Research Experience for Undergraduates
Summer Engineering Research Experiences in Power and Energy Systems for Smart Cities
The NSF REU Site offers a 9-week paid summer research experience for undergraduate students to explore innovative solutions for the energy systems that power tomorrow’s smart cities. Hosted at the University of Denver (DU), the program provides hands-on research opportunities in renewable energy, power systems, AI applications, electrified transportation, and sustainable urban infrastructure.
Participants work alongside DU faculty and graduate mentors on cutting-edge projects supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Through collaborative research, professional development, and industry engagement, students gain the skills and experience needed to become future leaders in the power and energy field.
Program Info
- Duration: 9 weeks (plus one virtual pre-program week)
- Dates: June – August (aligned with DU’s quarter system)
- Location: University of Denver, Denver, Colorado
- Cohort: We recruit 10 students each summer
- Support: $700/week stipend + on-campus housing + travel allowance (up to $500)
- Activities: Faculty-mentored research, ethics and professional workshops, technical tours (local industry and national labs), and social activities
Application Timeline & Eligibility
- Application Opens: December 2025
- Priority Deadline: March 1st, 2026
- Final Selection: April 15, 2026
- Program Start: Early June to Mid-August 2026 (9 Weeks)
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident
- Undergraduates (sophomore to senior preferred) majoring in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 recommended
- Demonstrated interest in research, energy, sustainability, and/or smart city technologies
Application Info
Applications are submitted through the NSF Education & Training Application Portal (ETAP).
Required materials include:
- Resume or CV
- Transcript (official or unofficial)
- Statement of purpose (research interests and goals)
- One or two recommendation letters
Applicants will be selected based on academic record, research interests, essays, and interviews. For any questions, please contact Dr. Fan at reudenver@du.edu.
Research Themes
- AI and Big Data Analytics in Power Systems
- Transportation Electrification
- Renewable Energy
- Grid Security, Reliability, and Resiliency
- Energy Economy
- Community Microgrids
- Energy Storage
- Quantum Computing for Power and Energy Systems
Apply for the Smart Cities Research Experience for Undergraduates
Submit your application before the priority deadline, March 1, 2026, with the NSF Education & Training Application
Dr. Rui Fan
PI, Associate Professor
Research area: Power systems protection, smart grids, energy storage, AI applications.
Dr. Mohammad Matin
Co-PI, Professor
Research area: Power electronics, renewable energy materials
Dr. Margareta Stefanovic
Associate Professor
Research area: Adaptive control, multi-agent systems
Dr. Goncalo Martins
ECE Chair, Associate Teaching Professor
Research area: Embedded systems, analog circuits
Dr. Mohammad Mahoor
Professor
Research area: AI, computer vision, and socially assistive robotics
Dr. Weihang Yan (NREL)
Research Scientist
Research area: Grid-forming controls and renewable integration
Dr. Yousu Chen (PNNL)
Chief Engineer
Research area: AI, advanced computing, data analytics, quantum computing.
Dr. Tyler Christeson (NREL)
Research Scientist
Research area: Quantum computing, optimization, and EV
Participant Benefits & Expectations
Benefits
- $700 weekly stipend and free on-campus housing
- Travel assistance for non-local students (up to $500)
- Mentorship by DU faculty and graduate students
- Field visits to local industries, utilities, and national labs
- Professional development workshops on ethics, communication, and scientific writing
- Networking opportunities with peers, alumni, and industry partners
- Support to attend research conferences
Expectations
- Full-time participation during the program (40 hrs/week)
- Engagement in weekly mentor meetings and research seminars
- Completion of a final report and presentation
- Adherence to DU’s ethics and conduct policies
Past Student Achievements
The prior REU Site at DU (2018–2020) hosted over 30 students from across the U.S. Notable outcomes include:
- 18 alumni pursuing or completing graduate studies (Northwestern, Michigan, Columbia, etc.)
- Multiple peer-reviewed papers authored by REU students
- 3 NSF Graduate Research Fellows among past participants
- Awards: IEEE PES Undergraduate Poster Competition (1st & 2nd Place), Best Design Award in Engineering
“The REU program at DU gave me my first taste of real engineering research. Working with mentors and graduate students not only built my confidence but inspired me to pursue my Ph.D.”
— Former REU participant, now Ph.D. at University of Michigan
