The WPI Biomedical Engineering Department offers two Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF REU) and the KERN Family Foundation (KEEN eREU) to bring bioengineering, research, education, and outreach experiences to 10-14 undergraduate students (U.S. citizens and permanent residents). The program dates are from May 27 to August 1, 2025.
The WPI REU Site in Bioengineering research offers students an opportunity to join one of many interdisciplinary research teams for a summer research project. Examples of the types of research projects REU participants will pursue include tissue engineering, disease modeling, wound healing, and low-cost medical devices. KEEN eREU participants will conduct research on innovated biomedical technologies with immediate translational applications. See the Projects tab to obtain more detailed information on potential project areas.
In addition to carrying out cutting-edge research, REU participants will attend weekly professional development seminars and workshops. Participants will learn about careers in biomedical engineering, academic research, scientific communication, incorporating curiosity, connections, and creating value into research and design, and societal awareness in engineering design and innovation. The program will conclude with the final poster presentation. Communicating science is a portion of what participants will engage in, beyond the research; participants will develop video content entitled “Stories in Bioengineering” and engage with a local summer camp program.
The objectives of this program are to provide the following:
- Research opportunities for undergraduate students in bioengineering
- Personal and professional development training to help increase the retention of female and minority undergraduate students in engineering
- Develop societal awareness in engineering design, professional skills, and confidence
Logistics:
Participants receive a $6,000 stipend, free housing, funds for travel to and from Worcester, and potential funds for conference travel. Although the WPI REU program does not offer a meal plan, food will be provided for some professional development workshops and seminars.