The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) continues as a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site. The NRL has been an active REU Site since 1992. In accordance with a number of active research areas, the theme of the NRL REU sites is Advanced Materials and Biomolecular Science. Each year ten to fifteen undergraduate students are recruited nationwide from the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (HBCU/MI/TCU's) for a 10-week "hands-on" summer research experience. Research projects include (but not limited to) three-dimensional analysis of materials, development of high strength low alloy steels, biosensor design and engineering, bio-fuel cells and energy harvesting, and novel optical materials processing to generating wireless LAN packets. REU participants attend professional development seminars, field trips to scientific research centers, graduate schools and participate in social activities. Students are required to complete a final written publication quality report and deliver a 15-minute oral presentation. This REU site actively promotes and collaborates with professors for continued research by the interns at their home institution during fall and spring sessions.
