2025 REU Research Projects
Applications and information for our 2025 REU Program can be found on the main page. Check out our website on Getting Involved in Undergraduate Research to learn more about our programs.
Click on the links below to jump to each project description and to view the faculty member's website.
- Professor Eric Appel – Sustained delivery of biopharmaceuticals
- Professor Zhenan Bao – Synthesis and characterization of dynamic polymer semiconductors
- Professor Zhenan Bao – Development and characterization of soft actuators and sensors for artificial muscles
- Professor Srabanti Chowdhury – TBD
- Professor Will Chueh – Investigating MnO2 cathodes for high-performance aqueous batteries
- Professor Yi Cui – Materials design for aqueous batteries
- Professor Reinhold Dauskardt – Nano-mechanical behavior and reliability in energy devices
- Professor Reinhold Dauskardt – Barrier and biomechanical function of human skin
- Professor Reinhold Dauskardt – Solid-state lithium battery manufacturing
- Professor Jennifer Dionne – Single-molecule detection using high-Q dielectric metasurfaces and modular DNA probes
- Professor Jennifer Dionne – Designing nanostructures for plasmonic and dielectrophoretic enhancement of Raman spectroscopy
- Professor Jennifer Dionne – TBD
- Professor Leora Dresselhaus-Marais – Measuring extreme dynamics in materials during shock waves
- Professor Vivian Feig – Developing bioadhesive and contractile injectable hydrogels
- Professor Sarah Heilshorn – Biomaterials for regenerative medicine
- Professor Sarah Heilshorn – New materials as inks for 3D bio-printing
- Professor Guosong Hong – A circulatory light source enabled by an endogenous optical flow battery
- Professor Aaron Lindenberg – Visualization of dynamic switching phenomena in two-dimensional ferroelectrics
- Professor Andy Mannix – Hyperspectral microscopy and machine learning for high-throughput evaluation of 2D semiconductors
- Professor Colin Ophus – Strain mapping and n-body correlation functions for disordered materials
- Professor Alberto Salleo – Multifunctional soft materials for sustainable IoT devices
- Professor Shan Wang – Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles for ultrasensitive biodetection and medical imaging
- Professor Yunzhi Peter Yang – Hybprinting functionally graded biomaterials for tissue engineering
- Professor Yunzhi Peter Yang – Injectable biological-laden hydrogel-based therapy
Sustained delivery of biopharmaceuticals
Project Description: Protein therapeutics are a fast-growing class of pharmaceuticals exhibiting many advantages over traditional small-molecule drugs. Yet biopharmaceutical formulation is particularly challenging on account of the inherent instability of many proteins, their propensity to aggregate, and difficult administration of ideal formulations for extended periods of time. We seek to exploit rational design principles to engineer a novel class of injectable hydrogel materials for biopharmaceutical formulation that can address all these issues. In particular, we are developing novel vaccine delivery platforms that can improve the potency, durability, and quality of immune responses to generate better vaccines against challenging pathogens such as flu, HIV, or COVID. Students will have the opportunity to learn polymer synthesis and characterization as well as protein structure and function characterization. [Back to Top]
Synthesis and characterization of dynamic polymer semiconductors
Project Description: Flexible and stretchable electronics are of great interest given their broad applications, particularly in bioelectronics. Organic semiconductors can be intrinsically stretchable, but most structures known to date are crystalline or semicrystalline substances, below their glass transition temperatures at room temperature. Dynamic polymer semiconductors, based on new molecular architectures currently being developed in our lab, are promising targets for removing charge trapping by grain boundaries and studying charge transport in well-defined plastic substances. In this project, students will be able to learn and conduct organic and polymer synthesis, materials purification and transistor fabrication. They will also be introduced to various soft matter characterization techniques. Due to the breadth of this project, students will be able to focus on their interests, as determined with their mentors. [Back to Top]
Development and characterization of soft actuators and sensors for artificial muscles
Project Description: Soft actuator and sensors, inspired by biological muscles, are gaining significant attention for their applications in robotics, medical devices, and wearable technologies. In our lab, electroactive polymers and conductive electrodes, are being developed to mimic the movement of natural muscles. In this project, students will explore the characterization of mechanical and electrical properties of these artificial muscles, as well as the fabrication of stretchable actuators and sensors. With guidance from their mentors, students will have the opportunity to tailor the project to align with their specific interests. [Back to Top]
Project Title: Coming soon!
Project Description: Coming soon! [Back to Top]
Investigating MnO2 cathodes for high-performance aqueous batteries
Project Description: Stationary battery energy storage is going to play a crucial role in grid systems integrated with renewable energy, and aqueous batteries are attractive candidates due to their low cost and high safety. MnO2 is one of the most ideal aqueous cathodes in this regard. However, traditional Zn-MnO2 alkaline batteries fail to achieve satisfactory performance metrics because of the irreversible Zn intercalation into MnO2. The aqueous subgroup has been developing Sn-based materials as a novel type of aqueous anode with the potential of overcoming the drawbacks of the Zn counterpart. Working with our aqueous subgroup, you will work to assess the stability of MnO2 in different aqueous electrolytes and their compatibility when paired with a Zn- or Sn-based anode. This will provide critical information for enabling a well-performing aqueous full cell. Techniques you will learn or be exposed to: hydrothermal syntheses of MnO2 materials, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rotating disk electrodes (RDE) and electrochemical tests, electrode sheet and pouch cell fabrication, and cell testing. [Back to Top]
Materials design for aqueous batteries
Project Description: This project explores materials design for enhanced energy conversion and storage based on aqueous electrochemistries, which could have a great impact towards grid-scale energy storage. Students will have an opportunity to learn several skills including materials synthesis, structure characterization, battery device fabrication, and performance evaluation. [Back to Top]
Nano-mechanical behavior and reliability in energy devices
Project Description: The intent of this project is to study the nano-mechanical properties and adhesion of advanced thin-film structures that have applications in a wide range of emerging technologies. The goal of the work is to develop a fundamental understanding of how the films’ mechanical properties are related to their nanostructure and processing conditions. The student will gain familiarity and experience with a number of experimental techniques, including thin-film sample preparation and the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for analyzing fracture surface composition and morphology. [Back to Top]
Barrier and biomechanical function of human skin
Project Description: This project takes a quantitative, in-vitro experimental approach to examine the biomechanical properties of human skin, which are vital for its function but poorly understood. Students will use a range of thin film characterization techniques to explore the outermost stratum corneum layer of skin and determine the effects of preconditioning treatments and cellular structure. We would also like to expand the research project to include multiple layers of skin. The project involves applying novel and new micromechanical and characterization techniques to study the structure and biomechanical function of human skin. Students will learn to separate, enzymatically treat and condition human skin, fabricate specimens, and conduct testing and analysis using methodologies developed in our research group. Analysis techniques such as scanning electron and optical microscopy will be employed, together with newly developed techniques involving wafer curvature and bulge testing of soft tissues. [Back to Top]
Solid-state lithium battery manufacturing
Project Description: Our research is focused on the fast manufacturing of solid-state lithium batteries. We use alternate heating sources on metal oxide thin film curing kinetics, including rapid thermal annealing and blown arc plasma. The project entails a comprehensive immersion into processing and characterization tools, including spray-plasma processing, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), complemented by a fundamental grounding in battery science and plasma processing. [Back to Top]
Single-molecule detection using high-Q dielectric metasurfaces and modular DNA probes
Project Description: Biomolecular detection is crucial for understanding biochemical processes and pathways, and it can facilitate more accurate and timely diagnostics and therapeutics. In this project, we are developing optical sensors based on high-Q dielectric metasurfaces and DNA probes to achieve single-molecule resolution. A summer intern will work on functionalizing gold nanoparticles and silicon substrates with DNA probes on their surfaces. The intern will also learn how to characterize nanoparticles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and perform optical measurements with a custom-built reflection setup. A long-term goal of this work is to develop a fast and sensitive detection platform for proactive health management. [Back to Top]
Designing nanostructures for plasmonic and dielectrophoretic enhancement of Raman spectroscopy
Project Description: Raman spectroscopy is a method that characterizes a sample based on the color change of light that scatters off of it. This tool has been shown to generate unique signals from different species and strains of bacteria, giving it immense potential for patient diagnosis and environmental monitoring. We are working on enhancing bacterial Raman signal using plasmonic nanoparticles, which act as antennae that increase the light incident on the bacteria; and dielectrophoresis (DEP), a process wherein an alternating current concentrates bacteria onto an electrode. This summer project will have the goal of designing a single device that provides both plasmonic and DEP enhancement. Specifically, the student will design and test a DEP electrode that is nanostructured to act as an antenna. The student will implement various methods of electrode nanostructuring (including electrochemical roughening, nanolithography, and coating with nanoparticles), and conduct experiments to test the ability of each device to concentrate bacteria and enhance Raman signal. They will learn the basics of nanomaterials engineering, including nanoparticle synthesis and design of lithographic patterns. Additionally, the summer student will learn how to concentrate bacteria using DEP, and how to collect Raman measurements. In the long term, we hope that this work will improve the reliability and reproducibility of bacterial SERS. [Back to Top]
Lighting up the oceans: Coming soon!
Project Description: Coming soon! [Back to Top]
Professor Leora Dresselhaus-Marais
Measuring extreme dynamics in materials during shock waves
Project Description: Shock waves drive materials to extreme states of matter–faster than they can respond to their surroundings. The resulting phase transformations, failure mechanisms, or strengthening effects are highly exotic, making even the most established material models fail. This internship will explore experimental work and data analysis studying how materials deform under these extreme and unusual conditions, giving insights into macroscopic properties not possible to observe otherwise. [Back to Top]
Developing bioadhesive and contractile injectable hydrogels
Project Description: Mechanical forces play critical roles in a number of biological processes including wound healing, bone remodeling, and cancer progression. This motivates the development of medical devices and materials that promote healing through the application of force. Bioadhesive and contractile hydrogels have been demonstrated to be effective for surface-level wound healing; however, to use mechanical forces to treat conditions that are beyond skin-deep, we need a liquid or paste with the same properties. This project aims to develop an injectable hydrogel that can adhere to tissue and apply a contractile force to promote healing. [Back to Top]
Biomaterials for regenerative medicine
Project Description: A unique approach to designing biomaterials involves mimicking the tools evolved by nature to create functional materials at the molecular level. The REU student will be involved in the synthesis, purification, and characterization of protein-based biomaterials using engineered bacterial hosts. These biomaterials will be evaluated for use as regenerative medicine scaffolds to induce the formation of new tissue. [Back to Top]
New materials as inks for 3D bio-printing
Project Description: 3D bio-printing is similar to traditional 3D printing, but the inks include embedded cells. This promising technology can be used to fabricate living devices for regenerative medicine and disease modeling. In this project, we are working to develop and validate new cell-compatible materials that function well as bio-inks. [Back to Top]
A circulatory light source enabled by an endogenous optical flow battery
Project Description: Light is used in a wide array of processes and methods in biology and medicine, ranging from photosynthesis, fluorescence imaging, optogenetics, to photodynamic therapy to treat COVID infection. A critical challenge of applying light in vivo arises from the poor penetration of photons in biological tissue due to scattering and absorption. Therefore, delivering light deep into the body requires invasive procedures, such as the insertion of optical fibers and endoscopes, as well as surgical dissection of overlying tissues. The very invasiveness of these procedures also precludes easy repositioning and volume adjustment of the illuminated region in the same subject. In this project, you will be able to address this long-standing challenge by developing a circulatory light source that can be produced from inside the body and programmed in a logic circuit to yield emission of desired colors and sizes at any location in vivo. Specifically, you will synthesize and inject trap-engineered phosphor materials (e.g., Sr2MgSi2O7) into the mouse, effectively turning the endogenous circulatory system into an "optical flow battery". When blood circulates past superficial vessels near the skin, light energy incident on the skin will be absorbed by and stored in trap-engineered phosphors in the blood. Blood then carries the stored energy until triggered by focused ultrasound, releasing the energy as localized emission inside the body, thus fulfilling a circulatory light source. You will be able to use fluidic dynamic modeling, spectrophotometry, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to characterize the efficiency of the in-vivo light source and optical flow battery. [Back to Top]
Visualization of dynamic switching phenomena in two-dimensional ferroelectrics
Project Description: In recent years, two dimensional ferroelectric materials have enabled new types of atomically-thin devices with applications to information storage and energy harvesting technologies. The fundamental time-scales on which these materials can be reconfigured and the ultimate speed limits that define these processes remain largely unknown. In this project a summer student will learn to use nonlinear optics to probe these dynamical properties within an operating device. [Back to Top]
Hyperspectral microscopy and machine learning for high-throughput evaluation of 2D semiconductors
Project Description: Atomically thin 2D materials incorporated into van der Waals heterostructures are a promising platform to engineer the next generation of semiconductor devices and future quantum materials. Summer REU students in the Mannix lab will gain experience in the growth, heterostructure fabrication, and optoelectronic characterization of 2D semiconductors, with the goal of developing a key missing link for material optimization: high-throughput, non-contact methods to measure material properties without device fabrication. Beyond optical measurements, this project will involve analysis via unsupervised machine learning. [Back to Top]
Strain mapping and n-body correlation functions for disordered materials
Project Description: Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) provides the highest resolution characterization of materials, but when we perform atomic-resolution imaging we are restricted to a relatively small field of view. One experimental method to overcome this limitation is rather than collect images, we instead record diffraction patterns which contain the atomic-scale information we wish to measure. By using fast direct electron detectors, we can record millions of these diffraction patterns, tuning the step size between adjacent measurements to match the functional length scale of our materials. These techniques are known by the umbrella term 4D-STEM, as the resulting datasets contain 2D images over a 2D grid of probe positions and are thus four-dimensional. 4D-STEM is a powerful characterization method, but the very large dataset sizes require fast and robust analysis codes and methods. In this project, the intern will develop two families of 4D-STEM data analysis methods, creating mathematical algorithms and implementing them in python codes. These two methods are strain mapping crystalline samples, and n-body correlation function measurements from amorphous materials. In both tasks, the intern will first construct atomic models with a known "ground truth" structure, including defects like deformation fields, surfaces and interfaces. Next, the intern will learn how to simulate 4D-STEM nanobeam diffraction experiments using the abTEM code. The intern will work to develop analysis methods which extract the desired material properties. In the final step, the intern will apply their methods to experimental 4D-STEM datasets. [Back to Top]
Multifunctional soft materials for sustainable IoT devices
Project Description: This project involves the utilization of Organic Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductors (OMIECs) for electrochemical sensor electrodes, transistors, energy storage devices, and actuators to enable fully integrated and sustainable IoT devices. OMIECs are polymeric materials that are redox-active and ionically and electrically conductive, resulting in their usage in a wide variety of electrochemical devices. The student will learn how to fabricate the above electrochemical devices and characterize their electronic and electrochemical performance. Ultimately, the goal is to demonstrate the unique processability and multifunctional properties of OMIECs to enable the circular economy of electrochemical devices. [Back to Top]
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles for ultrasensitive biodetection and medical imaging
Project Description: Our project is focused on synthesizing and characterizing magnetic nanoparticles for a couple of impactful biomedical applications: 1) single molecule detection for early stage cancer and immune cell profiling; 2) high resolution magnetic particle imaging for diagnostic radiology. [Back to Top]
Hybprinting functionally graded biomaterials for tissue engineering
Project Description: In our project, we harness the potential of hybrid bioprinting, or Hybprinting, to advance tissue engineering. Our innovative bioprinter, developed previously, has set the stage for us to fabricate complex tissues that combine both soft and hard elements with various functional and biocompatible materials. In this new venture, we are dedicated to designing and constructing next-generation biomaterials and engineered tissues. These are specifically tailored for interfaces such as the bone-tendon and bone-cartilage connections, incorporating gradations in mechanical strength and biological signals. The project offers the opportunity to delve into the synthesis of biomaterials, the creation of implantable devices, and their comprehensive evaluation using the forefront of Hybprinting technology. [Back to Top]
Injectable biological-laden hydrogel-based therapy
Project Description: Therapeutic angiogenesis via cell-based approaches offers promising solutions for repairing damaged tissues, yet challenges persist in safeguarding cells from inadequate vascularization and ensuring the stability of the vascular network essential for anastomosis and microcirculation. This study aims to develop an innovative injectable hydrogel enriched with biological agents that promotes the formation of functional blood vessels, combats vessel regression, and accelerates the restoration of blood flow. We will design hydrogel systems with adjustable physicochemical and mechanical characteristics, assess interactions between endothelial cells (EC), targeted tissue cells, and the modifiable hydrogels, and ultimately, determine the in vivo effectiveness of this bioactive hydrogel therapy in tissue regeneration. [Back to Top]