Penn Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry REU program entitled “Novel Techniques and Applications in Catalyst Research Development and Molecular Dynamics” at the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Chemistry (CatResDev)! Established in 2021, our program is excited to host ten undergraduate students during a ten-week summer research experience in the vibrant University of Pennsylvania campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the summer of 2025! We thank the NSF for their funding of this program.

Applications are open Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025.

Applications are now closed for the Summer 2025 Program.

About the program

The CatResDev REU at Penn Chemistry offers research exposure to undergraduates (US citizens or permanent residents) with limited previous laboratory experience. This site will provide projects in the areas of catalysis and molecular dynamics with cross-over into the methods associated with high throughput experimentation (HTE) while learning the fundamentals of success in science via training, mentoring, and industrial partnerships. Programs focus on research safety, professional development, networking, and the opportunity to learn from one another and leading experts in the field.

Sample poster presenter Summer 2023

Our 2024 summer cohort

The program brings together an extensive network of 70 academic and industrial collaborators to provide opportunities for meaningful career pathways and to increase competitiveness for students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field.

Research Focus

The Penn Chemistry research areas span a significant space across catalysis: method development, catalyst development, and synthetic applications, as well as extension into molecular dynamics and beyond. CatResDev exposes REU students to high throughput experimentation (HTE) techniques that are unique to Penn Chemistry and currently in high demand. Exposure to HTE provides a distinct experience for undergraduates with long-term leverage into both academic and industrial pathways. CatResDev provides REU students research and professional development training to prepare them for advanced degrees in STEM.

The major focus of the research is on catalysis, which allows chemical processes to occur more efficiently and in a more environmentally sound manner, thus saving time and money and most importantly, our human health and safety. The research conducted is anticipated to have positive impacts in diverse chemistry-based sectors of the United States economy, including those involving pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, while having a favorable effect on sustainable energy and the environmentally sound production of all manner of materials, as well.

Tentative Dates of the Summer 2025 internship: May 27 – August 1, 2025

Application System Opens: November 1, 2024

Application Deadline for Summer 2025: January 15, 2025

Applicants are required to identify two individuals to submit letters of recommendation to the program, at least one of which is a scientist. The administrative team will contact the recommenders through the admissions system request the letters from them.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Patrick J. Walsh (pwalsh@sas.upenn.edu)

and/or

Dr. Marta Guron (guron@upenn.edu)

Site Award Number cycle 1: 1851640 (until 12/31/2023)

Site Award Number cycle 2: 2244061

This Site is supported in part by funds provided to the National Science Foundation by the Semiconductor Research Corporation.