The Department of Chemical Engineering, with support from the UF Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF Provost Office,  provides summer research experiences for undergraduates. We are looking for students who are excited to benefit from conducting research on a broad range of topics relevant to chemical engineering in a diverse and inclusive environment.  

What will you do while here?  

• You will do exciting research on a broad range of topics relevant to chemical engineering. 
• Participate in seminars/workshops led by UF ChE faculty to develop your research skills and build competency in knowledge of the chemical engineering field. 
• Participate in professional development led by UF ChE and other engineering and pharmacy faculty to increase your skills in the practice of engineering research, such as learning about collaboration and team science as well as social responsibility.  
• Build strong professional bonds between other summer students and mentors.  
• Improve your technical communication skills by presenting your work at planned events at the start and end of the 10-week program. You will receive feedback from peers and mentors in a safe environment.  
• Participating in planned cultural activities will expose participants to beautiful North Central Florida and promote lifelong professional and personal relationships. 

Research Areas 

• Batteries, fuel cells, and electrochemistry 
• Bioengineering and biomedical applications of chemical engineering 
• Catalysis and reaction engineering 
• Complex flows and interfacial phenomena 
• Computational polymer and protein engineering 
• Engineering education 
• Membranes and Separations 
• Nanoscale materials synthesis and engineering 
• Synthetic Biology 
• Sustainability 

Faculty Participation 

All UF Chemical Engineering primary and affiliate faculty are eligible to serve as mentors. For more information on specific faculty research interests please visit our faculty page. Students will be assigned to a summer research mentor based on their application and projects available. 

Program Details 

• Summer 2025 dates: May 28 to August 6, 2025 
• 10 weeks of research under the supervision of UF Engineering faculty and a Ph.D. student mentor 
• $6,000 stipend per student 
• Housing and travel support for students who perform research on campus 
• Structured professional development program delivered by Chemical Engineering faculty and Ph.D. students covering topics preparing students for success in undergraduate and graduate research, including laboratory safety, responsible conduct of research, record keeping, literature review, innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a personal brand and communicating research 
• Students who are rising seniors can elect to participate in a 6-week NSF Graduate Research Fellowship writing seminar 

UF ChE Summer Undergraduate Research Program Application Form Summer 2025

Thank you for your interest in the UF Chemical Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Please complete your application by March 1, 2025, for full consideration in our Summer 2025 program.   

Before beginning this application, please note the following: Only U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents will be considered for this program. International students are not eligible to participate at this time. 

• At the end of this survey, you will be prompted to submit:  
  • CV or Resume (PDF format) 
  • Unofficial transcripts (PDF format) 
  • A statement describing your motivation for pursuing undergraduate research at the University of Florida and how this summer program will help you in your career goals. Aim for around 250-500 words (12 pt. font, single-spaced, 1-page, PDF format). 
  • The name and email of at least 1 person who can be a reference for you (maximum of 2 people).
    
    NOTE: References are people who can write letters of recommendation about your work experience, work habits, character, skills, and potential to be successful in this program. Make sure to ask for permission to list them as a reference. We will contact them to ask for the letter of reference should your application be reviewed favorably by the review team. 
• For inspiration and an idea about what UF ChE Summer Undergraduate Researchers do, check out previous UF ChE Summer Student Videos.  

• 2021 Cohort 

• 2022 Cohort 

• 2023 Cohort