Online Application

Primary selection criteria include academic record, career objectives and letters of recommendation. Additional factors that may strengthen the application include (but are not limited to):

  • Participation of students and/or faculty from groups identified by NSF as underrepresented
  • Participation of students and/or faulty who may be otherwise unable to participate in a summer research experience
  • Participation by faculty/student teams with a clear commitment by home institution to support the research into the academic year and/or evidence of co‐funding by other sources

Interested students or faculty–student teams should complete the following steps by February 28, 2019 for full consideration.

  1. Pick up to three potential projects/mentors.
  2. Complete and submit the appropriate online application.
    • Student Application
      • Please have the following ready:
        • Names and contact information for two people whom you will have send letters of recommendation to chemreu@niu.edu.
        • A short assay (≤4000 characters, approximately one single‐spaced page) detailing your previous research experiences (if any), personal/professional goals and how you believe this program would assist in attaining them.
        • Official or unofficial transcripts
    • Faculty Application (students applying with a faculty member must submit a separate student application)
      • Please have the following ready:
        • A short overview (≤4000 characters, approximately one single‐spaced page) describing your interest in participating in the NIU's NSF‐sponsored REU, including how the research experience will assist you in attaining your professional goals.
        • A short description (≤4000 characters, approximately one single‐spaced page) explaining the benefits of the REU program to the student co‐applying from your home institution, as well as how you envision participation in this program will benefit students and research at your home institution.

NOTE: Please note that information provided in the application may be used to report statistics to the National Science Foundation or other reporting agencies in an aggregate report. All information provided will remain confidential.

Questions? Check out our FAQs. Can't find it? Please contact chemreu@niu.edu.