So you want to make the most of your summer and get research experience. There are two options:

• For UM undergraduate students: Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering – SURE
• For non-UM undergraduate students: Summer Research Opportunity Program – SROP

To learn more about these programs, check out the College of Engineering summer research website. There you’ll find the full criteria and selection process. 

If you’re interested in doing material sciences and engineering research, below are listed the most recent descriptions of 2024 SURE and SROP projects available in Materials Science and Engineering. Please consider this list carefully before applying to the SURE or SROP program.

Deadlines

January 9, 2026 - SURE Program application deadline

To Apply:

https://sure.engin.umich.edu/gradadmissions_sure_suresropapplication-html/

After completing your application, you can begin identifying a summer project by using the list below to contact and meet with the faculty you are interested in working with.  

Available Projects: 

MSE Project #1

Project Title: AI for Predictive Discovery and Synthesis of New Materials

Faculty Mentor: Wenhao Sun, whsun@umich.edu

Prerequisites: Familiarity with python, undergraduate materials thermodynamics and kinetics.

Project Description: AI is predicting exciting and promising new technological materials, but synthesizing these predicted compounds in the laboratory often bottlenecks their realization. This theory project involves developing new computational thermodynamic and kinetic tools to guide experimentalists in discovering and synthesizing advanced new materials.

Research Mode: In person

MSE Project #2

Project Title:   Gallium Nanoparticle Plasmonics

Faculty Mentor:  Rachel Goldman, rsgold@umich.edu

Prerequisites:  A strong interest in experimental science and/or engineering is required. Completion of Introductory Chemistry and Physics Labs is preferred but not required.

Project Description:  Metal nanoparticle arrays often exhibit collective electron oscillations (plasmon resonances) which are promising for enhanced light emission, efficient solar energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive biosensing, and optical cloaking.  To date, materials research and device fabrication have focused nearly exclusively on silver and gold nanoparticle dispersions in two dimensions; these arrays exhibit plasmon resonances limited to visible wavelengths.  Recently, we demonstrated a novel method to assemble high-quality gallium nanoparticle arrays with surface plasmon resonances tunable from the infrared to visible wavelength range.  In this summer project, we explore the influence of gallium nanoparticle arrays on the properties of compound semiconductor solar cells, using a combination of electromagnetic simulations, molecular-beam epitaxy, atomic-force microscopy, and optical spectroscopy.

Research Mode:  In Lab

MSE #3

Project Title:   Enhancing p-type Doping of GaN for Power Electronics: A Combined Computational-Experimental Approach

Faculty Mentor:  Rachel Goldman, rsgold@umich.edu

Prerequisites:  A strong interest in experimental science and/or engineering is required. Completion of Introductory Chemistry and Physics Labs is preferred but not required.

Project Description:  Although silicon-based electronics are used to power light-emitting diodes and electric vehicles, their utility in high power applications is limited by a low breakdown voltage.  Wide bandgap semiconductors, such as gallium nitride and related alloys, have been proposed as alternatives, but the effective p-type doping at high concentrations remains elusive. For example, Mg dopant activation following ion implantation, selective diffusion, and metalorganic vapor deposition requires high-temperature annealing which may disrupt the active device structure. In the case of molecular beam epitaxy, surfactants and co-dopants such as O and Si have been explored, but the concentration of substitutional Mg is often limited, leading to limited p-type doping efficiency. Here, we are developing a novel approach to enhance the p-type doping of GaN and related alloys.

Methodology: The project involves a combined computational-experimental approach consisting of focused-ion- beam (FIB) nano-implantation of Mg in GaN during molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE), followed by computational and experimental ion channeling studies of the Mg incorporation mechanisms.  Possible projects include the following:

1. Development of a modified Mg-Ga alloy source for focused-ion-beam nano-implantation

2. Ion channeling measurements of doping and point defects in GaN and related alloys

3. Monte Carlo-Molecular Dynamics simulations of doping and point defects in GaN and related alloys

Research Mode:  In Lab

MSE Project 4

Project Title: Development of dry cathode manufacturing technology

Faculty Mentor: Alan I. Taub (alantaub@umich.edu)

Project Description: The dry cathode fabrication method is a solvent-free and energy-efficient approach for manufacturing lithium-ion battery electrodes. This method eliminates the use of toxic solvents like NMP and significantly reduces drying energy and equipment costs. It also allows for thick-electrode fabrication, improving areal capacity while maintaining mechanical stability and good electronic pathways. The dry process represents a promising route toward sustainable, scalable, and cost-effective electrode manufacturing, supporting the development of next-generation high-energy and environmentally friendly lithium-ion batteries. The goal of this project is to develop new materials system and manufacturing process for dry cathode electrode. This project helps students build practical skills such as materials mixing, sample characterization using different equipment, calender operation, etc.

Research Mode: Hybrid (Mostly in lab, occasionally remote)

MSE Project 5

Project Title: Design and Manufacture of Periodic Metastructure Materials with Broadband EM Absorption

Faculty Mentor: Alan I. Taub (alantaub@umich.edu)

Project Description:

The proliferation of wireless communication and radio-frequency devices, which emit electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI), underscores the need for rigorous standards to ensure the reliable operation of sensitive electronic equipment and mitigate potential health risks. Consequently, employing materials that absorb electromagnetic waves is critical in reducing EM radiation pollution. In this project, we use computational modeling and optimization to design materials with specific geometries, resulting in periodic metastructures that exhibit low reflection loss (RL) and broad-spectrum electromagnetic absorption within the X-band. This project helps students acquire skills in materials preparation, operating compression molding machine, materials characterization, samples cutting and grinding, etc.

Research Mode: Hybrid (Mostly in lab, occasionally remote)

MSE Project 6

Project Title: Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Natural Fibers by Supercritical Fluid or Spirosiloxane Treatment

Faculty Mentor: Alan I. Taub (alantaub@umich.edu)

Project Description: The demand for carbon-negative materials and technologies has surged as manufacturing companies aim to reduce their global carbon footprint. Natural fiber composites offer lower costs, lower energy production, and environmental benefits, such as sequestering 3 tons of CO2 per ton of polymer composite by substituting glass fibers with natural fibers. However, lower mechanical properties and variability in natural fibers remain a challenge.

The goal of this project is to develop techniques to improve the mechanical properties of flax fibers and their composites. By participating, students can build skills in fiber treatment using different methods, polymer composites manufacturing, sample cutting, materials characterization and mechanical properties testing, etc.

Research Mode: Hybrid (Mostly in lab, occasionally remote)

MSE Project 7

Project Title: Low-current circuit design for battery changing and discharging

Faculty Mentor: Yiyang Li, yiyangli@umich.edu

Project Description: We aim to develop a system for semi-autonomous electrochemistry during battery charge and discharge. Our goal is to be able to execute experiments automatically through a multiplexed circuit board interface with a custom battery cell. The ideal candidate will have an interest in and coursework in both chemistry and electronic circuits. 

Please consider this list carefully before applying to the SURE program.