Credit: Seana Wood / Penn State MRI
By Jamie Oberdick
At Penn State’s Materials Research Institute (MRI), undergraduate students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific research. Through a variety of programs, these students are not only advancing their academic knowledge but also accessing state-of-the-art research facilities, often for the first time.
Immersive Programs for Aspiring Researchers
MRI offers several undergraduate programs that connect students directly with faculty, researchers, and professional staff in advanced materials science and engineering. These initiatives provide practical experience that strengthens technical skills and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.
One notable program is the 2DCC and Nanofab Undergraduate Summer Research Program, which runs from May 27 to July 31, 2025. This opportunity allows students to work in small, interdisciplinary teams on real-world research projects. Participants receive a stipend of $6,600 for the summer and gain extensive exposure to MRI’s sophisticated research tools.
Another standout initiative is the MRI Undergraduate Fellowship Program, which immerses students in laboratory work at the Millennium Science Complex. The fellowship is designed to prepare students for future scientific careers by providing real-world experience alongside Penn State’s research staff and faculty.
Ellery Schlorff, a recent Penn State graduate and former MRI Undergraduate Fellow, described the experience as a turning point in their academic journey.
“Working in the Materials Characterization Lab has been one of the most transformative parts of my education at MatSE,” Schlorff said. “It’s one thing to learn concepts from a textbook but seeing them jump off the page through real-world applications gave those ideas an entirely new meaning.”
The Role of MRSEC and Collaborative Research
MRI’s partnership with the Center for Nanoscale Science, a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), provides further avenues for undergraduate involvement. Through the Nanoscale Physics & Materials Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program, students participate in advanced materials research under the guidance of faculty and graduate mentors. This National Science Foundation-sponsored initiative equips students with practical lab skills and promotes mentorship that extends throughout their academic journey.
In addition, the Partnerships for Research & Education in Materials (PREM) Program links undergraduates from institutions like California State University Los Angeles and North Carolina Central University with Penn State researchers. The PREM Program offers summer research experiences, collaborative projects, and professional development, ensuring students gain valuable experience in materials research.
Gaining Access to World-Class Facilities
What sets these programs apart is the direct access they provide to MRI’s advanced facilities. For many undergraduates, this is their first opportunity to operate sophisticated instruments used in materials characterization and synthesis.
The Materials Characterization Laboratory (MCL) is a core MRI facility where students receive hands-on training from experienced research staff. This guidance ensures students develop practical skills in handling cutting-edge equipment for imaging, chemical analysis, and other essential research techniques.
Schlorff said that access to the X-ray lab within MCL played a major role in preparing them for graduate school.
“One of the most valuable skills I’ve developed is experimental design. I’m often given a problem and must figure out how to best leverage the tools available to provide a meaningful answer,” Schlorff explained. “That level of independent problem-solving has been critical for my growth.”
Students are also mentored by research staff, including experts like Nichole Wonderling, who Schlorff credits as a major influence.
“She always made time to support me, whether that was troubleshooting experiments or just encouraging my growth as a scientist,” Schlorff said. “My senior thesis, using X-ray techniques to characterize stress in materials, was the most independent project I’ve taken on, and Nichole was with me every step of the way.”
Similarly, the 2D Crystal Consortium – Materials Innovation Platform (2DCC-MIP) integrates undergraduate students into research focused on two-dimensional chalcogenide materials. By working within this national user facility, students gain vital experience in material growth and characterization, contributing to innovative discoveries in electronics, energy storage, and beyond.
The MRI Undergraduate Fellowship Program further emphasizes facility access by providing on-site training for students to become certified equipment operators. This experience not only prepares them for their research tasks but also gives them a competitive edge when pursuing future careers in science and engineering.
Building Skills for Future Success
By participating in MRI’s undergraduate programs, students gain far more than technical knowledge. They develop skills in teamwork, communication, and problem- solving while building professional relationships with faculty and industry experts.
“The MRI and MCL community are so welcoming and supportive,” said Schlorff. “Even if it feels intimidating at first, it’s worth it. I’ve learned more than I ever imagined when I first started.”
Penn State’s Materials Research Institute continues to uphold its commitment to fostering educational opportunities that merge academic growth with practical experience. For undergraduates, these programs serve as a vital gateway to discovery, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the scientific community.