Innovative Research Opportunities

MONET's URE Program offers unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge polymer science projects across multiple disciplines:

• Chemistry

• Engineering

• Data Science

• Environmental Science

• Materials Science

Our research spans four key areas:

1. Nanotechnology for human health and agriculture

2. Silicon-based polymers

3. Dynamic networks and loop equilibria

4. Mechanochemistry in hydrogels

   
   

From Lab Bench to Breakthrough

A URE participant at UC San Diego never imagined their summer research would lead to a potential publication. Working on biology-inspired nanotechnologies, their project resulted in a public poster presentation and contributed to ongoing research with publication potential. This experience exemplifies how our program transforms curious undergraduates into contributing scientists.

Collaborative Environment

Join a diverse team of researchers across top U.S. institutions:

University of California - San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Duke University, MIT, Columbia University, University of Washington, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, and Morehouse College.

Rising Through the Ranks

An undergraduate researcher arrived at Northwestern with limited research experience. By summer's end, they presented their work on quantifying loop equilibria at the prestigious PoWER conference. "I gained invaluable skills in just one summer – from hands-on lab techniques to presenting at a national conference," they share. Her graduate student mentor adds, "We've had numerous conversations about navigating different research environments and attended Women in STEM lunches, broadening their professional networks."

Career Development

As a MONET URE participant, you'll benefit from:

• Mentorship from leading experts in the field

• Opportunities to present at national conferences

• Co-authorship potential on high-impact publications

• Networking with industry partners

Bridging Disciplines, Breaking Barriers

Another URE from Morehouse College found themselves at the intersection of chemistry and materials science at Duke University. Their work on covalent mechanochemistry for more robust hydrogels exemplifies MONET's interdisciplinary approach. "The complementary molecular biology knowledge brought by my mentee led to unexpected breakthroughs in our research," noted their graduate student mentor. This unique blend of perspectives is what sets MONET apart.

Impactful Outcomes

Our program has a strong track record of success:

• 70% of participants from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM

• 100% of mentees rated the application process as "Excellent"

• 75% of projects have potential for co-authorship on publications

• 50% of mentees discussed presenting at future national conferences

  
  

Commitment to Diversity

MONET is dedicated to broadening participation in STEM:

• Participants from diverse institution types (R1, M1, LAC, and HBC)

• Geographic diversity spanning multiple states

• Inclusion of students with varying GPAs (2.8 - 4.0)

• Mix of students with and without prior research experience

• Both Domestic & International students are welcome to apply!

Eligibility:

• Current undergraduate students in STEM fields

• Strong interest in polymer science and collaborative research

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM

MONET encourages students of diverse backgrounds, domestic and international status, and students at institutions without extensive resources for research participation to apply:

1. Review MONET's research areas on our website: https://www.monetcci.org/overview

2. In December, applications will open here, and we will share which labs are hiring for which projects (UREs are paid $600-800/week for their participation): https://www.monetcci.org/ure

3. Once applications open, please complete and submit the form. From there, you will hear from an administrator at our center by mid-January.

Click the button "Apply" to learn more and explore our FAQs.

MONET is committed to diversifying all STEM fields by broadening participation in underrepresented groups.  

We are always looking for new, broadening participation partners. 

If you are an HSI or HBCU or an institution without substantial resources for Undergraduate Research Participation, we encourage you to Contact Us and propose a broadening participation partnership.

https://www.monetcci.org/ure