Research Experience and Mentoring (REM) Program

A Joint Partnership between CISTAR and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) Programs.

Summer 2024 Program Dates: May 20 – June 28

The Research Experience and Mentoring Program (REM) is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to participate in a research experience with CISTAR at Purdue University and as a mentor at one of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) Program camps across the nation in one summer. Participants will spend:

  • Six weeks on a cutting-edge research project on energy while being matched with a graduate student and a faculty mentor.  
  • Four weeks mentoring kids as part of an NSBE SEEK camp. 

While working on their research project students will regularly interact with corporate partners in the energy sector for information sessions, tours, and informal mentoring. Additionally, participants will be paid to present at the Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM, Washington, D.C.

The research focus this summer is on a broad theme that all participants will have in common:  Energy for Our Growing World--how a wide range of energy sources (renewables, emerging energy technologies—biofuels, solar, nuclear, wind, shale, and other fossil fuels) serve the needs of people and communities, and how we balance those needs against the impact these energy sources differentially have on our world.

Research Areas to include but are not limited to: 

  • Integrated Energy Systems Planning 
  • Reaction and Reactor Modeling
  • Future of Energy
  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Process Optimization 

Program Details

  • Program dates: May 20 - June 28, 2024 at Purdue University
  • A total stipend of $6,000 for 6 weeks at CISTAR ($5,000 for completing the 6 weeks and $1,000 after submitting program deliverables).
  • Travel and housing provided
  • Applicants need to apply to CISTAR and NSBE SEEK: 

See what some of our 2023 cohort of students said about their summer REM experience

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