Young Scholars Summer Research Program
The Young Scholars Summer Research Program is a nine-week undergraduate research program hosted by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of ColoradoÌýBoulder.
This selective program helps students prepare for graduate study and/or a career in research through intensive practice and professional development. The program is open to undergraduate students nationwide majoring in any field related to chemical and/or biological engineering (including all engineering, math and science majors) —no prior experience required.ÌýApplications fromÌýstudents who identify as members ofÌýgroups that are underrepresented in engineering are strongly encouraged to apply, but the program is open to all qualified applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university in the United States, pursuing an undergraduate degree related to chemical and/or biological engineering, including other engineering and science disciplines. By the start of the summer program, they should have finished at least one year of college coursework but not yet have graduated. Non-U.S. residents may apply, provided that they meet these requirements and have a visa that permits a paid summer internship.Ìý
Although research in our department spans many diverse fields, there is a particular emphasis on research in biological engineering, functional materials and renewable energy. You may conduct research in one of these areas:
- Biomaterials and tissue engineering
- Biosensing
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Catalysis and surface science
- Computational science and engineering
- Energy
- Fluids and flows
- Interfaces and self-assembly
- Membranes and separations
- Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
- Polymers and soft materials
- Protein engineering and synthetic biology
For more information on the research areas available, please visitÌý, and click on "Research" or "People" in the top navigation bar.
The program provides a stipend of $700/week and a one-time travel allowance of $500. There are no fees for the students to apply or participate.Ìý
Tentative dates are June 2Ìý- Aug. 1, 2025.
We anticipate 16 -18 positions.
Â鶹ÒùÔº can apply by providing:
- CV or resume (two-page limit)
- Personal statement, including prior leadership and professional experience, an example of overcoming adversity, involvement with efforts to broaden student representation in STEM fields, research interestsÌýand career plans (three-page limit).
- Unofficial transcript
Applicants should request thatÌýone letter of recommendationÌýfrom an academic/professional reference (not a peer or personal reference) be sent directly to chemeng@colorado.edu by Feb. 19, 2024.
ApplyÌýby Feb.Ìý12, 2024.
The department will provide accommodations on or near campus for non-local participants.
Applications for the 2025 Young Scholars Summer Research Program will be released in January, 2025.