National funded research opportunities

There are summer research opportunities in a variety of labs across the country.  Formal programs are paid, include seminars and mentoring, and can be highly competitive. Note programs often require U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency. 

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. Click here to view research programs across the country.

The Amgen Scholars Program allows students to take part in important university research projects, gain hands-on lab experience and contribute to the advancement of science. Click here to learn more about the Amgen Scholars Program at participating colleges. 

The Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), offers undergraduates interested in pursuing a PhD or MD-PhD, the opportunity to work for eight to ten weeks under the guidance of a faculty or research mentor at a participating Alliance institution. Through this one-on-one collaboration, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in academic research and scientific experimentation. The SR-EIP is designed to encourage students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, social sciences and humanities to consider research careers in the academic, public or private sectors. Click here to learn more about this program.

The Patheways to Science Project website allows students to search for research opportunities by discipline. To see these opportunities, click here.  Click here for the Pathways to Engineering search site.

The Macaulay Honors College Research Assistantship Program matches CUNY faculty members pursuing original research in their various disciplines with curious and dedicated Honors College students who are eager to learn more about a given intellectual field of inquiry. These pairings of scholars and students work together to create new knowledge in a discipline, affording students an opportunity to make valuable contributions to the work of their faculty mentors

Through this program, some University Scholars have worked on microfluidic systems for cell migration, assessed lead exposure from air particulates in city gardens, explored the relationship between New York City Mayoral approval ratings and historical events, and helped make a documentary film about a gangsta surfer in Far Rockaway. Others have become co-authors of scientific publications. One student changed his major to chemistry because of his exciting encounter with nanotechnology. The possibilities are endless and bound only by a student's interests.

The process of matching student interests and faculty needs is simple. Faculty write a short proposal describing their project and the work involved, which we post on the Macaulay website. After students submit a short application describing their interests and preparation, faculty then choose their assistants, usually after an interview. The Macaulay advisor then approves the position based on the description and a form filled out by both the student and faculty member. Students are eligible to apply for a stipend from their Opportunities Fund. Students and faculty both write short (two-page) narratives, describing the work accomplished. Students and faculty are also given an opportunity to present the work completed together at a special Macaulay event.

Positions are posted on a rolling basis. To learn more about this program and see a list of available research opportunities, click here.

Research program deadlines are also announced on the Macaulay Now news site.