🤔 Who is this for?
Undergraduate Students and their mentors.
📋 What is it about?
In this episode, we:
- Explore the key differences and unique benefits of REUs, including hands-on mentorship from professors, the thrill of discovering the unknown, and the joy of applying classroom knowledge to real-world research.
- Learn practical tips on enhancing your REU applications, understand eligibility criteria, and discover the importance of personalized applications.
- Find out how REUs can pave your way to graduate school and provide a well-rounded research experience, including funded travel and housing. Don't miss this opportunity to explore different paths and hear real-life experiences from our panelists!
⌚️ Helpful Time Stamps
00:00 Nine Ways to Succeed In Undergraduate Research
01:32 REUs v. Internships
03:39 Can Seniors Apply?
04:52 Previous experience required?
06:56 Time Commitment
07:59 Compensation and Benefits
09:08 Selecting Opportunities
11:26 Common Application Questions
13:22 A Competitive Application
17:09 The Strongest Applications
22:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
📣 Speakers








- Kylia Butler | GMU Public Health Junior and Student Host
- Xia Parkes | GMU Biology Junior and Student Host
- Brandon Speed | Doctoral Candidate and President of GMU NOBCChE
- Marissa E. Yáñez, Ph.D. | Chief Diversity Officer, UC Berkeley College of Chemistry
- Ashley Wallace, Ph.D. | Associate Director of Diversity and Student Engagement, University of Pennsylvania Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter
- Jennifer Poo, M.A. | Education, Outreach, and Diversity Manager, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Genetically Encoded Materials
- Mike Schwartz, Ph.D. | Managing Director, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Sustainable Nanotechnology
- Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D. | Director of Broader Impacts, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): The Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks
📄 Helpful Resources


Summer Research Opportunities at Mason
Webinar on preparing for graduate school.

UC Berkeley College of Chemistry SURD program story

SURD program information and application

Pathways to Science REU opportunities

NSF REU Search

Leadership Alliance Summer Research Program

Penn Pipeline Programs

C-GEM guide on writing competitive applications

NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation Summer Research Opportunities

Raychelle Burks (Forensic Chemist) profile

Cuvette Collective website
The CURIOUS Scientists Podcast
NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation list
🎙️ Who is the host?
Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D., founded Cuvette Collective to partner with scientists in bridging the gap between academic research and societal impact. A leading voice in transforming how researchers demonstrate, measure, and amplify their societal impact, Dr. Rosa combines chemistry, graphic design, animation, and statistics expertise to innovate science communication solutions collaboratively.
- Connect Professionally: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessarosaphd/
- Connect Personally: https://www.instagram.com/vanessarosaphd/
🙌🏽 How can I help the podcast?
- Level 1: 🧪 If you found this content helpful, please subscribe!
- Level 2: 🧬 If you're already subscribed, leave a like or a comment.
- Level 3: ⭐️ If you’ve already done that (and are super incredible), you can: Click here to become a monthly Benefactor 🌎 of Cuvette Empowered, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing grants to scientists with limited resources to broaden their impact.
🌎 Learn more about Cuvette Collective:

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