Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (“REUs”) are paid summer internships where students can work with faculty on research projects. These programs are funded by the National Science Foundation.

In an REU, you will

Be part of a small group of student researchers
Work under the mentorship of a science faculty member
Receive training in research methods and professional development
Receive a stipend, room and board, and social activities

REUs are held all over the US, so there is one for you somewhere!

Hear from participants in SMU's Data Science REU (2024):

REUs at SMU

SMU currently offers the following REU programs. Participants are also invited to participate in the Summer Research Intensive workshops and attend the Summer Research Symposium

Questions? email reu@smu.edu

NSF REU Site:Advancing Data Science in the Public Interest

Award #2447670

Learn how to use data science tools for improving the lives of people. You will join a team of researchers using data to find solutions to pressing economic and environmental problems affecting communities in Dallas and beyond.

$5600 stipend
On-campus room and board included

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Completed Sophomore of Junior Year of college with strong academic record
Major in math, statistics, computer science or related field and an interest in social science OR major in social science field and an interest in data science

Apply Today for Summer 2026

NSF REU/RTG Site: Modeling and Computations for Complex Systems
Award #1840260

June 2 - July 17, 2026

Faculty Mentors: Alejandro Aceves and Joe Camp

Program Overview: This unique program will showcase students how engineering and mathematics (mathematics and engineering) go hand in hand when advancing our understanding and research on topics of current interest. Join one of two tracks focused on either either mathematical modeling or applied computing and engineering.

Program Benefits:

Competitive summer compensation
On-campus room and board included during both the Taos course and the Dallas REU portion
For SMU and non-SMU students

Eligibility:

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Must not have completed your undergraduate degree before January 2026
Ability to focus on this program during these 7 weeks

Track 1: Mathematics – Modeling and Analysis of Complex Systems

Track 1 is designed for undergraduate students in mathematics and closely related disciplines, with a focus on the theoretical foundations of complex systems. From June 2 - July 17 at SMU in Dallas, Texas, students engage in mentored research emphasizing mathematical modeling, analysis, and computation for complex and interconnected systems, including dynamical systems and networked phenomena arising in science and engineering. This track is fully research-focused and does not include a formal course component.

For more information, contact Prof. Alejandro Aceves at aaceves@smu.edu.

Apply for Track 1

Track 2: Engineering and Computer Science – Swarm Systems and Autonomous Learning

Track 2 is designed for undergraduate students in electrical engineering, computer science, and related engineering disciplines, emphasizing applied computation, systems integration, and experimental research in complex systems. From June 2 - June 18 in Taos, New Mexico, students participate in the SCALE course on Swarm Coordination and Autonomous Learning, an immersive experience, for which students may earn 3 hours of academic course credit (tuition responsibility of the student; one 3-credit-hour course: $5,430). Following the course, from June 19 - July 17, Track 2 students transition to SMU’s Dallas campus, merging with Track 1 participants to form a single REU cohort, collaborating on mentored research projects that integrate mathematical foundations with engineering and computational implementation.

For more information, contact Prof. Joe Camp at camp@smu.edu.

Apply for Track 2

Application Deadline: March 27, 2026

NSF REU Site: Chemical Synthesis and Structures for a Better World
Award #2155170

ON HOLD FOR 2025

Faculty mentors: Anindita Das, Alex Lippert, Tomce Runcevski

Summer REU projects are available in the area of atomically precise nanoclusters, molecular materials, chemiluminescence imaging, 3D photopatterning, and other areas. Students can learn skills ranging from organic & inorganic synthesis, materials & solid-state chemistry, structural characterization, catalysis, optical spectroscopy, mammalian cell culture, microscopy/optics, and nanofabrication. More information can be found in the research group websites: Das Lab; Lippert Lab; Runcevski Lab.

$4000 stipend
On-campus room and board

Eligibility

Have not completed your undergraduate degree before January 2023
We encourage applications from historically marginalized groups and anyone excited about science

Applications close April 15
Feel free to reach out to faculty or apply online!