NSF-REU Summer Research Program
The application deadline is February 14, 2014.
The program, funded by the National Science Foundation, focuses on interdisciplinary projects in biological, environmental, and materials chemistry. In our program, students become full members of a research group, carrying out fundamental research on topics that span the chemical sciences. Most students find the program to be a useful way to explore the graduate school experience at a top Chemistry program. Our faculty have an outstanding record of providing students rewarding summer research experiences, usually resulting in co-authorship on publications and/or presentations. In addition to the focus on individual research projects, students will participate in weekly career development seminars, highlighted by a Career Day with Ph.D. chemists speaking about their career paths. Students in the Chemistry REU will interact with students in other undergraduate research programs across campus.
Students receive:
- a stipend of $5000
- free dormitory housing.
- one credit of summer research, with tuition and required fees paid by the program.
- Travel allowance
- $500 debit card to be used toward meals.
Who is Eligible?
This is a competitive program open to undergraduate chemistry majors enrolled in 4-year U.S. Universities other than Texas A&M who have completed their second or third year with a 3.0 GPA or better with strong letters of recommendation. Students must have completed 2 semesters of general chemistry and general laboratory, 2 semesters of organic chemistry and organic laboratory, and prferably 2 upper level chemistry courses, which typically include any of the following: analytical, spectroscopy, instrumental analysis, advanced organic, physical chemistry, biochemistry.
We welcome applications from members of traditionally underrepresented groups, including minorities and women.
How Do I Apply?
- You must apply on or before February 14, 2014.
- To apply online, check back here in December.
The following documents are required for your application to be reviewed.
- Completed online application including statement of purpose
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript (official transcripts will be required for accepted applicants)
Transcripts and letters of recommendation (which should be on institutional letterhead) may be sent electronically to reu@chem.tamu.edu or by mail to:
Texas A&M University, Dept. of Chemistry
Summer Research Program
PO Box 30012, College Station, TX 77842-3012
See Personal Statement Pointers (page 4) for tips about what to include in your personal statement.
Questions may be directed to Ms. Marylin Warren at reu@chem.tamu.edu or 979-845-0520.
What Projects are Available?
Click on the faculty member’s name to view their webpage to learn more about their research interests.
| Faculty Member | Sample Project Title |
| Biological Chemistry | |
| David Barondeau | Investigating Fe-S cluster biosynthesis in eukaryotes |
| Tadhg Begley | Biochemical and mechanistic studies on enzymes involved in vitamin biosynthesis |
| Kevin Burgess | Design and synthesis of molecules that mimic, disrupt, or monitor protein-protein interactions |
| Brian Connell | Metal-catalyzed synthesis of biologically active heterocycles |
| Paul Cremer | Using microfluidics to investigate multivalent ligand-receptor binding on fluid lipid membranes |
| Marcetta Darensbourg | Synthetic analogs of enzyme active sites: The bioorganometallic chemistry of Acetyl CoA Synthase and Hydrogenases |
| Paul Lindahl | Biophysical probes of iron metabolism in eukaryotic cells |
| Wenshe Liu | Deciphering epigenetic roles of posttranslational lysine modifications |
| Frank Raushel | Functional annotation of orphan enzymes |
| Daniel Romo | Total synthesis and chemical biology of natural products displaying potent physiological effects |
| Coran Watanabe | Biosynthesis of the anti-tumor agent Azinomycin B: targeting cancers |
| Jiong Yang | Total synthesis of biologically active natural products |
| Environmental Chemistry | |
| David Bergbreiter | Polymer facilitated green chemistry |
| Donald Darensbourg | Biodegradable polymer synthesis from renewable resources |
| Simon North | Atmospheric Monitoring of Trace Gases |
| Dan Singleton | Mechanism of green oxidation reactions |
| Oleg Ozerov | Biomass conversion approaches based on polydentate metal complexes |
| Hongcai Zhou | Hydrogen Storage in Metal-Organic Frameworks |
| Materials Chemistry | |
| James Batteas | Self-organizing nanoscale materials and devices |
| Janet Bluemel | Nanoparticles, embedded in porous oxide materials, as catalysts with superior recycling characteristics |
| Abraham Clearfield | Surface functionalization of layered materials |
| Kim Dunbar | New types of conducting and magnetic materials made from molecular components |
| Francois Gabbai | Synthesis and properties of molecular receptors for the capture of toxic anions |
| John Gladysz | Alkene metathesis in metal coordination spheres |
| Dong Hee Son | Photocatalysis by Mn-doped quantum well nanocrystals |
| Manuel Soriaga | Fundamental studies of biologically inspired fuel-cell electrocatalysts |
| Steven Wheeler | Stacking interactions in conducting polymers for organic electronic materials |
| Karen Wooley | Nanoscopically-complex, amphiphilic, non-toxic antifouling marine coating |
What Else will I do?
Weekly Career Development Seminars
Every week, REU participants meet over lunch to discuss several issues relevant to careers in chemistry. The topics we discussed last summer are in the table below, along with the discussion facilitators.
Topic |
Speaker |
How to Succeed in Research |
Dr. Hong-Cai (Joe) Zhou |
Library Use: Database Searching & E- Journals |
Mr. David Hubbard (chemistry librarian) |
Ethics: Case Studies from On Being a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research |
Dr. Simon North (Graduate Advisor) |
Scientific Presentations |
Dr. David Bergbreiter |
Short Talks by Students |
REU Students |
Scientific Authorship |
Dr. John Gladysz |
Poster Presentations |
Dr. Dong Hee Son |
Career Day |
Dr. Matthew Holden, U. Mass. |
Advice from Graduate Students |
Graduate Student Panel |
Applying to Graduate School |
Dr. James Batteas (Graduate Recruitment Coordinator) |
Weekly Research Seminars
Every week, two chemistry faculty members will present short, interactive vignettes about their research. This opportunity allows you to learn about the scope and depth of research opportunities in our department.
Brown Bag Lunches
The Office of Undergraduate Research Coordinates several brown bag lunches that REU participants across campus are invited to attend. Last summer’s topics were GRE preparation, Preparing for Graduate School, How to Write a CV, Library Resources, How to Choose a Graduate Mentor, Poster Presentations.
Please make hotlinks to the webpages in parantheses from the facility name.
Research Facility Tours
Tours are offered for many different research facilities across campus. In the past tours have been offered of:
- Immersive Visualization Center
- Cyclotron Institute
- Nuclear Science Center
- Observatory
- Wind Tunnel
- Microscopy & Imaging Center
- Materials Characterization Facility
- OffShore Technology Research Center
Poster Session
REU students will participate in a University-wide poster session in the final week of the program. Students will be able to present their research to students and faculty in a wide variety of disciplines.
Departmental Symposium
Each student will deliver an oral presentation to the chemistry department in the final week of the symposium. This seminar, attended by fellow undergraduates, as well as graduate students and faculty, allowing students to present their research results to a specialized audience.
Social Events
Numerous social events are sponsored by the department and the University, and REU students often initiate others. We kick off the program with an ice cream social, allowing students to meet their mentors and advisors in an informal atmosphere. Students from REU programs across campus are invited to attend a pizza party at the conclusion of the first week of the program. Our REU students are housed in a modern dormitory with a pool, and later in the summer, a pool party is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research. The department has organized barbeques and trips to attend baseball games. Students are enrolled in our recreation sports program to allow them to use our excellent facilities, and in the past students have created intramural teams and joined outdoor excursions. When research schedules allow, past students have organized weekend trips to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Houston.