Undergraduate Research
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
Research opportunities in polymers, catalysis, enzyme engineering, system analytics, and data science at the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI). Experience in chemical conversion strategies and enabling cross-cutting tools to transform the plastics lifecycle.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 CPI Summer Undergraduate Research Program! Click the button below to submit your application.*
Application Checklist:
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- An updated resume
- An unlocked copy of your transcript (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
- A half- to full-page personal statement describing how undergraduate research with CPI is important to your career goals
*Please note that due to funding restrictions, we are only able to accept U.S. citizens or permanent residents for this program.
Program Highlights
- Research projects with graduate student, postdoc, and faculty mentorship
- Research seminars
- Professional development workshops
- Industry and government lab site visits
- Counseling on STEM academic careers
- Interdisciplinary research symposium
Program Logistics
- 10-week, full-time summer research experience
- $6,000 stipend for each student
- University housing supplement for external applicants
- Applications open: November 1, 2025
- Application priority date: February 15, 2026
Highlights from 2025 Summer Program
Meet the Team:
Agni Miraji-Khot | University of Delaware | Sophomore| Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Snehal Choudhury | Case Western Reserve University | Senior| Chemical Engineering
Sebastian de Jesús | University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez| Senior | Chemical Engineering
Eddiel Ramos | University of Puerto Rico – Humacao | Junior | Chemical Engineering
Sarah Carson | University of Delaware | Senior | Applied Mathematics
Noami Kery-Garcia | Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico | Senior | Chemical Engineering
Mateo Johnson | San Diego State University | Junior | Chemical Engineering
Nathan Phan | Ohio State University | Senior | Chemical Engineering
Research Topics
- Polymorph selectivity through halide precursors in the synthesis of SnS nanomaterials
- Characterization of biofilm formation on LDPE using bacterial isolates from plastic degrading mealworm
- Modeling polymer chain scission mechanisms for predictive plastic degradation
- Simulation and quantification of a novel PU recycling process
- Fabrication and reprocessing of polymeric composites
- Thermal degradation of polystyrene via radical initiator pathways
- Plastic waste hydrogenolysis over pillared mesoporous layered TiO2 supported ruthenium catalyst
- Biocontained bacterial spores for controlled plastic degradation
Highlights from 2024 Summer Program
Meet the Team:
Lauren Applegate | University of Maryland, College Park | Freshman | Biochemistry
Isaac Kraenbring | Elizabethtown College | Junior | Chemistry
George Lauri | University of Delaware | Sophomore | Chemical Engineering/Materials Science & Engineering
Jackson Sweet | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Junior | Chemistry
Maren Thompson | Arizona State University | Sophomore | Chemical Engineering
Hanna White | University of Delaware| Junior | Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
James Ziereis | University of Delaware | Freshman | Chemical Engineering
Research Topics
- Engineering Microbial Communities for LDPE Degradation
- Electrochemical Decarboxylation and Etherification of Polymethyl Acrylic Acid
- Catalytic Depolymerization of Polyolefins Using Two-Dimensional Zeolites
- Functionalization of Polystyrene For Use in Plastic Upcycling
- Influence of Anode Material on Electrochemical Decarboxylation
- Plasma Oxidation to Aid LDPE Biodegradation
Highlights from 2023 Summer Program
Meet the Team:
Xiomaris Báez-Santiago | University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez | Sophomore | Chemistry
Joshua Bryan | University of Delaware | Junior |
Devin Cummings | University of Delaware | Sophomore | Computer Science
Alondra Diaz Peña | University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras | Sophomore | Chemistry
Jaylen Harrision | University of Delaware | Freshman | Chemical Engineering
Evan Phillips | University of Florida| Sophomore | Material Science & Engineering
Caroline Zu | Purdue University | Sophomore | Chemistry
Research Topics
- Two-dimensional (2D) mesoporous zeolite-based catalysts for plastics recycling
- Development of biocatalytic cascade for the valorization of plastic deconstruction products
- Surface plasmon-assisted proactivation of nitrile functional groups
- Enabling plastics research through database construction and design
- Discovery and characterization of polyethylene degrading microbes from the gut of the yellow mealworm
- Post-polymerization functionalization of PMMA
- Effect of plasma oxidation on plastics degradation by the yellow mealworm and their gut microbes
Highlights from 2022 Summer Program
Meet the Team:
Mike Axiotes | University of Delaware | Sophomore | Biochemistry
Joseph Castaneda | CUNY – City College of New York | Sophomore | Chemical Engineering
Lorenz Cushman | University of Utah | Junior | Material Science Engineering
Harrison Goehrig | Bucknell University | Sophomore | Chemical Engineering
Jack Granite | University of Delaware | Senior | Chemical Engineering
Daniel Nakamura | University of Rochester | Junior | Chemistry
Lauren Smith | Delaware State University | Sophomore | Enviromental Science
Research Topics
- Breaking down plastics using chemical catalysis and enviornmental microbial communities from plastic enriched soils
- Biocatalytic approaches to valorize products of polymer deconstruction
- Upcycling plastics waste to reject per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from water
- Cutting cost and waste: support screening for Ni-based catalyts in polyethylene hydrogenolysis
- Biodegradation of different plastics using microbes from mealworms
- Upcycling of plastic waste via organo-catalyzed synthesis
- Sustainable polymers: closing the loop for a circular economy
