The Center for Sustainable Polymers is a NSF Center for Chemical Innovation whose mission is to transform how plastics are made and unmade through innovative research, engaging education, and diverse partnerships that together foster environmental stewardship. CSP participants aim to design, prepare, and implement polymers derived from renewable resources for a wide range of advanced applications, and to promote future economic development, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in the emergent area of biobased products.

This paid research experience requires a full-time commitment to extensive lab work for ten weeks during the summer. All participants will have the opportunity to present their research in a CSP meeting at the end of the summer and in an undergraduate research expo.

The CSP will provide up to 16 full-time research positions to undergraduate students during the summer.  Positions may be available at the University of Minnesota, the University of California–Berkeley, Northwestern University, Cornell University, the University of Chicago, and the University of South Dakota.

We anticipate the 2023 summer program to be in-person. Program structure and any modifications are subject to change and will follow the public health guidelines at each host institution. Some host institutions may require participants to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Program dates are June 5- August 11, 2023 but we can accommodate students whose semester/quarter end dates overlap with the program start.

The application for the 2023 program closed on February 1st. Decisions for this year will be released in late March or early April. Thank you to all of the applicants and undergrads who have made this program a success!

A complete application consists of:

1. An online application form
2. Statement of purpose: 500-word (maximum) statement describing why you wish to participate in this program.
3. One Letter of recommendation: submitted as a PDF file or on official university letterhead directly from a faculty member, ideally one whom you have had as an instructor or has advised you as a research mentor.
4. Resume
5. Transcript: unofficial transcripts are accepted