Charlie Nuttelman and students in undergraduate lab

The Young Scholars Summer Research Program is a nine-week undergraduate research program hosted by the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.

This selective program helps students prepare for graduate study and/or a career in research through intensive practice and professional development. The program is open to undergraduate students nationwide majoring in any field related to chemical and/or biological engineering (including all engineering, math and science majors) —no prior experience required. Applications from students who identify as members of groups that are underrepresented in engineering are strongly encouraged to apply, but the program is open to all qualified applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university in the United States, pursuing an undergraduate degree related to chemical and/or biological engineering, including other engineering and science disciplines. By the start of the summer program, they should have finished at least one year of college coursework but not yet have graduated. Non-U.S. residents may apply, provided that they meet these requirements and have a visa that permits a paid summer internship. 

. Although research in our department spans many diverse fields, there is a particular emphasis on research in biological engineering, functional materials and renewable energy. You may conduct research in one of these areas:
  • Biomaterials and tissue engineering
  • Biosensing
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
  • Catalysis and surface science
  • Computational science and engineering
  • Energy
  • Fluids and flows
  • Interfaces and self-assembly
  • Membranes and separations
  • Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
  • Polymers and soft materials
  • Protein engineering and synthetic biology

    For more information on the research areas available, please visit www.colorado.edu/chbe, and click on "Research" or "People" in the top navigation bar.

The program provides a stipend of $700/week and a one-time travel allowance of $500. There are no fees for the students to apply or participate. 

Tentative dates are June 3 - Aug. 2, 2024.

We anticipate 6 -12 positions.

Students can apply by providing:

  • CV or resume (two-page limit)
  • Personal statement, including prior leadership and professional experience, an example of overcoming adversity, involvement with efforts to broaden student representation in STEM fields, research interests and career plans (three-page limit).
  • Unofficial transcript

Applicants should request that one letter of recommendation from an academic/professional reference (not a peer or personal reference) be sent directly to chemeng@colorado.edu by Feb. 21, 2024.

Apply by Feb. 14, 2024.

The department will provide accommodations on or near campus for non-local participants.