Nanotechnology for Biology and Bioengineering Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
The Institute for NanoBioTechnology at Johns Hopkins University offers undergraduate students from colleges and universities around the country a chance to participate in research projects in the exciting and rapidly growing area of nanobiotechnology, a place where biology, medicine, engineering, and nanoscience meet.
This is an NSF-funded program. Award number: 1852303. Program participation is contingent on COVID-19 restrictions.
The summer 2023 application cycle is now closed. The summer 2024 application cycle will open November 1, 2023.
Photo right: Breanna Kilore, 2021 NanoBio REU participant from the University of Arkansas.
The INBT offers an experience that engages students in cutting-edge nanobiotechology research. We provide a valuable summer research experience through participation in research labs and high quality student/faculty interaction and mentorships.
Students receive many benefits for participating in the REU program, including:
- Hands-on, graduate-level laboratory research experience.
- Guidance from faculty and graduate student mentors.
- Development and refinement of important laboratory and communication skills.
- Networking with experienced scientists.
- Stipend, paid housing, and travel allowance to concentrate on research and other professional development skills.
- 10 weeks of research in a graduate-level laboratory (generally running early June to mid-August).
- Professional development seminars on scientific research and tools.
- Professional development workshops on science communication skills.
- Oral presentation of research.
- Poster presentations of research at annual CARES Symposium at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
- Social activities, including trips to Artscape, HONfest, The National Aquarium, and much more.
- Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture, or travel to Ocean City, MD, Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, and more.
Past student projects include research in cancer and other disease therapies, stem cells and regenerative engineering, diagnostic tools, aging, and more. Below are some examples.
- Impact of Physiological Stiffness on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Communication
- Investigating the Mechanisms of Reduced Cell Migration in Senescent Dermal Fibroblasts
- Effect of macrophage activation on the uptake of iron oxide nanoparticles: an in vitro study for pharmacokinetic modeling
- Exploring the Effects of Hypoxia on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Pericytes
- Characterization of the intracellular domain of EphA2 in response to various ligands
- Yap/Taz effect on controlling cell volume through protein synthesis regulation
- Assessing Cell Migration in Aligned Collagen Fiber Gels
- Murine kidney-on-a-chip model for Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Exploring the Effects of Hypoxia on Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Pericytes
- Computational Analysis of T Cell Populations by the CD39/CD73 Immune Pathway
- Digital Droplet Ratiometric Color Coding for Multiplex Detection
- Nanoparticle-mediated Messenger RNA (mRNA) Delivery for Immunotherapy
- Self-Assembling Supramolecular Block Copolymer Micelles for Protein Purification
- Toward Exosome Theragnostic: Liposome−Microbead Conjugation Formation and Analysis
Applicants should be serious about receiving professional research experience and professional development. Eligible participants fall under the following criteria:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents (This is required by NSF, there are no exceptions).
- Undergraduate students who have completed at least their freshman year and will not be graduating before the start of the program. Students not currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
- GPA of 3.5 or better.
- Non-Johns Hopkins University students.
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds in science and engineering fields are encouraged to apply.
Submit the following documents in the NSF ETAP application:
- Resume
- Transcript
- Personal statement/statement of interest (See our FAQs page for more details)
- Two letters of recommendation from someone who has worked with you in a supervisory role
The summer 2023 application cycle is now closed. The summer 2024 application cycle opens November 1, 2023.
Contact the Director of Academic Programs, Sulaiman Jenkins,with questions.
