Description

The proposed project will immerse ten undergraduate students each summer in an exciting research experience focused on a broad range of HPC research across the physical sciences. The program will increase interest in HPC careers, as student research areas include protein folding, ferroelectric materials, therapeutic targets, and Potts simulations. Targeted students are those who have a budding interest in graduate study, particularly those from two-year undergraduate institutions recruited locally, regionally, and nationally. Students will learn HPC techniques, collaborate to build a cluster, and complete independent research projects. We will integrate a strong focus on professional development, research ethics, and effective communication. These skills are highly valued and necessary for success in both academia and the workforce. The interdisciplinary program combines faculty from the Departments of Chemistry and Physics. REU students and peer mentors will collaborate on projects integrating computational and STEM content, connecting students at different academic levels. Program activities are designed to (i) delve into essential research questions, (ii) introduce students to the ethics and language of science, (iii) show how HPC computing is critical to advancing knowledge and integrating with laboratory explorations, (iv) give the students practice and confidence in presenting research. 

Application deadline: March 7, 2026

Program dates: May 28 to July 30, 2026

https://icmshpc.com/nsf/