The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) that aims to encourage the participation of students from groups in science and engineering. The REU program acts as a pathway to increase the number of students entering graduate school. REU participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The CMI MRSEC REU program collaborates with other UM summer research programs in physics, biophysics, and engineering. This partnership exposes students to a wider breadth of UM research and gives them the chance to work with a diverse cohort of peers. The MRSEC REU program emphasizes the integration of research and education, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse body of next-generation materials researchers. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, research interest, and letters of recommendation. Priority is given to students from non-research-intensive institutions.

Participants spend 10 weeks performing materials science research. Research projects will focus on Semiconductors & 2D Materials or Sustainable Polymers, with a range of approaches including computational, statistical, theoretical, and experimental. Professional development and social activities are included in the program to ensure a well-rounded experience.