Summer Program for 2008

The Columbia University Center for Electron Transport in Molecular Nanostructures, a National Science Foundation Nanotechnology Center, will support about six outstanding undergraduates as Summer Research Fellows tentatively for the period from May 27 through August 1, 2008. This National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program provides a $3500 stipend for each successful candidate, free campus housing (worth $2700) in which you are expected to reside, and possible assistance with round-trip transportation (up to $500 if necessary). Those selected will have an opportunity to participate fully in the activities of one of the nation's outstanding new interdisciplinary Nanoscale Science and Technology Centers, as well as in other exciting research on campus. This Center draws faculty from the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, and includes collaborative research with nearby universities (including CCNY, Barnard College and Rowan University) and industry (including IBM Yorktown Heights and Bell Laboratories, Lucent Technologies).

The Columbia Nanocenter is conducting research that will establish the foundation for new paradigms for information processing through the fundamental understanding of charge transport phenomena unique to nano-scale molecular structures. The research program involves exploration of the structures and electron transport properties of molecular single crystals where electron transport is confined to two dimensions, of carbon nanotubes where transport is in one dimension, and of single molecules assembled onto nano-scale scaffolding.

During the REU program, students will also be involved in workshops, seminars, visits to local industry, recreational activities, a symposium of presentations by REU students, and other activities.

Prospective candidates should arrange to have an official transcript and two letters of recommendation (preferably from math, science or engineering professors at their home institution) forwarded to the Program Director at the address below, along with the completed application form; this form can be found at at the bottom of this page. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is March 1st. Successful candidates will be notified by the end of March.