The CatResDev REU at Penn Chemistry will offer undergraduates (UGs), US citizens or permanent residents, with limited previous experience in research exposure, including students from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds. This site will provide projects in the areas of catalysis and molecular dynamics with cross-over into the methods associated with high throughput experimentation (HTE) while learning the fundamentals of success in science via training, mentoring, and industrial partnerships.

​

The program brings together a diverse network of 70 academic and industrial collaborators to provide opportunities for meaningful career pathways and to increase competitiveness for students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field.

​

Research Focus

The Penn Chemistry research areas span a significant space across catalysis: method development, catalyst  development, and synthetic applications, as well as extension into molecular dynamics and beyond. CatResDev will expose REU students to high throughput experimentation (HTE) techniques that are unique to Penn Chemistry and currently in high demand. Exposure to HTE will provide a distinct experience and role models for UGs with long-term leverage into both academic and industrial pathways. CatResDev will provide REU students research and professional development training to prepare them for advanced degrees in STEM.

​

The major focus of the research is on catalysis, which allows chemical processes to occur more efficiently and in a more environmentally sound manner, thus saving time and money.  The research conducted is anticipated to have positive impacts in diverse chemistry-based sectors of the United States economy, including those involving pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, while having a favorable effect on sustainable energy and the environmentally sound production of all manner of materials as well.

• Eligible candidates (U.S. citizens, nationals or permanent residents) will be sophomores and junior science majors from all backgrounds with a minimum 3.0 GPA who show interest in pursuing a PhD in a STEM field and have completed necessary laboratory experience for catalysis projects and/or math background for molecular dynamics projects.
• Academic qualifications for specific projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, students with lower GPA could be accepted based on strong recommendations and the essay.
• Students from underrepresented backgrounds such as female, African-American, Hispanic, low-income, and first-generation-to-attend-college students are encouraged to apply.
• We will be selecting 10 students for Summer 2024.