The REU Internship

Spend ten weeks conducting cutting-edge research at the Critical Minerals and Energy Systems Innovation Center (CMESIC), co-located with Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Gain real research experience, build your professional network, and help shape the future of sustainable energy.

Program Schedule

Summer 2026 Timeline

Key dates for the 10-week summer research experience.

Student Support

Compensation & Benefits

REU participants receive a full support package for the duration of the program.

$7000 Stipend

$700/week for 10 weeks. Paid directly to participants to cover personal expenses during the program.

$3850 Per Diem

Idaho State rate of $55/day × 7 days/week × 10 weeks to cover meals and daily expenses.

Housing Accomodation

Non-local participants are housed at the Fairbridge Inn & Suites in Idaho Falls for the duration of the program.

Travel Support

Travel costs to Idaho Falls at the start of the program and return home at the end are covered for all participants.

Faculty & Scientist Mentors

REU Mentors

Students work directly with faculty from Idaho’s research universities and scientists at Idaho National Laboratory.

Amir Ali

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
aliamir@isu.edu

Indrajit Charit

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
icharit@uidaho.edu

Ming-Hsun Cheng

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
mcheng@uidaho.edu

Ahmed Hamed

IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY
ahmed.hamed@inl.gov

Krishnan S. Raja

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
ksraja@uidaho.edu

John Russell

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
jtrussell@uidaho.edu

Haiyan Zhao

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
haiyanz@uidaho.edu

2026 Research Projects

Available Projects

Applicants will rank their top three project preferences as part of the application. Final assignments are made by the program coordinators.

Investigating Powder Bed Printing Parameters on Metal Parts Thermal/Mechanical Properties
Ali – Idaho State University

Understanding the Effect of Pressure Resistance Welded Molybdenum Alloy’s Response to Helium Ion Irradiation
Charit – University of Idaho

Biomass to Fuel Pipeline for Sustainable Energy-Environment-Nexus
Cheng – University of Idaho

Sustainability Modeling of Integrated Energy-Environment Systems
Cheng – University of Idaho

Self Healing Materials for Extreme Environments
K.S. Raja- University of Idaho

Classical Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Nuclear Materials
Russell – University of Idaho

High Temperature Molten Salts Chemistry and Electrochemistry
Zhao – University of Idaho

AI/ML for Automated Critical Materials Resource Mapping
Ahmed – Idaho National Laboratory

Additional projects and INL-mentored opportunities may be added as the program develops. Check back for updates.

How To Apply

Application Requirements

  • CV or Resume (2 pages max).
  • Career Goal Statement and why the applicant is interested in this REU research program (1 page max).
  • Unofficial Transcripts — Demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.8.
  • Contact details for 2 refrences, preferably from the applicant’s undergraduate institution.

Additional requirements may be added. Check back for updates as the application process is finalized.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident of the United States — per NSF REU program requirements.
  • Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate academic institution at the time of the program.
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 as demonstrated by official transcripts.
  • Background or coursework in engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related STEM discipline is recommended.

Applications from students from underrepresented groups and institutions with limited research opportunities are especially encouraged to apply.

The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability or status as a protected veteran. This policy
applies to all programs, services, and facilities, and includes, but is not limited to, applications, admissions, access to programs and services, and employment.
U of I FSH 3200 – Policy of Nondiscrimination

Get Involved

Ready to Apply?

Applications for Summer 2026 have closed. In the meantime, explore the research projects and reach out to mentors to learn more about each opportunity.

Explore Research Projects About the Program