Dream : Home

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at Drexel University is host to DREAM: Drexel Research Experience in Advanced Materials, a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site sponsored by the Department of Defense and administered by the National Science Foundation.

DREAM supports 10 to 15 undergraduates, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, to work with Drexel faculty members in nanomaterials, biomaterials, and the design and processing of advanced materials. Each DREAM participant receives a $4500 stipend to attend the ten-week summer residential program, during which they will work in research teams with faculty mentors, graduate students, and NSF Research Experience for Teachers participants. In addition, DREAM Fellows participate in research seminars, demonstrations of cutting-edge research equipment, and field trips. DREAMers will also experience Philadelphia cultural offerings, possibly including the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the new Citizens Bank Park—home of the Phillies.

Fellows are asked to keep journals and write a research paper as if they are submitting an article to a scientific journal. They will also participate in an all-REU poster contest with two other Drexel REU programs on their research for faculty and students. These activities will prepare them to communicate their technical expertise at conferences and seminars, and to be effective scholars.

The DREAM program has received high ratings from DREAM Fellows who have commented that the experience has provided them not only with new knowledge about different areas of materials science and engineering, but also confidence in doing research, giving presentations, and a sense of personal growth.

For more information on past DREAM fellows, click here.

Our DREAM program from 2004-2006 was sponsored by NSF EEC 0353922, and from 2007-2009 by NSF EEC 0649033.