2025 Summer PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

The NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) is pleased to announce its Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program for the Summer of 2025.

The REU program invites undergraduate and community college students into the labs of PreMiEr researchers at either Duke University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, or The University of North Carolina at Charlotte to perform cutting-edge research on various aspects of the microbiomes of the built environment.

Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Are you an undergraduate passionate about science, engineering, or microbiology? Ready to dive into hands-on research? Join our Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program focused on microbes of the built environment!

As part of the PreMiEr Engineering Research Center, you will investigate the complex interactions between microbes and humans in the spaces we both share, including homes, hospitals, and other indoor spaces. You’ll gain insight into microbial impacts on human health and learn how research is applied to real-world problems.

About the Program

Our REU program is a summer research experience open to undergraduates from any two-year or four-year institution. Through this ten-week immersive research experience, you will gain hands-on research experience in an academic lab.

The program begins on May 19th, 2025 and runs through July 25th, 2025 (10 weeks). REU Students will spend the first week of the program on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. During Weeks 2 – 9, students will gain hands-on lab experience on the campus of their host institution (Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Charlotte, N.C. A&T, or NC State). During the final week, students will return to UNC-Chapel Hill to analyze data and prepare for a final research presentation.

Students accepted into the program will be assigned a host lab after all participants have been identified. While efforts will be made to match the interests of students and host labs, there is no guarantee of working in a specific lab or at a specific university. Acceptance of an offer indicates a willingness to be hosted at any of the PreMiEr universities.

Throughout the summer, students will gain valuable professional development skills and will participate in events and seminar series with PreMiEr faculty, graduate students, and post-docs.

What You’ll Do

• • Work alongside leading researchers in engineering, life sciences, computer sciences, and bioinformatics
  • Conduct an independent research project and present your findings
  • Participate in workshops, seminars, and career development activities
  • Gain sought-after research skills

Benefits and Time Commitment

Accepted students will receive a stipend of $5000 and up to $600 that can be used for travel to and from the program and for related transportation costs such as parking passes (for participants with a vehicle). Participants will also be provided a full meal plan or a supplement equivalent to the cost of a meal plan, depending on the host university assigned. Housing will be provided at no cost to accepted applicants. Students are expected to participate full-time (40 hours per week, excluding holidays) in the program. Absences must be arranged in advance with both the PreMiEr REU Program Lead and the student’s individual faculty mentor at their host institution.

Application Process

Applicants are required to be US citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or community college student with a graduation date later than September 2025. PreMiEr encourages applicants from a variety of identities and lived experiences, such as those from historically marginalized or underserved communities in STEM, to apply.

To apply:

• • Complete the online form on the NSF ETAP site linked above, including the following documents:
    • 1-page personal statement describing your interest in the PreMiEr REU program and how your participation in the PreMiEr REU program fits into your future academic, professional, and career goals
    • Two (2) letters of recommendation
    • A transcript from your current school and any other undergraduate institution you have attended
    • A 1-page resume

Applications will open December 1st, 2024 and close on February 1, 2025.

Please email questions about the program to: premier_erc@duke.edu