The University of Washington Molecular Engineering Materials Center (UW MEM-C) Academic-Year Research Accelerator Research Experience for Undergraduates (AYRA REU) program is focused on expanding student opportunities for research experiences. The academic-year program will help bridge gaps in the STEM pathway for those who may otherwise need work-study or other employment to support their education. MEM-C AYRA students will spend 10-19 hr/week on research for two or three academic quarters, and training will include professional development including resume training and internship searches, to help them advance along the STEM pathway.
Program Details
If selected you will be embedded in one of the MEM-C labs for the academic year. You will work with graduate students and faculty to develop a research project, gain training in relevant techniques and instrumentation, collect data, write-up your results and craft presentations. Students participate in seminars on undergraduate research and professional development, and are also included in MEMC IRG meetings and seminars. Participants will be encouraged to register for 2.0 credits of Independent Research (details provided upon acceptance to the program) and required present a poster at the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium during Spring quarter.
- Duration: Either two (2) or three (3) academic quarters, following the 2024-2025 UW Academic Calendar.
- Stipend: $2,227/quarter
- Application Deadlines: The AYRA application window is closed for the 2024-2025 academic year due to a large number of applicaitons received in the first round which closed October 1, 2024.
Application Details
The program is designed to open doors for those who would like to expand their undergraduate research experience. The AYRA program is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.
Application requirements:
- Personal and Demographic information: name, email address, current school and academic status, major/minor area(s) of study, cumulative GPA, GPA in major, and veteran and First-Generation status
- Faculty Research Preferences: Each AYRA participant will be placed in a lab with a UW MEM-C faculty host and have a graduate student as a mentor. Please review the faculty listed on our website (https://uwmemc.org/people/) to identify up to 3 faculty with whom you would like to work.
- Personal statement (300 words): Please discuss your interest in the UW MEM-C AYRA program and how it could be potentially transformative with respect to your future academic and career goals. If applicable, please mention any prior research experience as well as any project plans you may have discussed with potential faculty mentors.
- CV/Resume and Transcript: Please upload a single PDF that includes your CV, listing all education, training, work experience, publications, presentations, awards, and participation in education and broader community activities, and a copy of your unofficial transcript. Please note that we do not need personal information such as student IDs, social security numbers, and addresses – these items should be redacted or crossed out before sharing. (PDF only; 10 MB limit)
**Combine everything one PDF file named according to the following convention: LastName_FirstName_CV.pdf
