REU Program
Previously known as “The Hub and Spoke Program”, The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies (or SM²ART) is a collaborative initiative between the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) at the University of Maine (UMaine), sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). The innovative research performed between these two world-class research facilities combined with industry guidance focuses on forest-derived bioproducts with an emphasis on large-scale additive manufacturing.
After two successful years, we are pleased to announce our first program expansion! The SM²ART REU Program will now be partnering with Uday Vaidya at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK) to offer our students additional opportunities. Up to twelve*, highly qualified undergraduate students will receive an offer to participate in a
ten-week research experience at UTK / ORNL or UMaine.
*Subject to funding availability, which is currently pending.
This program is inspired by the National Science Foundation’s REU format but is not directly affiliated with NSF.
Our inaugural program was a great success!
For more information about the program and to learn about our 2023 research projects and students, you may download our summary presentation below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Application Questions
1. When is the application due?
To be considered for the summer of 2025 session, complete applications must be received prior to 11:59 PM EST, on March 15, 2025, However, complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received and decisions can be made earlier. So, your chances of being selected are higher if you submit sooner rather than later.
2. What constitutes a complete application?
In addition to completion of all questions on the application form, we must receive two letters of recommendation and a copy of your most current transcript. The transcript may be uploaded directly in the application form or sent electronically to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu. The letters of recommendation MUST be uploaded directly from the recommenders to this submission form or emailed to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu.
3. Does my transcript need to be “official?”
No. If your college or university will only send an official transcript if you pay for it, an unofficial copy from your academic record is sufficient. Please note that your name and GPA must appear on the document that you send.
4. When will my application be reviewed?
As soon as we have received a complete application (see question 2), your application will be reviewed.
5. How many people typically apply and how many are selected?
Last year, we received over 50 applications. A maximum of 12 students will be selected.
6. When will I be notified of my status?
The reviewers should make a decision within two weeks* of the application deadline. You will be notified via email as to one of three outcomes: an offer letter, a wait-list letter, or a declination letter.
*We cannot send any offer letters until our 2025 program funding is confirmed, so an official response from our team may be delayed beyond two weeks.
7. If I am not selected this year, can I apply again next year?
Subsequent year applications may be considered. However, you will need to wait for the subsequent year application form to become available on the website (usually some time in December). It should be noted that those students completing their sophomore year are ideal candidates. However, we would consider exceptional students completing their junior year.
8. What are the start and end dates for the program?
Assuming that funding for the program will be approved for 2025, this year’s program will begin on Sunday, May 25, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee and end on Friday, August 1, 2025 in Orono, Maine.
9. Do I need to attend the entire program?
Yes. All participants are required to arrive the weekend prior to the start day to check in and get acquainted as well as attending the entire culminating week in Maine.
10. Will I be guaranteed a research project that suits my interests?
We do our very best to pair you with a mentor and a project within your requested area of interest. Once you are accepted, we will put you in direct communication with your mentor and you can discuss proposed projects.
11. What are the current COVID-19 vaccination requirements?
Students participating in any on-campus are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but no requirement is currently in place. Up to date University of Maine System COVID-19 guidance can be found here.
University of Maine System (UMS) COVID-19 Risk Statement: The University of Maine System continues to support safety and health in the University community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including by encouraging employees, students, and visitors: to stay home if sick; to follow all applicable UMS and public health COVID-19 pandemic guidance and protocols; and, to stay informed about changes and updates in guidance and protocols. The University consistently takes steps in response to changing COVID-19 pandemic circumstances in an attempt to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections (or the spread of any other communicable illness) in accordance with applicable law, regulation, and guidance provided by health authorities. Despite these efforts, the University cannot guarantee that any person entering University campuses or facilities will not contract COVID-19 or any other communicable disease and any such person must assess and accept the risks of illness or injury for themselves.
Logistical Questions for Those Selected at UMaine
1. How much is the stipend and when is it disbursed?
You will receive a stipend of $650 per week for a total of $6,500 for the entire ten-week program. The funds can be sent directly to your home address, or you can opt to pick up your paycheck in person. Zelle / direct deposit may also be an option.
2. Which costs do I need to pay out of pocket?
All of your lodging and meals served on campus during the work week (Monday through Friday) will be covered. You will need to cover the costs of your weekend meals, the costs of any personal items needed, work week meals eaten at a venue other than your provided lodging, evening and weekend excursions off campus (excluding for those sponsored by the program) and all meals purchased during the week in Knoxville.
3. How are my travel arrangements made?
The program covers all allowable travel costs from your home to Knoxville, from Knoxville to the University of Maine, and from the University of Maine back to your home. We will work directly with our contracted travel agency to book flights on your behalf. The agent will work directly with you regarding airports and itineraries. If you live within driving distance to campus, you may choose to drive from your home to Maine. Mileage costs of the drive will be reimbursed (up to the value of corresponding airfare). Your baggage fees except excess baggage will also be reimbursed.
4. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian and vegan meal options can be made available in the dining halls. Allergies to nuts, fruits, etc. can also be accommodated. If you have any concerns about your food options while on campus, we can connect you with our nutritionist to ensure your needs are met.
5. What are the room and board accommodations like?
Students located at the University of Maine will stay in apartment-style dorm units on campus. Most students will have their own bedroom but will share kitchen and restroom facilities with their apartment-mates (four to six students per 4-bedroom dorm unit). We will update this information as further details become available.
6. Is off-campus travel permitted?
Yes. On evenings and weekends when other events are not planned, students can make their own arrangements to travel for recreational activities.
7. Is a vehicle permitted on campus?
Yes. You will be permitted to have your own vehicle on campus and a parking pass can be provided.
8. What do I need to pack?
– Clothing: It can be chilly in Maine in the evenings, but also very warm during the day (average temperatures range between 50°F and 80°F), so prepare to dress in layers. Knoxville, TN is much warmer during the summer months, with average temperatures ranging between 64°F and 88°F. You will also need to dress practically and appropriately for working in laboratories (long pants, close-toed shoes, etc.). If your placement requires a respirator, safety googles, safety shoes, etc. those items will be dealt with on an individual basis. Make sure to pack at least one business attire outfit for your culminating presentations. A bathing suit and work out clothing would be advisable. There is a recreational center on campus, as well as outdoor swimming and recreational areas located nearby. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking. A raincoat, sweatshirt and hat are also advisable.
– Bedding: We will provide bedding, but you will need to bring your own towels and washcloths. Free use of on-campus laundry facilities is included during your stay.
– Academic Needs: Bringing a laptop is recommended. Please also bring a notebook, writing implements, etc. You will have access to the University of Maine library and may spend some time there doing research.
All medications, personal hygiene items, etc. will be your responsibility. Although some can be purchased here, you may want to bring your own with you. There are a few stores and restaurants within walking distance of campus.
Logistical Questions for Those Selected at UTK/ORNL
1. How much is the stipend and when is it disbursed?
You will receive a stipend of $650 per week, for a total of $6,500. Additional funds may be provided to offset the cost of food. The funds will be paid via direct deposit. Payment dates will be confirmed closer to the start of the program.
2. Which costs do I need to pay out of pocket?
All lodging expenses will be covered. You will need to cover the costs of any personal items needed, and evening and weekend excursions off campus (excluding those sponsored by the program).
3. How are my travel arrangements made?
The program covers all allowable travel costs from your home to Knoxville, from Knoxville to the University of Maine, and from the University of Maine back to your home. If you choose to fly to Knoxville, you must work directly with our contracted travel agency for your booking. Please do not book your own flights in order to guarantee your reimbursement. If you live within driving distance to campus, you may choose to drive from your home to Knoxville. Mileage costs of the drive will be reimbursed (up to the value of corresponding airfare). Your baggage fees, except excess baggage, will also be reimbursed.
4. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
For catered meals hosted on or off site, dietary restrictions will be accommodated. For meals that are covered via the food stipend, students will be able to arrange accommodations themselves.
5. What are the room and board accommodations like?
Students located at UTK / ORNL on campus in downtown Knoxville. The dormitories are apartment-style, with kitchenettes. Students will stay in a mix of private dorms and shared dorms, depending on UTK availability and preferences requested. We will update this information as further details become available. Selected students will be individually contacted regarding their preferences.
6. Is off-campus travel permitted?
Yes. On evenings and weekends when other events are not planned, students can make their own arrangements to travel for recreational activities.
7. Is a vehicle permitted on campus?
Yes. Bringing a vehicle is recommended, as the dorms are located about 25 minutes away from the laboratory and public transportation is limited. You will be permitted to have your own vehicle on campus and a parking pass can be purchased directly from UTK. Further details will be provided as they become available.
8. What do I need to pack?
– Clothing:
Knoxville, TN is very warm during the summer months (with average temperatures ranging between 64°F and 88°F), but you will also need to dress practically for working in laboratories (long pants, close-toed shoes, etc.).
- Students are expected to dress in business casual during the work week (M-F) when located at ORNL and are advised to dress neatly and conservatively. Your safety is our #1 priority, so please avoid wearing very loose clothing or anything that exposes large areas of skin. Examples of inappropriate work attire include open-toe shoes, graphic t-shirts, pants with rips or tears, sweatpants, cropped shirts, spaghetti straps, and skirts or shorts that fall more than 2 inches above the knee.
- If your placement requires a respirator, safety googles, safety shoes, etc. those items will be dealt with on an individual basis and will be provided by ORNL.
- Make sure to pack at least one business professional outfit for your culminating presentations in Orono, ME. It can be chilly in Maine in the evenings (with lows averaging between 50°F and 58°F), but also warm during the day, so prepare to dress in layers.
- A bathing suit and work out clothing are optional, based on your personally planned activities. Note that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is within driving distance to ORNL, and hiking clothing is optional for those who wish to take part in hiking.
– Bedroom/Kitchen:
Additional information will be provided closer to the start of the program. Students are expected to bring their own linens for this program. In addition, a small kitchenette is provided in the dorm, but students are expected to bring or provide their own cooking items.
– Academic Needs:
You must bring your own laptop. You will also be issued a work laptop to use when located on-site at ORNL, but they must be returned prior to the trip up to Maine at the end of week 9. Please also bring a notebook, writing implements, etc. You will have access to a digital and physical library at ORNL.
– Other:
All medications, personal hygiene items, etc. will be your responsibility. Although some can be purchased here, you may want to bring your own with you. There are a few stores and restaurants located nearby.
Contact Information
For logistical questions or concerns, please contact:
Angelina Buzzelli, Communications Specialist IV,
University of Maine, Advanced Structures and Composites Center
angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu
For research questions or concerns, please contact:
Dave Neivandt, Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering,
University of Maine
david.neivandt@maine.edu
