Skip To Main Content

Research Experiences for Undergraduates

NSF REU
3D Printing of NextGen Multifunctional Batteries

A joint summer research experience at Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at El Paso

Now recruiting undergraduate researchers for Summer 2026! Application deadline is March 15, 2026.

Apply Now!

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) jointly hosted by Texas A&M University and The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). This immersive summer program invites undergraduate students from across the United States to join a multidisciplinary research team working at the forefront of additive manufacturing, materials science, electrochemistry, aerospace engineering and energy storage. 

Participants will contribute to the development of next-generation multifunctional batteries that are: 

  • Shape-conformable: adapting to complex geometries for wearable electronics and soft robotics
  • Structural: storing energy while bearing mechanical loads
  • Morphing: changing shape on demand through thermal or electrochemical triggers

Program Basics

Each summer (lasting 10 weeks), the REU site will host eight undergraduate students, with half placed at Texas A&M and the other half at UTEP. Students will work in world-class laboratories on one of four research themes:

  1. Development and 3D printing of multifunctional battery electrodes
  2. Fabrication and evaluation of structural electrolytes and separators
  3. Multiphysics modeling coupling eletrochemical and mechanical behavior
  4. Full cell assembly and characterization of 3D-printed multifunctional batteries

Students will be integrated into active research groups and will be paired with faculty mentors, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from both institutions. 

Participant Support

All selected students will receive full financial support during the 10-week summer program. Support levels differ slightly between the Texas A&M and UTEP sites to reflect local cost-of-living conditions. The breakdown is provided below. 

  • $7,000 stipend for the 10-week program ($700 per week)
  • Housing (dorm-style), meal and travel support

This structure provides full financial coverage for students to successfully participate in the research, training and travel activities associated with the REU program. 

What Students Will Gain

The REU program provides a highly immersive, hands-on research experience, including:

Training and Skill Development

  • Introductory safety and laboratory training
  • Workshops on 3D printing, battery fabrication, electrochemistry and materials characterization
  • Exposure to additive manufacturing systems at UTEP's ESTRELLA and CAMINO South facilities 
  • Training in modeling tools at Texas A&M for multifunctional and morphing systems

Immersive Research

  • Ten weeks of full-time research
  • Opportunities to co-author reports or scientific manuscripts
  • Weekly presentations within research teams and joint cohort meetings between both universities
  • Presentations to industry, national laboratory partners and academic researchers

Enrichment Activities

  • Invited lectures
  • Participation in the Aggies Invent for the Planet design event at Texas A&M
  • COURI (UTEP) and USRG (Texas A&M) professional development workshops
  • Seminars on graduate school preparation, technical writing and communication

Industry and National Laboratory Engagement

  • Tours and meetings with engineers and researchers from NASA Johnson Space Center
  • Visits to the KULR battery development facility in Houston
  • Interaction with experts in the aerospace, energy and biomedical sectors

Cohort Experience and Networking

  • Social events and community-building activities
  • Career-development seminars and opportunities
  • A strong support and mentoring environment

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from:

  • Undergraduates who have completed their second year in engineering, chemistry, materials science or related fields, with a minimum GPA of 3.25
  • Undergraduate students who have expressed interest and/or engaged in research pursuits in broad engineering disciplines
  • GPA ≥ 3.25
  • U.S. nationals
  • Enrolled in four-year U.S. universities

How to Apply? Applications open for Summer 2026!

The prospective applicants complete the online application form and provide:

  • CV
  • Statement of interest
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation (Deadline to have letters of recommendation is March 15, 2026.)
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship, U.S. national or U.S. permanent resident
  • Proof of undergraduate status

REU dates: May 26-July 31, 2026

As part of the application, students will be asked to indicate their preference among the four available research themes in the program. To ensure the best possible match between student interests and project assignments, applicants must rank all four research topics in order of preference, from 1 (highest priority) to 4 (lowest priority). 

The four research topics for Summer 2026 are:

  1. (#1.a) Formulation and extrusion of individual composite filament feedstock, including shape memory polymers and battery electrode materials (UTEP)
    • UTEP leads: Maurel and Roberson; Texas A&M support: Zhou
  2. (#1.b) Fabrication of scaffolds using shape memory polymers and subsequent coating with active materials, followed by electrode testing (Texas A&M)
    • Texas A&M leads: Zhou and Lutkenhaus; UTEP support: Martinez
  3. (#1.c) Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printing of shape-conformable battery electrodes, using shape memory polymers as the substrate or polymer matrix (UTEP)
    • UTEP leads: Maurel, Martinez and Roberson; Texas A&M support: Lagoudas
  4. (#3.a) Modeling the electrochemical and mechanical responses of additively manufactured electrolytes, integrating multiphysics simulations relevant to multifunctional battery systems (Texas A&M)
    • Texas A&M leads: Lagoudas, Zhou; UTEP support: Maurel

This ranking helps the selection committee place each student in a project that aligns with their background, curiosity and long-term goals, while also balancing team needs across both universities. Although preferences will be strongly considered, final assignments will be made based on faculty availability, project requirements and cohort composition. 

Program Contacts

Texas A&M - Dimitris Lagoudas, lagoudas@tamu.edu 
UTEP - Alexis Maurel, amaurel@utep.edu