Materials Research Institute

MRI seeks applications for unique undergraduate materials research position

Penn State undergraduate students have an opportunity to receive a unique, hands-on, real-world work experience in the Millennium Science Complex’s state-of-the-art laboratories via a new fellowship opportunity usually only available to graduate students. Credit: Jennifer M. McCannAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State undergraduate students have an opportunity to receive a unique, hands-on, real-world work experience in the Millennium Science Complex’s state-of-the-art laboratories via the Materials Research Institute (MRI) Undergraduate Fellowship. In the fellowship, students will receive access to cutting-edge, advanced instrumentation that is normally reserved for graduate students.  

Students will work under the supervision of research staff in the Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), part of MRI’s top-ranked materials science research program. MCL project work carried out by fellowship students may include electron microscopy, molecular spectroscopy, x-ray scattering, optical microscopy, electron/ion spectroscopy, surface analysis, and more.  

Along with instrumentation and characterization skills, students will receive a variety of other professional development opportunities to give them a head start on building their career or pursuing an advanced degree. Additional skills fellowship students can learn include concise reporting, data management, lab notebook strategies, strategies for effective reviewing of scientific literature, multi-technique design of experiment, and sustainability/waste management. 

Priority for the position will be given to student applicants currently in their first or second year at Penn State. This is a one-year program that runs from May 9, 2022, to May 5, 2023 (full-time in summer, part-time rest of the year). Those interested can learn more about the program and how to apply at this link

Last Updated March 15, 2022

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