The SM2ART Research experience for
undergraduates (REU) Program

  
2027 REU PRogram Email List

Previously known as “The Hub and Spoke Program”, The Specialized Materials and Manufacturing Alliance for Resilient 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. Up to six*, highly qualified undergraduate students will receive an offer to participate in a ten-week research experience at UMaine.

*This program is inspired by the National Science Foundation’s REU format but is not directly affiliated with NSF.

2026 program changeS

Though the SM²ART REU Program will remain a collaborative effort between the University of Maine and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, all student research placements for 2026 will be at UMaine.

2026 PRogram FAQs
  • Minimum GPA of 3.00
  • U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
  • Must have a valid passport or REAL ID
  • Undergraduates about to complete their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of college
  • Available May 31, 2026 – August 8, 2026
  • Cohort of 5-6 students
  • Applications will be reviewed in the order they are completed (See “Application Requirements ” tab for more information)
  • Composite formulation & optimization
  • Computational modeling & simulation
  • Large scale additive manufacturing
  • New product development
  • Specialized materials development & characterization
  • Techno-economic analysis and life cycle analysis
  • Bioenergy
  • Bioengineering
  • Bioproducts / Biomaterials
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science / Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Material / Polymer Science
  • Wood Science & Technology
  • Forest Products
  • Forest Operations

application requirements

#1

Complete the 2026 SM²ART REU Program Application Form

#2

Submit your current resume and transcript (unofficial transcripts are permitted)

#3

Letters of recommendation submitted by TWO professors or research mentors

2027 REU PRogram Email List

Support Provided:

  • $7,000 stipend
  • Apartment-style lodging on campus
  • Pre-loaded dining hall swipe card
  • Flight Reservation or Mileage Reimbursement

benefits & Activites:

  • One-week visit at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility in Knoxville, TN
  • Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment
  • One-on-one research mentorship from world-class scientists and engineers
  • Ethics in research workshop
  • Technical writing and oral presentation opportunities
  • Professional field trips and industrial tours

Letters of recommendation

If you are a professor, advisor, or research mentor for one of our student applicants, you may submit your letter of recommendation below.

Recommendation letter submission form

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the application deadline?

To be considered for the 2026 cohort, you must submit the application form by at 11:59 PM, EDT on Friday, May 8, 2026. All supplementary application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be received by 11:59 PM, EDT on Monday, May 11, 2026. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received and offers may be made prior to the deadline. So, your chances of being selected increase if your materials are received first.

2. What constitutes a “complete” application?

In addition to successful submission of the application form, we must receive TWO letters of recommendation on your behalf and a copy of your current transcript. Both letters of recommendation MUST be uploaded directly BY THE RECOMMENDERS to the submission form above or emailed to angelina.buzzelli@maine.edu. Your transcript may be uploaded within the application 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, as long as both your NAME and GPA are clearly visible on the document.

4. Will I be notified of my application status?

Yes. You will receive a confirmation email upon submission of the application form. You will also receive an email notification when each of your recommenders submit their letters. When the committee has reviewed your application and made their decision, you will either receive an offer letter or a declination letter. We plan to finalize all 2026 placements by May 13, 2026.

5. How competitive is the program?

We anticipate at least 30 applicants for up to 6 available positions.

6. If I am selected this year, can I apply again next year?

Yes, as long as your anticipated graduation date is no earlier than December 15, 2027. You must still be enrolled as an undergraduate student as of June 1, 2027, to be eligible to reapply next year.

1. What are the program dates?

The 2026 program will run from June 1, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Students will travel to Maine on May 31, 2026 and will return home on August 8, 2026. Applicants must be fully available for the entire ten-week program to be eligible.

2. Will I be guaranteed a research project that suites my interests?

We will do our very best to pair you with a mentor and project within your requested area of interest. Once you are accepted, we will put you in direct contact with your mentor for you to discuss proposed projects.

3. How much is the stipend and when is it disbursed?

You will receive two payments of $3,500, for a total of $7,000. The first payment will be disbursed in the first week of the program and the second payment by the end of week 5 of the program. The funds can be sent directly to your home address, picked up in person via check, or direct deposited into your bank account.

4. Which costs do I need to pay out of pocket?

You will need to cover the costs of your weekend meals or any work week meals eaten off campus, including meals purchased during the final week in Knoxville. You will also be responsible to cover the costs of any evening or weekend excursions that are not sponsored by the program and the costs of any personal items needed.

5. How are my travel arrangements made?

The program will cover all allowable travel costs from your home to the University of Maine, from the University of Maine to Knoxville, TN, and from Knoxville, TN back to your home. We will work directly with our contracted travel agency to book flights on your behalf. For any questions regarding airports or itineraries, you may contact Angelina directly. If you live within a drivable distance to campus, you may choose to drive from your home to Maine. Mileage costs of the drive are reimbursable up to the value of corresponding airfare. Baggage fees except excess baggage will also be reimbursed. The hotel in Knoxville, TN during the final week of the program will also be booked on your behalf.

6. 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 dietary restrictions while on campus, we can connect you with our nutritionist to ensure your needs are met.

7. What are the room and board accommodations like?

Students will live in apartment-style dorm units on campus. Most students will have their own bedroom but will share kitchen and restroom facilities with other students. We will provide more details as they become available.

8. May I bring my vehicle?

Yes. If you live within a drivable distance to campus, you may choose to drive from your home to Maine instead of flying. Mileage costs of the drive are reimbursable up to the value of corresponding airfare. Please note that you must be issued a parking permit prior to your arrival.

9. Is off-campus travel permitted?

Yes. You may travel off campus in the evenings and weekends when there are no planned program events, but you will need to arrange your own travel or carpool with a student who has a vehicle.

10. What do I need to pack?

– Clothing: Temperature can range significantly, with averages between 50-80 degrees F, so bring layers to dress in. Temperatures in Knoxville, TN will be warmer, ranging from 65-88 degrees F. While working in the lab, you must dress appropriately and practically, with long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc. If your research placement requires specific safety equipment like a respirator, googles, or safety shoes, etc., those items will be dealt with on an individual basis. Be sure to also pack at least one outfit of business attire for your culminating presentations. Gym clothes, hiking shoes, and a bathing suit are also advisable to pack. There is a recreation center on campus, as well as outdoor swimming and recreational areas located nearby. A raincoat, sweatshirt, and hat are also advisable.

– Bedding: Linens and pillows will be provided by request. Towels and washcloths are your responsibility to bring. On-campus laundry facilities are included free of charge during your stay.

– Materials: Please bring a laptop, compatible headphones or earbuds, a notebook, writing implements, etc. You will have access to the University of Maine Fogler Library and may spend some time there doing research.

– Other: Please pack all necessary medications and personal hygiene items. The closest pharmacy is Walgreens, located 4 miles or 8 minutes from your dormitory. Some general shelf medications are available for purchase at the University Bookstore.

Acknowledgements: Research Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (ONE)