External Research Opportunities

2025 American Economic Association Summer Program

The AEA Summer Program is a prestigious program that uniquely enables students to prepare for the rigors of graduate studies—particularly at the PhD level—through two months of intensive training in microeconomics, math, econometrics and research methods with leading faculty.

The AEA Summer Program aims to broaden participation and increase diversity in the economics profession to ensure that more traditionally under-represented views and backgrounds contribute to scholarship in the field. All US citizens and permanent residents are eligible for scholarship assistance.

Ideally, applicants would:

• Be enrolled in or be a recent graduate of a degree-granting program at a college/university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate education.
• Have a strong interest in pursuing a doctoral degree.

Application Requirements:

• College/University Fall 2024 transcript(s).
• Two (2) letters of recommendation with a minimum of one (1) from faculty.
• Two short-essay responses. (The questions will be found in the application itself.)
• Resumé.

Program Detail and Benefits:

• Program runs from May 22 – July 20, 2025.
• Successful, eligible students receive a $3,250 stipend.
• Round-trip travel to and from Washington, DC is provided.
• Room and board on the HU campus are provided for the program’s duration.
• Opportunities to do and present research at the program conference are included.

Submission and Due Date:

• All applications are to be completed on-line.
• To apply for the 2025 AEA Summer Program, you must login with an active AEA member account or a free non-member account. Login or create account.
• A completed HU AEA Summer Program application must be RECEIVED by January 31, 2025. Applications must be complete to be reviewed. Please submit completed applications on-line.

More to come…

More to come…

Boise State University: REU Site – Cloud Computing Security and Privacy

This REU site will offer a nine-week summer research program at Boise State University for ten undergraduate students each year to gain research experience. Cloud computing is a relatively new internet computing paradigm, having been developed and popularized only in the last decade. With the widespread applications deployed in the internet, both the volume and types of cyber-attacks continue to increase and target every internet user. National infrastructure, individuals, businesses, and agencies have fallen victim to cyber-attacks. Developing a secure cloud computing environment requires computer science and cybersecurity professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills of network security, system security, cryptography, risk analysis, ethics and human behaviors, security policies and laws, and many other security practices. 

In order to provide students a better research experience and scaffold their development as a researcher, in addition to the research training, weekly seminars, and professional talks in the field of cloud security and privacy, students will also have the chance to attend a variety of activities to enhance their research skills offered by the Boise State summer research community. These additional activities include: (1) seminars for discussing an array of topics, including responsible and ethical conduct of research, critical thinking, library research activity, poster presentation, and tips to presenting research to a public audience; and (2) a two-day Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR) that brings together undergraduate students of diverse disciplines to showcase their original work in poster presentations to public audience. At the end of the summer program, the faculty mentors will continue to work with students to publish their research results and advise them with graduate program applications or career planning as needed.

Students interested in the following topics are encouraged to apply: Cloud computing security and privacy, or more specifically network security, applied cryptography, human factors in cybersecurity, and privacy preserving computing. Students with AI/ML knowledge but interested in applying the AI/ML techniques to cybersecurity are also welcome to apply.

• 9 week research experience in cloud computing security and privacy from 5/20/2024 – 7/19/2024.
• Receive $6,300 stipend plus $130/week allowance for meals. 
• Housing is provided for non-local students (i.e., students from other universities).
• Travel funds up to $700 for to/from the Cloud Computing Security and Privacy REU site. 
• Participate in professional development workshops/seminars/meetings to develop research and communication skills.
• Participate and present a poster in the Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research (https://www.boisestate.edu/icur/).
• Possibly win a travel grant to present summer research outcomes at an academic conference.

Michigan State University: Biomedical Research for University Students in Health Sciences

Michigan State University (MSU) hosts the Biomedical Research for University Students in Health Sciences (BRUSH) Summer Research Program, a vibrant summer research program that focuses on experiential learning as well as community building and professional development by:

• providing students an immersive mentored research experience,
• explicitly facilitating the establishment of networks of mentors and peers to create a supportive community, and
• intentionally fostering participants’ success to give them tools and confidence to pursue biomedical and science-based educational and career goals.

The goal of this program is to provide hands-on research exposure and graduate or professional school preparation opportunities for undergraduate students who are from populations that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Underrepresented populations include American Indian or Alaska Native, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as students with disabilities or financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Further program details are in this link and described below.

Students in this 11-week program (May 19 to August 1, 2025) conduct hands-on, hypothesis-driven research under the guidance of a faculty mentor, develop presentation skills, gain experience with scientific writing, and present their research in oral and poster formats at both a regional and a national scientific symposium.

Students earn a stipend of approximately $5,700 for a total package valued at $9,600. In addition, housing (room and board) in the MSU residential facilities is provided, and the program provides or helps secure funds towards students attending one national conference, such as the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) or the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Annual Meeting.

The application is online and applications will be accepted through February 3, 2025.

Contact name and email: Andres Contreras, DVM, PhD. BRUSHSummerResearch@msu.edu or contre28@msu.edu

Medicinal College of Wisconsin: Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) Program

The MCW Cardiovascular Center has paid mentored 10-week full-time summer experiences in cardiovascular research in our research laboratories. The Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is supported by the American Heart Association (AHA). MCW is one of only six institutions selected by the AHA to participate, a group that includes Boston University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Northwestern University.

This program provides summer experiences in cardiovascular research and STEMM/healthcare career preparation for up to four undergraduate students each summer.

-$6,000 compensation
-free lodging nearby if not local
-free one-time round-trip airfare/ground transportation to/from the program if not local

Applications are open for Summer 2025. Application deadline is February 1, 2025.

Mississippi State University: Environmental Focus in Food, Energy, and Water Security REU program

Students selected to participate in the Environmental Focus in Food, Energy, and Water Security REU program at Mississippi State University will join the labs of  faculty who are actively engaged in and publish in related research areas, including: (1) the conversion of biomass and energy crops into biofuels, (2) the utilization of biochar (a biofuel production byproduct) for water purification, and (3) the enhancement of food security through biochar soil amendment. Project components include growing biomass, converting it into biofuels, and using the byproducts to clean water and improve soil quality. This undergraduate training program will benefit from the rich tradition of collaborative and environmentally focused education and research at Mississippi State University. Students will present a research poster at the Undergraduate Research Symposium at the end of the summer.

This REU program is 10 weeks long starting on May 27^th , 2025, and ending on August 1^st , 2025. Students will be provided housing, food stipends, and monetary stipends.

 Learn more here:  

Apply online here.  NSF Education & Training Application | ETAP

For questions, contact Dr. Todd Mlsna at tmlsna@chemistry.msstate.edu

Brown University: REU Site – Biology of animal movement and performance

Brown University is home to a group of scientists who conduct cutting-edge research on the causes and consequences of animal movement and performance. Focal species span flies to humans to dinosaurs, and work is done at nearly all levels of analysis. Our REU program aims to bring students into this vibrant community, where they can work with a diverse set of mentor to learn how to perform research. At the same time, REU participants will partake in a rigorous professional development program that fosters inclusivity and community, while providing enduring and continuous support for careers in academia and research.

Further questions about the program can be directed to Dr. Matthew Fuxjager (mattehew_fuxjager@brown.edu) OR DR. TAIESE BINGHAM-HICKMAN (TAIESE_BINGHAM@BROWN.EDU).

The SR-EIP offers closely mentored research experiences in the life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at 20 research institutions across the country. SR-EIP Participants…

• Spend 8–10 weeks at a Leadership Alliance institution.
• Receive a stipend, and travel and housing expenses from the research institution.
• Work under the guidance of a faculty or research mentor.
• Gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in academic research and scientific experimentation.
• Make oral or poster presentations at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium.
• Gain access to ongoing resources, mentoring, and professional networks to support your career path as a part of the Leadership Alliance community.
• Receive professional development mentoring on applying to graduate programs and learn about research careers from alumni.

With one application you can apply for a research experience at three summer research sites. Review the list below to visit each institution’s website for specific information on opportunities available and program requirements.

Binghamton University: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage

Join an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in state of the art facilities at Binghamton University for a hands-on summer research and professional development experience. This NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in Renewable Energy Generation and Storage addresses scientific, technological, and training needs in the energy sector with research opportunities ranging from battery materials to photovoltaics and energy efficient systems.

Students in the program will work for ten weeks on projects in one of two main research areas: energy generation and energy storage. These projects range from the development of advanced battery electrode materials and nanomaterials for fuel cells, to thin films for mechanically-flexible solar cells. REU students work with Binghamton’s most distinguished energy researchers, a roster that includes Nobel Laureate Stan Whittingham. Further information about research topics and the involved faculty are provided below.

REU students can also gain industry experience through collaborations with local energy companies. Program participants have worked with industrial partners on new battery materials, large-scale battery storage, and power grid simulation.

• $7000 stipend
• Housing in dormitories for out-of-town students
• Travel subsidy to and from Binghamton, up to $500
• $750 meal allowance

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application form (available in early 2025)
2. Prepare a one-page resume in pdf format showing work and/or research experience. Email the resume to: energyreu@binghamton.edu
3. Ask two professors to email recommendations to: energyreu@binghamton.edu

Important Dates:

• Application window: Feb 3 – Mar 14, 2025
• Notification of acceptance:  Feb 17 – Mar 31, 2025
• Arrival in Binghamton: May 26, 2025
• First day of program: May 27, 2025
• Last day of program: Aug 1, 2025

Southern Methodist University: Research Experience for Undergraduates at SMU in Dallas, TX 

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 neighborhoods in the city of Dallas, Texas.  2022-2024 programs were supported by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 2150505.

Participants begin with a 2-week bootcamp to learn data science techniques using Python. Then, participants are placed in small teams under the guidance of SMU faculty mentors. Previous mentors have included Dr. Cullum Clark (Bush Institute/Economics), Dr. Anthony Petrosino (Teaching & Learning) and Professor Mary Spector (Law). Participants also attend weekly professional development workshops and symposia, and have multiple opportunities to present their work. Participants will receive a stipend of $4800, free on-campus room and board, and social activities and field trips.

Applications are due by February 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

Medicinal College of Wisconsin: Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) Program

The MCW Cardiovascular Center has paid mentored 10-week full-time summer experiences in cardiovascular research in our research laboratories. The Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) is supported by the American Heart Association (AHA). MCW is one of only six institutions selected by the AHA to participate, a group that includes Boston University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University, University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Northwestern University.

This program provides summer experiences in cardiovascular research and STEMM/healthcare career preparation for up to four undergraduate students each summer.

-$6,000 compensation
-free lodging nearby if not local
-free one-time round-trip airfare/ground transportation to/from the program if not local

Applications are open for Summer 2025. Application deadline is February 1, 2025.

American Museum of of Natural History: Research Experience for Undergraduates – Division of Physical Sciences

The AMNH Division of Physical Sciences, in collaboration with the City University of New York (CUNY), is pleased to offer summer undergraduate research opportunities in Astrophysics and Earth and Planetary Sciences. The program is open to all students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in any four year undergraduate degree program.  Students must be entering or continuing in an Associates or Baccalaureate degree program following this summer internship.

All students in the program must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents of the U.S.  Students must be entering or continuing in an Associates or Baccalaureate degree program following their internship.  The deadline for this application will be 11:59 PM, EST, FRIDAY, JANUARY 31.  All application materials must be received by that date and time. 

Please see the REU Physical Sciences Program for Current Project titles, and the link to the online application. For more information about the program, please contact Dr. Timothy A Paglione about Astrophysics projects and Dr. Denton Ebel about Earth and Planetary Sciences projects.

Auburn University: REU Program in Algebra and Discrete Mathematics

After two weeks of intensive introduction to a selection of open problems and problem areas, participants will break into groups working on problems in different areas (although anyone may work on anything, and it may well happen that a participant will belong to two or more of the specializing groups). Participants will be asked to make short presentations in daily seminars and problem sessions of background literature and of progress made, or of obstacles encountered. Participants are asked and will be encouraged to maintain contact with the project directors for program evaluation, for further research, and concerning publication of publishable results.

Some Discrete Mathematics problems will require the use of Computer Algebra. For work in Computer Algebra, participants will be trained in MAGMA. It is preferable, but not required, that participants have some background in Abstract Algebra. Sample Problems and Problem Areas

2025 Program Dates: Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, July 18

Applications consist of an online application form including submission of college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) and an essay describing your mathematical background and interests; and two letters of recommendation to be submitted by faculty members or other individuals knowledgeable of your research potential.

Online student application form and Online faculty recommendation letter submissions: 2025 link to be posted soon

Applications from female and minority students are welcomed and encouraged.

Applications completed by Thursday, May 1, 2025 will receive full consideration. Direct inquiries should be sent via email to Professor Pete Johnson at johnspd@auburn.edu or to Professor Overtoun Jenda at jendaov@auburn.edu.

Binghamton University: Microbial Biofilms REU

Binghamton University and the Binghamton Biofilm Research Center are excited to accept applications for our 2025 REU site focused on microbial biofilms research. This site will be focused on providing research opportunities for early-career students (rising sophomore or junior) from institutions with limited research opportunities (community college, primarily undergraduate institutions, colleges, etc.). The goal is to provide talented and motivated students with a well-mentored, collaborative research experience on microbial biofilms that has the potential to impact their career trajectory and future academic successes. Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in Microbial Biofilms Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, NY 13904  Contact us biofreu@binghamton.edu  Our program is centered around the study of microbial biofilms, communities of bacteria and other microorganisms that grow attached to a surface or interface within a self-secreted extracellular polymeric slime matrix. Biofilm cells are distinct in the genes and proteins they express, resulting in unique behaviors that include altered resistance to antimicrobials and host immune systems. Bacterial biofilms have been implicated in more than 80 percent of chronic, infectious diseases and are also the principal cause of biofouling which affects many industrial systems. Program research will focus on three main aspects; 1) how biofilms form and develop, 2) biofilm-specific mechanisms of antimicrobial tolerance, resistance, and virulence, and 3) how biofilm community structure and composition impacts function. Due to the interdisciplinary nature and impact of biofilms, undergraduate research projects may cover microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, and engineering disciplines. Students will be housed on-campus and provided with a meal allowance. Students will also earn a $7000 stipend. Students will present their research at our summer undergraduate research poster session and may have the opportunity to present their research at a regional or national conference with travel support from our REU. Additional travel funding is available for travel to and from Binghamton for those in financial need.  Our program begins May 27, 2024 and runs through August 1, 2024 (10 weeks). The application will open on December 16, 2024 and will be due February 16, 2025. For more information, including descriptions of potential research projects and how to apply, please visit https://www.binghamton.edu/centers/biofilm-research/reu/index.html or Email the program (biofreu@binghamton.edu) or our directors Caitlin Light (clight@binghamton.edu) or Karin Sauer (ksauer@binghamton.edu)

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) at Michigan State

The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. Michigan State University, a Big Ten university, provides undergraduate students from across the United States or U.S. territory with an eleven-week summer research collective to advance their future studies in STEM and Social Sciences disciplines. While the program provides many benefits, the main goal is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue graduate study and research careers. For more information, please consider our virtual open MSU SROP Open House Sessions on November 6, 2024, and December 11, 2024, at 6:00 EST.

Application Deadline: The official deadline is February 15th, however; we highly recommend applicants to apply as early as November 1st to secure a place in the next cohort. To apply, please visit grad.msu.edu/srop  

Contact: Cedric Evans evansced@msu.edu; Promise Robinsons robi1532@msu.edu

The Inter-American Foundation Research Fellowship Program

The Inter-American Foundation (IAF), in conjunction with the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), welcomes applicants for its new Research Fellowship Program to advance rigorous field-based research on actionable questions about community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IAF will award up to ten Fellowships in 2025. Each of the ten fellowships includes a stipend of $20,000 to support an individual researcher working over the course of twelve months in one or more of the countries in the region where the IAF works (see IAF.gov/Where we work), participation in a three-day in-person orientation workshop, and engagement with the network of IAF Fellows.

Applications are due on December 3, 2024. Apply online here.

The IAF welcomes research proposals that speak to the above development topics using one of the following frames:

1. Community-led responses that reflect impact, scale, and sustainability

We are interested in understanding whether, how, and to what extent community-led models have expanded opportunities for their communities or made a lasting impact at scale.  Consider questions such as what makes some models more effective and/or sustainable than others? Or what are the obstacles that prevent community-led models or organizations from achieving a sustainable impact at scale?

2. Tenets of community-led development

We welcome research that tests some fundamental assumptions about the ability of community-led efforts to transform local realities. Consider, for instance, to what extent, and under what conditions, have local organizations promoted social capital, engendered greater social mobility, or inspired policy changes or improved policy implementation? Or when has donor-funded community-led development been particularly effective compared to other models of development assistance?

3. Local responses to global trends

We would like to learn more about the solutions communities have developed to respond to the local implications of global trends affecting the world we live in. For instance, how have communities been responding to irregular migration, climate-related shocks and stress, dwindling natural resources and biodiversity, chronic violence, new technologies, or reduced spaces for civic engagement, including in urban spaces? Or how have they been taking advantage of new tools and innovations such as the popularization of new media technologies, AI, REDD+, carbon credits, blended finance and impact investments?  What new partnerships or approaches are being developed?

IAF Research Fellows will be required to:

• Prepare and submit to the SSRC a Fellowship Report of 1,250 to 2,500 words, within six months of the expiration of the Fellowship Period, that clearly describes the research question, methods, findings, limitation, and implications for practice and/or policy.
• Develop at least one short, well-crafted, publishable note or other communications piece for the IAF covering key findings and recommendations for local organizations and funders.
• Collaborate with at least one community-based organization in carrying out the field research.
• Participate in a three-day in-person Orientation to better understand the IAF, network with IAF staff and other Fellows, and review Fellowship expectations.
• Participate in IAF-hosted platforms, such as social media and events.
• As required by the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act, Fellows conducting research in a country named in the act would need to clear a country narcotics check and certify compliance with anti-narcotics provisions.**

Applicants can apply in English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French, and should write in clear, intelligible prose for a selection committee that is multidisciplinary and cross-regional. Please use Times New Roman font, 12-pt., and 1-inch margins. The application consists of:

• A standard online application form.
• A research abstract (250 words max) that summarizes your proposed research.
• An actionable research statement (250 words max) that describes how your findings may inform decisions by a community-led organization, the IAF, and/or other donors and supporters of community-led development.
• A personal statement (500 words max) that explains (a) what is motivating or inspiring you to pursue this research project on community-led development, and (b) how the proposed research will contribute to your understanding of the topic at hand.
• A research proposal (5 pages max) that includes:
  • Relevance. Clearly articulate the research question you will answer through this Fellowship and how it advances one of IAF’s Research Topics above.
  • Contribution. Describe the practical implications of the proposed research. In other words, how do you expect your research findings may be useful to community-led organizations, donors, and/or other stakeholders?
  • Methods. Describe the methods you will use for field research, the type of data you will collect, how you will analyze these data, and steps you will take to ensure that the data and analysis are reliable. The IAF is open to a range of approaches and research designs including quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods; single-site, single-country, or comparative approaches. Explain why you have chosen the proposed approach for the given question.
  • Work to date. If available, a brief description of any related research work done to date, noting any preliminary analysis informing the proposed research.
• A selected bibliography (2 pages max) relevant to the proposed research. You may use whichever standardized citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) you prefer.

Harvard University: National Collegiate Research Conference

On behalf of the Harvard Undergraduate Research Association (HURA), we would like to extend an invitation to undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte to attend the National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC) held on January 24-26, 2025. 

NCRC is a large-scale, multidisciplinary forum held annually at Harvard University, where the most accomplished undergraduate students from across the United States and internationally convene each year to share their research in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The core vision behind our conference is to provide student researchers with the opportunity to hear from the world’s leading authorities in academia, policy, and industry, as well as to foster important exchanges and dialogue between students. Last year, after being selected through a competitive application process, over 300 participants from nearly 100 universities across America and abroad attended our conference. Through NCRC, we hope to expand the perspective of undergraduate researchers through offering exposure to diverse fields and to facilitate the discourse on collaboration, leadership, and social impact in research that we believe will be invaluable in future pursuits. 

We plan to host NCRC 2025 in a hybrid format, in which applicants can choose to attend in-person at Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, MA, or participate virtually. NCRC presenters will be in-person only. We would appreciate it if you could share this invitation with students who you believe will be interested in attending. Applications are now open, with priority applications due December 9th, 2024 (11:59PM EST), and regular applications due December 16th, 2024 (11:59PM EST). You can find the application and further information on our website https://hurainfo.org/about-ncrc

Thank you for your interest in NCRC and please feel free to contact us at programming@hcura.org if you have any questions.

 Army HBCU-MI SPARK Summer Internship 

The Army Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU-MI) Student Program for Army Research and Knowledge (SPARK) program allows U.S. graduate and undergraduate students in STEM fields to conduct research at an Army facility. During the summer of 2025, students will engage in Army mission-related research projects, including data analysis and systems modeling, under the guidance of government scientists and engineers.

The Army HBCU-MI SPARK Summer Internship application window is October 14, 2024 – January 12, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.

Benefits include…
Interns receive a stipend of $1,000.00  per week, paid bi-weekly, housing paid for by the program, travel to and from the internship paid for by the program, gain valuable confidence and work experience, learn in state-of-the-art research facilities, explore your career path, and work side by side with Army scientists and engineers