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Join us this summer!

The 2024 program will start on Monday May 20th.  Each participant receives a $7,000 stipend plus full room and board and a travel allowance, a total value of approximately $10,000.

Review of applications for the Summer 2024 program is now complete. 

Eligibility

Undergraduates attending any U.S. university who are majoring in chemistry or a closely related field, and who are considering a career--and perhaps graduate study--in chemistry, are encouraged to apply.  Most applicants will be completing their junior year, but well-prepared sophomores and freshmen should also apply. The program is not designed for students who will have graduated.  We especially encourage applications from women and students from underrepresented groups.

A good academic record, especially in chemistry courses, will strengthen an application, but evidence of interest in chemical research is a major consideration.

The application deadline is Friday, March 1, 2024

Important!

In addition to the online application, please submit the following as a PDF file:

  • An essay (500 words or less)
    • Describe your career goals, post-graduation plans, and your motivation for pursuing chemistry research. You may use your essay to indicate specific projects in each “Research Interest Area” that you would be particularly excited about working on.
  • Unofficial transcript.
  • Resume (2 page maximum)

These files must be submitted as PDF documents as the last step of submitting this application. The files must be ready for upload at the time of application.

You will also need two letters of recommendation sent directly by your references. Your faculty references will be notified by email of your request for letters of recommendation from chemreu@ku.edu. Be sure to enter accurate e-mail addresses for your references.

The application portal is now closed

  • You will receive a confirmation email from chemreu@ku.edu confirming your application has been submitted. 

  • Once your documents are processed you will receive an email from chemreu@ku.edu confirming your documents have been received and/or alerting you to any issues with the documentation that was submitted.  You will be able to correct those issues before your application is reviewed. 

  • Your references will immediately receive an email from chemreu@ku.edu stating that you have submitted their name as a reference for the REU Program at KU.  It will instruct them to submit their letter to chemreu@ku.edu, and give them contact information for the Program Administrator, Stephanie Chamberlain.    

  • *****PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR REFERENCES ALLOW EMAILS FROM chemreu@ku.edu OR THEY CHECK THEIR SPAM FOLDERS*****  That said, some firewalls prevent the email from coming through at all.  If your reference did not immediately receive an email after you submitted your application, they can send their letter of reference directly to chemreu@ku.edu and it will be processed just the same as if they had responded to the email request from the application.   

  • You will receive an email from chemreu@ku.edu once both of your references have sent their letters of recommendation and your application is complete and ready for review by the committee. 

  • Selected applicants will receive an email offer to join the program and a deadline to accept or decline, usually one week’s time.  Applicants who were not selected will also receive an email letting them know that the review process is complete and the cohort has been selected.  PLESE DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED!!  The program is highly competitive and we only have funding for 10 participants.  DO NOT HESITATE to apply again next year if you are able. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Stephanie Chamberlain at chemreu@ku.edu or (785) 864-3902. 

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