You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

REU Site: Reactive Metals, Energetics, and High-Enthalpy Flows (REACH)

Summer research for undergraduates in energetic materials. The Virginia Tech REACH REU aims to advance the fundamental science of reactive metals and polymeric binders used as the building blocks of modern energetic materials. REACH REU scholars will be fully-immersed in the field of metallized energetics and learn how the latest research in this area can be used to generate explosives and propellants that: (i) fly further, faster, and longer; (ii) have precise energy release rates and controlled effects; and (iii) are safer to synthetize, store, handle, and employ.

The REACH REU invites talented undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds to participate in 10-weeks of interdisciplinary research, communication, and career development activities centered around the science of metallized energetic materials, including fuels, propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.

Based on their interests, the undergraduate cohort will be partnered with a multidisciplinary team from the Virginia Tech Departments of Aerospace & Ocean Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Material Science & Engineering. 

The program will be offered 100% in-person and will run from May 22 to July 28, 2023.

Student benefits include:
  • Teamed science with REU students & their faculty advisors
  • Orientation week & team building activities
  • Professional development workshops and technical skills training
  • Weekly REACH REU group meetings
  • Social events
  • Field trips: Radford Army Ammunition Plant, energetics test facilities, labs.
  • Research presentation and networking at a Department of Defense (DoD) Energetics Meeting and at a University-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium
  • $6,000 research stipend for summer work
  • $700 to help with travel expenses
  • On-campus dormitory housing
  • All meals at the dining hall (box lunches available)

Applications are due by February 24, 2023 by 5 p.m. ET. Applicants will be asked to submit a REACH application form, cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, unofficial college transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.

To learn more and apply, visit: http://reach.eng.vt.edu

Requirements: REACH REU is accepting undergraduates from all STEM majors. Applicants from colleges and universities with limited research opportunities, groups underrepresented in STEM, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program during the period of the REU. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. The program is pending funding from NSF.