SMARC Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program

The Synthetic biology Manufacturing of Advanced materials Research Center (SMARC) offers an interdisciplinary research experience that gives current students hands-on experience in a WashU research lab.

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Summer 2025 Program

About the Program

We will provide the support, training, and experience students need to prepare for careers in the exciting fields of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing.

Participants in these REU projects will:

1. Gain hands-on research experience in cutting-edge areas of synthetic biology and material science, essential for future careers in STEM.
2. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through active participation in research design and implementation.
3. Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
4. Receive mentorship from leading researchers in the field, fostering professional development and networking opportunities.
5. Contribute to the broader goal of creating sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, aligning with national and global environmental objectives.

Training Activities

Summer

• Move in to on-campus housing May 25.
• Attend orientation on May 27.
• Complete a summer program between May 27 and August 1. Over the summer you will:
  • Receive a $6,500 paid summer internship stipend with free on-campus housing
  • Work on your research project in your chosen WashU lab Monday through Friday
  • Participate in weekly programming

End of Summer Presentation

• Summer presentations and celebration of the research work from the summer. Participants will:
  • Meet with staff to discuss progress on projects.
  • Spend about 2-3 hours per week outside of the regular meeting time working on the presentation.

REU Research Projects:

1. Marcus Foston Lab – CNC Protein Nanocomposites: This REU project focuses on the synthesis and analysis of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) protein nanocomposites. By manipulating CNC orientations using magnetic and electronic fields, we aim to enhance their mechanical properties. The participating undergraduate will gain experience in composite analysis, mechanical testing, and imaging, offering a unique multidisciplinary perspective in engineering.
2. Fuzhong Zhang Lab – Recombinant Proteins for Nanocomposites: The focus in the Zhang Lab is on engineering microbes to produce advanced materials. The REU project will center on using synthetic biology to develop recombinant proteins for CNC-based nanocomposites. The student will be immersed in synthetic biology techniques, microbial cell culture, biomaterials processing, and characterization, contributing to the production and purification of hybrid proteins.
3. Arpita Bose Lab – Microbial and Molecular Biology Techniques: The focus in the Bose lab is to address two critical global challenges using microorganisms: the excessive CO2 levels in the atmosphere and the environmental pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. By harnessing photosynthetic bacteria, we aim to tackle these issues simultaneously. These bacteria are engineered to produce bioplastics using CO2 and light as their primary carbon and energy sources respectively. To achieve this, we employ a multidisciplinary approach, ranging from optimizing growth conditions to advanced genetic engineering techniques. Students in our lab receive comprehensive training in microbiological and molecular biology techniques. This includes hands-on experience in cloning, mutant design, construction, and characterization, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute to sustainable solutions for global environmental problems.

Past Students (2024 Cohort)