Undergraduate Research
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
Research opportunities in polymers, catalysis, enzyme engineering, and data science at the Center for Plastics Innovation (CPI). Experience in chemical conversion strategies and enabling cross-cutting tools to address the global problem of plastics waste.
Applications are CLOSED for the 2025 CPI Summer Undergraduate Research Program. Check back in the fall for information on the 2026 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: December 2, 2024
- Application priority date: February 15, 2025
Pandemic Contingency: Please keep in mind that although we are planning for a fully in-person experience in 2025, we continue to monitor the status of the pandemic. We will follow campus and State of Delaware recommendations to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and local community. Applicants must be prepared to comply with University of Delaware COVID-19 requirements for campus visitors. Thank you for prioritizing public safety alongside us.
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
Fall Semester Undergraduate Research Project
The Center for Plastics Innovation is looking for an undergraduate researcher interested in hands-on laboratory experience in the field of polymer materials science and engineering. No experience required!
The Project
Ever wonder what happens to our reusable bags once they wear out? Are they still adding plastics waste to our landfills or is there a better way to bring them back to life? In a newly forged research partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), CPI is looking to answer these questions. A team of researchers will explore end-of-life options for Delaware’s popular polypropylene bags including deconstruction, recycling, and upcycling in an effort to reduce waste and create a circular economy for Delaware’s reusable bags.
Email cpi-info@udel.edu for information about applying.
Project Highlights
- Stipend – $15/hr (course credit option available)*
- 1-on-1 mentoring
- Resume-building experience
- Lab skill development
- Winter Fellows Award eligibility
- Spring Term extension (optional)
Application Requirements
- Available on-site in Newark for Fall Semester
- Active research engagement
* PLEASE NOTE: If you elect to use the research time towards course credit, University of Delaware policy dictates that we are unable to grant a stipend for that time.