Energizing tomorrow’s engineers: Notre Dame REUs

October 21, 2024

Undergraduate Research

Imagine designing a more sustainable battery, creating nanoparticles to fight breast cancer, or engineering ligaments for powered prosthetics.

Each summer, more than 130 undergraduates from around the world come to Notre Dame’s campus to tackle these and other engineering challenges.

Nine engineering-focused summer research experiences for undergraduates (REUs) offer students the opportunity to work side by side with Notre Dame faculty and graduate student mentors for nine to ten weeks, providing a glimpse of what graduate school is like at a research university.

In the Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (E-SURE) program, students conduct research in such diverse areas as wearable robots, hurricane simulation, advanced manufacturing, and earthquake resistant structures. Each year, this program provides opportunities for undergraduates to engage in hands-on research in many areas of engineering and computer science.

“My advisor emphasized that I should prioritize working on a project
that was fun for me. That led me to focus on research I thoroughly
enjoyed and inspired even greater curiosity about my topic.”
—Ellie Han
E-SURE Program

Students in the Soft Materials for Applications in Sustainability and Healthcare (SMASH) REU, research emerging technologies that use soft materials for the development of sustainable energy, clean water, and affordable healthcare solutions.

Radio technologies and spectrum policy engage students in the Advanced Wireless Research Experiences (AWaRE) program, while the NDnano Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NURF) program involves students in projects that leverage nanoscience to develop new materials and technologies. Students collaborate with industry partners and global experts in the fields of aerospace and mechanical engineering in the Turbomachinery Laboratory Internship Program.

“My faculty advisor taught me so much about the radio spectrum and how interesting and enjoyable research can be.”

—Raghad Elgamal (above left)
AWaRE Program

“What stood out the most was the collaborative environment. Discussing and exchanging ideas with all the other REU students, graduate students and faculty created a strong sense of community.”

—Sebastian Pirela (above right)
AWaRE Program

“Thanks to my faculty mentors, I was given numerous opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the research group—including co-authoring a journal publication. Best of all, I conducted independent, graduate-level research in the Notre Dame Nanofabrication Facility, a class-100 cleanroom.”

—Daniel Noronha
AWaRE Program

With the Vincent P. Slatt Fellowships, students from Notre Dame and minority-serving academic institutions pursue topics in sustainable energy. The International Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (i-SURE), and Naughton Fellowship Research Experience provide STEM research opportunities for international students. Summer Education and Engagement for Data Science (SEEDS), offers teaching and mentoring opportunities to Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s students interested in data-science related disciplines.

“With the unwavering support from my professors and lab members, I competed in the 3MT competition and became a finalist. This experience not only allowed me to showcase my research but also underscored the critical role of effective communication in scientific discovery.”

—Swindar Zhou
NDnano NURF

Each engineering program is integrated into a campus-wide network of 19 programs with over 330 REU students.

Students participating in any of the summer programs can choose to attend social and professional development events designed to help them meet new friends, broaden their professional networks, and learn skills beyond what they acquire in the laboratory.

The REU programs culminate in the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium and 3MT Competition, a research communication competition that challenges student to present their work in three minutes.

“My summer research experience has been amazing and so memorable. I learned so much about the behavior and design of concrete materials, and I met a lot of students and staff who made me feel welcome.”

—Angel Anchondo
Vincent P. Slatt Fellowship Program

“I created a 3D-printed model to help my research team visualize a structure we will be testing. I learned Solidworks and 3D printed a small-scale model for my team.”

—Isabella Cantillo
*Vincent P. Slatt Fellowship Program*

“As a result of my research, I’ve acquired a lot of experimentalist skills and transformed my approach to complex problem-solving. I feel like the technical and problem-solving skills I’ve developed will allow me to make unique contributions to any company or lab group.”

—John Moore Vincent P. Slatt Fellowship Program

— Karla Cruise, Notre Dame Engineering; Photos by Wes Evard, Notre Dame Engineering