Research Opportunities
CELL-MET offers summer research opportunities through Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), Research Experience and Mentoring (REM), and Research Experience for Teachers (RET) programs. Summer research participants engage in real laboratory research at all three CELL-MET institutions.
Summer 2024 Program Dates and Participating Labs
REU June 3 – August 9, 2024 (move in date is June 2) / RET July 1 – August 9, 2024
Participating Faculty: Thomas Bifano, David Bishop, Chris Chen
Research areas: Cardiac tissue engineering, biomedical imaging, cardiac monitoring
Florida International University
REU May 31 – Aug 4, 2023 / RET and Young Scholars June 19 – July 28, 2023
Participating Faculty: Arvind Agarwal, Darryl Dickerson
Research areas: Nanomechanics of bio and soft materials; engineering complex tissues and understanding how biophysical cues impact engineered tissue function
University of Michigan
REU May 30 – August 4, 2023 / RET June 26 – August 4, 2023
Participating Faculty: Brendon Baker, David Nordsletten
Research areas: Tissue mechanics and biomaterials
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application deadline?
Though the date varies from year to year, applications are general due in early March.
Who is eligible for the program?
All participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. REU participants must:
- be a rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors. Graduating seniors are not eligible.
- not be a BU, FIU, or UM student. Students from these universities are not eligible for REU positions, but are eligible for non-REU research opportunities and should contact CELL-MET at infonerc@bu.edu, to be connected with appropriate faculty researchers.
Community college students are encouraged to apply!
Do we need to send an official transcript or unofficial transcript?
Unofficial transcript is OK for undergraduate applicants.
When do students find out if they’ve been accepted into the REU program?
We work on a rolling admissions basis. Applications are reviewed based on research goals and interests, as well as what a student will bring to the project. Candidates are notified as soon as possible after selection. We expect to notify all applicants no later than April 30. We would appreciate you letting us know if you have accepted another offer for summer research as soon as you can.
How is a research group match decided?
Pairing of an REU student with a research group is based on the student’s personal statement. Upon acceptance of a position, all REU participants are given an opportunity to rank project interest for the coming summer. A second level of review based upon research rigor and student experience will be used to complete the match. Communication with the student prior to arrival once a match is found allows the REU participant and the faculty/graduate student mentor an opportunity to start discussing the project before the summer begins.
Is the starting date flexible?
Only in rare circumstances, it may be possible to adjust the starting date.
Where will I live at BU, FIU, and UM?
Free on-campus housing is included for the ten weeks of the REU program. Boston University typically houses REU students in apartment-style residences that are conveniently located within walking distance to the Photonics Center and buildings and labs. Apartments vary in size, are furnished, and include kitchens. Students also have the option to independently purchase a dining plan and eat in the dining facilities available on campus. Special needs can be accommodated upon notification as well. At FIU and UM, dormitory housing and a meal-plan are included. Move in date is the Friday before the program starts before 5 pm, move out date is Saturday at the end of the program by noon.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes. All accommodations are multiple-occupancy. Therefore, you will have at least one roommate who will also be an REU student
Should I bring a car to campus?
We strongly recommend against having a car for the summer. The public transportation systems and other independent vendors are excellent. The given travel subsidy may not cover all of your driving expenses.
Can I take a summer course while in the REU program?
No. The REU program requires a full-time commitment that does not allow time for additional summer course work.
If you still have additional questions, please contact us at infonerc@bu.edu the link below or call us at 857-753-1719
Applications for CELL-MET summer research opportunities at BU, FIU, and UM are coordinated centrally through Boston University. Please follow this link to apply: http://www.bu.edu/photonics-reu/apply/.