REU Program
The Hub & Spoke Program 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. The collaborative 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. We are very pleased to announce the first Hub & Spoke REU program, designed to provide an opportunity for twelve, highly qualified undergraduate students to participate in a ten-week research experience at ORNL or the University of Maine.
Eligibility / Key Information:
- Current undergraduate in sophomore or junior year
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
- Must have valid passport or REAL ID
- Must have proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
- Available May 28th – August 4th, 2023
- Women, minorities, and students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- Completed applications will be considered in the order they are received
- Application deadline: March 1, 2023 (or until all positions are filled)
Support Provided:
- $6,500 stipend + lodging during the program
- Travel to and from home location / Orono, ME / Knoxville, TN
- Half of the students will be working primarily at The University of Maine (Orono, ME), and half will be working primarily at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Knoxville, TN)
- All students will have the opportunity to visit both facilities
Benefits & Activities:
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment
- Mentorship in research by world-class scientists and engineers
- Technical writing and oral presentation opportunities
- Ethics in research workshop
- Professional field trips / Industrial tours
- One-week research experience at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Potential Research Topics:
- Feedstock production and modification
- Sustainable materials development & characterization
- Large scale additive manufacturing
- New product development
- Technoeconomic analysis and life cycle analysis
Preferred Disciplines:
- Material Science / Polymer Science
- Bioenergy
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Bioproducts / Biomaterials
- Chemistry
- Environmental Engineering
- Wood Science & Technology / Forest Products / Forest Operations
Common Application Questions
1. When is the application due?
To be considered for the summer of 2023 session, complete applications must be received prior to 5:00 AM EST, on March 1, 2023. However, since complete applications are reviewed as received and awards can be made earlier, it will increase your chances of being selected if you submit sooner than the due date.
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 sent electronically directly by the student to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu. The letters of recommendation MUST be emailed directly from the recommenders to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu.
3. Does my transcript need to be “official?”
If your college will send a copy directly with no fee incurred on your part, an official copy is fine. If you can access your academic record directly, it is sufficient to scan and send a copy of your transcript. It is important that your GPA appears on the document that you send. Please email the transcript to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu.
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?
We typically receive around 100 applications. 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.
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 by the first week of 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?
This year’s program begins on Monday, May 28, 2023 in Knoxville, Tennessee and ends on Friday, August 4, 2023 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 experience will be required to verify their ongoing compliance with the UMS COVID-19 protocols through a university-designated electronic platform. 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. You will be paid in 2 installments of $3,250 each (one on June 2, 2023 and one on July 7, 2023). The funds will be sent directly to your home address. In the event that there will be no one there to receive the check, we can have the check delivered here. Some of you may have phone apps that allow you to deposit checks in that manner.
2. Which costs do I need to pay out of pocket?
All of your lodging and meals served at your lodging 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 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. The agent will work directly with you regarding departure and arrival times and airports. 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 will be available. Allergies to nuts, fruits, etc. can also be accommodated.
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 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. As well as a recreational center on campus, there are outdoor swimming and recreational areas nearby. Bring sturdy shoes for hiking. A raincoat, sweatshirt and hat are 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: Although not required, a laptop is advisable. Please bring a notebook, writing implements, etc. You will have access to the University of Maine library and will 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 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 for the entire ten-week program. You will be paid in 2 installments of $3,250 each (one on June 2, 2023 and one on July 7, 2023). The funds will be sent directly to your home address. In the event that there will be no one there to receive the check, we can have the check delivered here. Some of you may have phone apps that allow you to deposit checks in that manner.
2. Which costs do I need to pay out of pocket?
All of your lodging will be covered. You will also be given an additional food stipend to cover the cost of meals during the work week (Monday through Friday). You will need to cover the costs of your weekend meals, 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 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. The agent will work directly with you regarding departure and arrival times and airports. 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 Oak Ridge National Laboratory will love on campus at the University of Tennessee. The dormitories are apartment-style, with kitchenettes. 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: 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.). 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 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. 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.
– Bedding: Additional information will be provided closer to the start of the program.
– Academic Needs: Although not required, a laptop is advisable. Please bring a notebook, writing implements, etc. You will have access to a digital and physical library at ORNL.
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.
Contact Information
University of Maine
For logistical questions or concerns, please contact:
Christina VonTorne, Financial and Administration Manager,
University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Institute
christina.vontorne@maine.edu
For research questions or concerns, please contact:
Doug Gardner, Professor of Sustainable Materials and Technology,
University of Maine, Advanced Structures & Composites Center
douglasg@maine.edu
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
For logistical questions or concerns, please contact:
Amber Hubbard, R&D Associate Staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Manufacturing Science Division
hubbardam@ornl.gov
For research questions or concerns, please contact:
Soydan Ozcan, Senior R&D Scientist, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Manufacturing Science Division
ozcans@ornl.gov
