2026 Summer PreMiEr Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Key Information

Who: Full-time undergraduate students at two-year and four-year institutions. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

When: May 26th to July 24th, 2026

Where: Begins and ends at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC; Weeks 2-8 spent at a host institution

Application due date: February 1, 2026

Application link: Apply through the NSF ETAP portal

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 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 2026 REU program will be held from May 26th to July 24th, 2026. 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 – 8, students will gain hands-on lab experience on the campus of their host institution. During the final week, students will return to UNC-Chapel Hill to analyze data and prepare for a final research presentation.

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

This application includes: 

    • 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 experience in sought-after research skills, including environmental sampling (from air, water, and surfaces), prototype testing, microbiological techniques, DNA and RNA isolation, DNA and RNA sequencing, PCR, experimental design, data analysis, and communication.

Research Projects

Students will spend their summer researching one of the following projects:

Research Project 1 – Physico-Chemical Treatments: For this project, students will research the physical and chemical properties of built environment and their impacts on microbial communities. Possible research questions include:

    • How do microbial communities colonize different building and plumbing materials?
    • How do chemical, physical, or UV treatments affect microbes?
    • Do microbes evolve resistance to chemical, physical, and UV treatment?
    • Can nanomaterials be used to prevent microbial colonization?

Research Project 2 – Synthetic Biology and Microbial Engineering: For this project, students will research the use of synthetic biology to engineer healthy microbial communities. Possible research questions include:

    • Can we engineer non-pathogenic versions of harmful microorganisms?
    • Can we engineer beneficial microbes that will outcompete others?
    • Can we use viruses to selectively inactivate pathogens and fungi?

Research Project 3 – Yogurt for your Home: For this project, students will research the use of microbially-active cleaners to promote the growth of beneficial microbes and prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in the built environment. Probiotics have been used in therapeutics; can they be used in the built environment? Possible research questions include: 

    • Which microbes can be used as bio-inoculants for the built environment? Do they need to be engineered, or are there beneficial microbes already present in the natural and built environments?
    • How can we best deliver bio-inoculants to surfaces and to sinks?
    • How effective are our bio-inoculants in promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and preventing the growth of unwanted microbes?

Research Project 4 – Robotic Sampling: For this project, students will develop robotic sampling devices to autonomously collect samples from the built environment. For this project, students will need a strong programming background in Python or C++. Robotics experience is preferred but not required.

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.

Eligibility

    • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
    • Full-time undergraduate students at two-year and four-year institutions
    • Pre-engineering and engineering students are particularly encouraged to apply

No previous research experience required; hands-on training and mentorship will be provided!

To be successful, students should be in good academic standing and have an enthusiasm for science, research, and learning. Successful applicants are expected to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Please note that to work on the robotics project, students will need experience coding in Python or C++. Robotics experience is preferred but not required. Please indicate in your application if you are interested in the robotics project and note your previous experience.

Application Process

Interested applicants can apply through the NSF ETAP portal here [LINK]. Applications open December 1st, 2025 and are due February 1st, 2026. This application includes: 

    • A complete registration in the NSF ETAP portal
    • 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 letters of recommendation
    • A current transcript from your current school and any other undergraduate institution you have attended
    • A 1–page resume

Applications will open December 1st, 2025 and close on February 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed beginning February 1st, 2026. First-round offers will be sent out on February 15th, 2026. The deadline to accept or decline a first-round offer is March 1st, 2026. 

For questions, please email Dr. Megan Lott at melott@unc.edu.