Early Engagement in Semiconductor Materials and Technologies REU

Early Engagement in Semiconductor Materials and Technologies

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at MSU

Program Overview

The Early Engagement in Semiconductor Materials and Technologies (EESMT) NSF REU aims to prepare a cohort of 10 undergraduate students for the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry by immersing participants in research spanning novel materials, first principles computation, device fabrication, and sustainability, while simultaneously fostering students’ sense of identity as scientists. In addiition to spending 30+ hours each week actively engaged in a research project, students will attend weekly professional development sessions, STEM communication training, facility tours across Michigan, and other activities throughout the summer, making it a true cohort experience. The 2026 summer program will focus on freshmen and sophomores, prioritizing students from non-research active colleges and universities, and will offer an adaptable structure to ensure that the program is both inclusive and accessible.

*Eligibility: NSF REU Participants must be US Citizens, US Nationals, or permanent Residents 

Program Dates

2026 Program Dates: 10 week duration, May 25th – July 31th

Application Window: December 15th, 2025 – February 13th, 2026. Click “APPLY” in the upper right of this window.

Program Highlights

Each summer, up to 10 EESMT students will participate in research in laboratories at Michigan State University and Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest (also situated on the MSU campus), supervised by faculty members with demonstrated track records of student mentorship. The faculty mentors for the EESMP REU site have diverse backgrounds and appointments spanning five different degree programs (Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemistry).   While the projects are diverse, they all focus on research related to the semiconductor industry – a continually growing and internationally strategic engineering field. 

In addition to working on their projects, students will participate in group professional development and science communication training activities, as well as regular excursions and seminars related to cutting-edge research and professions in the semiconductor industry. At the culmination of the summer, students will present a research poster on their activities at the annual MIDSURE (Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences) and present a Capstone Talk in the 360 Room at the MSU Library.  

Program Features
  • $6000 Stipend
  • On-Campus Housing Provided
  • Travel assistance for out-of-state participants is available
  • Students are expected to work full time for a 10 week period, however, schedule accommodations are possible, and hours may be flexible, depending on the research project.
Preliminary Schedule

Before you arrive, you’ll be matched with a faculty mentor at MSU, based on the preferences that you enter in your applications. During the 10 week program, the majority of your time will be spent in your mentor’s laboratory, working on your research project. Don’t worry, they will teach you what to do in the lab! Prior knowledge of semiconductor research is not expected.

Every week – typically on Wednesdays – you will join your cohort of REU students for technical seminars, lab tours, and other professional development activities. You will also have some (light) homework to complete each week, such as creating presentations or posters related to your research.

2nd Virtual Info Session will be held Jan 16, 2026 at 1pm EST

What can you expect from the Semiconductor Technology Summer REU at Michigan State? Join us for a Zoom info session to find out. We’ll provide an overview of REU programs generally, and also describe the Semiconductor Technology REU at Michigan State University. You can ask questions, or can just listen in – as you wish.

Details:

January 16th, 2026, at 1-2pm EST

Zoom Link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/2297540011

Meeting ID: 229 754 0011