USM Chemistry REU

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Sensing and Assembly Based on Non-Covalent Interactions

2025 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)

Chemistry and Biochemistry
The University of Southern Mississippi

Funded by NSF, this “Sensing and assembly based on non-covalent interactions” program will provide the participating REU students an extensive 10-week summer Chemistry and Biochemistry research experience (May 27 – August 1, 2025) at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). This program will also provide professional trainings and workshops and conclude with a research symposium.

Main research thrusts: 

• Assembly of macromolecules and proteins.
• Ultra-sensitive and quantitative detection.
• Asymmetric synthesis of bioactive molecules and their applications in biochemistry.

Benefits:

•  $7,000 stipend.
• On-Campus housing provided.
• Travel assistance (up to $500 reimbursement).
• Opportunity for additional travel awards to present summer research at a national conference.

Who should apply:

• Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 
• Current undergraduate students who have completed at least their freshman year but have not graduated, majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. 
• Strong academic record with a desire to conduct research; GPA > 2.75/4.0.
• Students from underrepresented groups in STEM (women, NSF-defined underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities), first generation college students, and students from community colleges or other academic institutions with limited research opportunities, are especially encouraged to apply..

How to apply:

• Application deadline: March 1, 2025 with rolling admission.
• Please apply online at: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7561/opportunity/10231
• You may go to https://etap.nsf.gov/, register as a student if you haven’t, and search for “USM Chemistry biochemistry” in ETAP Search Opportunities.

Participating Faculty:

Matthew G. Donahue (Organic chemistry)
Song Guo (Physical and materials chemistry)
Shohreh Hemmati (Materials chemistry) 
Faqing Huang (RNA chemistry)
Jacques J. Kessl (Biochemistry)
Wujian Miao (Sensors based on Electrochemistry, Electrocatalysts)
Julie Pigza (Organic Chemistry, Organocatalysis)
Vijay Rangachari (Biophysical chemistry)
Karl J. Wallace (Inorganic and Supramolecular Chemistry)

Research group websites:
https://www.usm.edu/mathematics-natural-sciences/research.php 

Contact:

For more information about this program, please contact program director:

Dr. Song Guo
song.guoFREEMississippi