring the STEM discipline with an interest in technology and innovation, and are willing to explore the STEM environment that NJIT offers.
Participants Benefits
Eligibility
Requirements
A central feature of this REU site is the interdisciplinary mentoring research team that will provide direct research exposure and mentoring to the students. Faculty pair in each interdisciplinary team around a project goal, and students work together and across labs to increase exposure to different techniques. We expect to have 10 REU students placed in groups of 2 or more.
Faculty Mentor |
Institution |
Research Interests |
|
CES-NJIT |
Biosensors, biorecognition, sensor materials, and applications for environmental, biological, and field testing |
||
Sara Casado-Zapico | CES-NJIT | Biochemical techniques applied to Forensic Sciences: epigenetics for age estimation, “omics” technologies for post-mortem interval determination, body fluid identification, improving DNA extraction techniques | |
CES-NJIT |
Analytical and biological technologies for environmental and forensic mass spectrometry |
||
CES-NJIT | Protein Engineering, Directed Evolution, Protein Display, Enzymes, Biotechnology | ||
Alex Khalizov | CES-NJIT | Understanding the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for the transformation of atmospheric aerosols as well as associated impacts of aerosols on climate and human health. Understanding the chemical and physical mechanisms responsible for the transformation of atmospheric aerosols as well as associated impacts of aerosols on climate and human health | |
Basuray Sagnik |
|
Developing chemical and biological sensors using nano/microfluidics and nanotechnology platforms | |
CES-NJIT |
Effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the reproductive system using chemical biology methods |
||
Lijie Zhang | CES-NJIT | Environmental biogeochemistry, soil and water remediation, water treatment and resource recovery | |
CES-NJIT |
NIR Light-Regulated Cell Signaling and Neuron Activation: Cellular signaling and neuron activities govern a wide variety of essential physiological processes |
Please fill out the online application here and submit your documents to genti.m.price@njit.edu or price@njit.edu.
I participated in REU in the past. Can I apply again?
Yes, you can apply again; however, due to the popularity of REU, priority is given to first-time participants.
I’m a senior and will graduate in May. Am I still eligible for your program?
No. The program targets undergraduates who are yet to receive their bachelor’s degree. According to NSF rules, students who have received their bachelor’s degree by the time of the program are ineligible.
What is the workload as an REU participant?
As an REU participant, you are committed to working a maximum of 40‐hours per week for 10 weeks. Thus, you should not enroll in REU if you plan to carry a significant coursework load or hold a second part-time job. Accepting an REU position implies that you agree to be available for the entire ten‐week program. You should consult with your faculty advisor regarding your specific work schedule and flexibility.
I am a high school student but will start college this Fall. Am I eligible for your program?
Yes. According to NSF rules, high school graduates who have been accepted at an undergraduate institution for the coming academic year are eligible.
I am a first-year student. Should I apply?
Perhaps. You may be eligible if you have had some research experience or have taken upper-level courses with grades of B or higher.
Can I take a part-time job while participating in the REU program in the summer?
No. This program requires full-time participation.
Can I take summer classes while participating in the REU?
Typically not, though exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances.
I need to take some time off during the 10-week program for personal or family obligations. Will I be accommodated?
Participants are expected to be fully engaged during the REU program. However, the program director would accommodate one- or two-day absences to attend to immediate family obligations in advance.
How do I apply for the REU program? What is the selection process?
The NJIT REU BioSMART Committee will select students based on these set criteria: 1) Student preference, 2) faculty preference, 3) program diversity, and 4) special mentoring needs. On program diversity, we will consider the diversity of each research group, and the training program and selection will be made to enhance diversity.
The REU faculty submit projects for students to choose from; students choose up to 4 of their favorite projects to apply for as REU candidates. The faculty/mentors are notified of the students who chose their project, and students are encouraged to meet with faculty/mentors to discuss the specific project more. Additionally, faculty will review the REU candidates and submit their project preferences. Students are matched with projects using a combination of both student and faculty preferences. Unfortunately, after the students present their applications, they will not change their project preferences. Appointed students will receive offer letters with the next steps. Students will have 1‐2 weeks to decide whether to accept or decline REU assignments.
Will I be notified if I have not been matched to a project?
Yes. All applicants will be notified whether or not they receive an offer letter.
Can I still be a part of the REU if I did not match on a project?
NJIT has a host of undergraduate programs, including the McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, Newark Innovation Acceleration Challenge, TechQuest Innovation Competition, and Provost Summer Research Fellowship program. In Fall 2019, more than 360 undergraduate students were supported by URI Phase-1 and Phase 2 Student Seed Grants and summer stipends to pursue basic, applied, and translational research and technology prototype developments. Interested NJIT students can apply and, if funded, can participate in summer research.
Copyright © 2023
More information about the program is available by visiting https://centers.njit.edu/smart/about-biosmart-center/, or by contacting the PI (Dr. Wunmi Sadik at sadik@njit.edu) or the co-PI (Dr. Kevin Belfield at belfield@njit.edu).