REU is a 10 week summer research program designed to you and a group of other undergraduate students in first-class research projects in the theme area of Advancing Sustainable Systems and Environmental Technologies to Serve Humanity (ASSETs to Serve Humanity) at Clarkson. As a participant, you gain professional experience, valuable mentorship and graduate school preparation in a positive research environment. The program is funded by the National Science Foundation through their Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.

2020 REU dates:
The ASSETs to Serve Humanity REU Site Program will not be held in the summer of 2020.

Finances and Housing
Participants will receive a stipend for research work, food and travel. In addition, housing will be provided at no cost.

Research Projects
Each program participant will be assigned to a faculty mentor and a research project. You are expected to work full time, and will have the opportunities to work with other undergraduate and graduate students. You may be asked to present interim reports on your research. At the end of the program, all REU participants will present their findings at the SURE Symposium and in a report written in publication format.

Workshops and Seminars
Participants will participate in a number of workshops and seminars on various topics relating to Environmental Sciences and Engineering.

SURE Symposium
All students participating in summer programs (REU, McNair Scholars, Honors Program, ASPIRE) will present their findings at the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposium. This can be in the form of an oral presentation or a poster presentation.

Field Trips
Field trips will help participants to build lasting friendships and valuable social networks while exploring hands-on different examples of sustainable energy production and infrastructure.

Specific Program Objectives
  • Provide students with diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to conduct independent research (Resume builder)
  • Expose students to the process of conducting significant research
  • Demonstrate the significance of research to solve environmental problems
  • Expose students to the importance of graduate education leading to successful careers in applied and basic research
Objective Benefits to You
  • Increase your environmental knowledge
  • Be involved in planning and execution of environmental research projects
  • Become exposed to many different aspects of environmental research
  • Communicate your research to peers
  • Use state-of-the-art analytical equipment
  • Be exposed to new ideas - socially, academically
  • Gain insight on the "necessity" of graduate education
  • Receive room, board, travel allowance, and a stipend
  • Spend your summer with other highly motivated undergraduate students surrounded by a lot of recreational opportunities
  • Meet new and interesting people

Projects, Workshops and Seminars

Research Projects

Our unique program brings together students from environmental engineering, ecology, and environmental chemistry to share their perspectives on remediation and management of biotic and abiotic pollutants. All research projects are within the area of sustainable management to understand the role of environmental science and engineering in managing pollutants in natural systems. At the end of the program, all REU participants will present their findings at the SURE Symposium and in a report written in publication format.

Workshops & Seminars

REU participants attend several workshops and seminars on:

  • sustainable energy
  • sustainable infrastructure
  • sensors for detectors and monitoring environmental hazards
  • research skills
  • graduate school preparation
  • building communication skills
  • sustainability and social policy


Your faculty mentor might also ask you to attend other presentations related to your research project.

SURE Symposium

All students participating in summer programs (REU, McNair Scholars, Honors Program, ASPIRE) will present their findings at the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposium. This can be in the form of an oral presentation or a poster presentation.

Accommodations & Travel

Housing & Finances

Research Stipend
Program participants will receive a stipend of $4,500. The stipend will be paid in equal installments. The last paycheck will be sent upon the receipt of the final project.

Food Stipend
A food stipend will be provided to participants for the ten week program. This money can be used groceries or dining out.

Housing

Free housing in the campus apartments is provided. In the past students have lived in the Townhouse Apartments and Woodstock Apartments. Both apartments are furnished have a full kitchen and bathroom, living room, and double occupancy bedrooms. The final housing selection will be based on the campus plan for summer renovations and improvements.

Travel Stipend
Approximately $600 is available for travel expenses. The actual travel stipend may vary depending on where you are coming from and how you are getting here.

Travel & Field Trips

Being a part of the REU Program also means that you'll have opportunities to participate in fun activities outside of Potsdam. We will go on a weekend welcome retreat in the Adirondack State Park. We will also visit Ben and Jerry's, Intervale Composting, and the Noble Ellenburg Windpark in and around Burlington, Vermont. Additional field trips include: the Beacon Institute, Clarkson University's and Estuary Observatory Network, the St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt Power Project, the Clarkson Center for Sustainable Energy Systems, and the Small Wind Turbines Testing Site. We can also planned lots of informal field trips to Ottawa, NYC, The Canton Dairy Festival, and free local concerts.

Important Dates & Deadlines

The ASSETs to Serve Humanity REU Site Program will not be held in the summer of 2020. 

Other Programs

Clarkson has a number of other research programs for undergraduate students to take part in. Below is only a sample of those available.

Recent News

Undergraduate Research Projects Presented At Annual Clarkson Symposium