Collaborative Research to Yield Stimulating Transnational Activities in Lattice Dynamics
Overview
The Collaborative Research to Yield Stimulating Transnational Activities in Lattice (CRYSTAL) Dynamics Program is a summer undergraduate research program managed by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Rochester and sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF OISE-2420126).
For 2025, the twelve-week program will run from May 2025 to August 2025. Participants will be supported with a $700 a week (for all twelve weeks) stipend along with a housing stipend (valued at $2,000) and a travel allowance (valued at $2,000).
The CRYSTAL Dynamics program aims to immerse students in cutting-edge research on crystalline dynamics, with applications spanning various fields such as organic electronics, porous crystals, and sustainable materials. This collaborative effort between the University of Rochester (UR), the University of Turin, and the University of Modena will provide students with hands-on research opportunities while also exposing them to new cultural experiences, fostering both scientific and personal growth.
The program combines an immersive research experience with an array of professional development activities focused on research ethics, project management, networking, entrepreneurship, scientific communication, and outreach.
Participants are recruited nationally, and we will welcome applications from a diverse cohort of students, including those who do not have previous international experience, those who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM and/or may have limited access to research opportunities at their home institutions.
Program Description
The CRYSTAL Dynamics program will engage selected participants in full-time research over a twelve-week summer period. The scientific goal of the project is to integrate the understanding of atomic structure, lattice dynamics, and bulk phenomena through interdisciplinary research that combines both experimental and theoretical approaches. Additionally, the educational goal is to offer students valuable research experiences while fostering cross-cultural competence and providing professional development opportunities.
In addition to research, students will engage in a variety of complementary activities, including cross-cultural competency training, mentorship, career development workshops, green chemistry practices, and outreach activities that will include educational demonstrations aimed at inspiring younger students in STEM.
The CRYSTAL Dynamics program boasts a collaborative team of experienced researchers from multiple institutions, bringing together expertise in material design, crystallography, solid-state chemistry, and computational chemistry. This collaboration will provide students with the opportunity to witness firsthand how interdisciplinary and international cooperation drives modern scientific research. Participants will engage in activities such as designing, synthesizing, and characterizing dynamic crystals, while also generating computational models to explore atomic behaviors and phase transitions. The projects will emphasize green chemistry methods, focusing on sustainable practices, and will include both theoretical and experimental research components. Additionally, students will be immersed in Italian culture through visits to historically significant sites and will receive comprehensive training in research methods, scientific communication, and career development. The program will also feature mentorship, with graduate students guiding undergraduates throughout their international experience.
Participants are expected to provide full-time commitment to the program, which involves a minimum of forty hours of research work per week and no additional commitments to program-unrelated activities such as jobs, courses, or exam reviews.
Throughout the program, students will be expected to present informal updates on their research progress. By the end of their international experience, they will prepare a comprehensive written report and deliver an oral presentation on their findings, highlighting both experimental and computational aspects of their work in lattice dynamics.
Program Activities
Research and Professional Development Workshops
Participants will engage in a series of workshops aimed at advancing both their research skills and professional development. Topics will include green chemistry techniques, computational modeling, crystallography, and cross-cultural communication. These workshops will equip students with the tools needed for conducting sustainable research, developing computational models, and understanding atomic behaviors in material science.
Cultural Competence and Career Development
The program includes sessions focused on cultural competence and professional growth, preparing students for future career opportunities in international research environments. Workshops will cover essential topics such as writing personal statements, crafting CVs, and securing recommendation letters, with guidance from both faculty mentors and current graduate students.
Research Facilities
In addition to hands-on experience with advanced crystallographic tools, students will have access to cutting-edge facilities for material synthesis and characterization. These resources include state-of-the-art instrumentation for X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and computational analysis, enhancing the depth and breadth of their research experience.
Student Presentations
Participants in the CRYSTAL Dynamics program will have the opportunity to enhance both their research and science communication skills. Throughout the program, students will present informal progress updates to their research group, allowing them to practice articulating their work. At the conclusion of the program, students will deliver a formal oral presentation to the faculty and peers on their research findings, and they will also prepare a poster for presentation at a research symposium organized by the University of Modena.
Cultural and Educational Field Trips
The CRYSTAL Dynamics program will include field trips to renowned research institutions and cultural sites in Italy. These excursions will provide participants with a deeper understanding of Italy’s rich scientific history while also fostering cross-cultural exchanges. Additionally, social events will be organized throughout the program, offering students opportunities to connect with peers and mentors in a relaxed setting.
Eligibility and Application
Applicants must be:
- In chemistry or a relevant adjacent STEM discipline
- US citizens or permanent residents
- Enrolled in either an undergraduate or graduate degree program
Application information will be available in the coming months.
Contact
All inquiries must be submitted through our website. Please send all inquiries to the Program Administrative Assistant, Jason Bailey by email at URchemIRES@ur.rochester.edu.
Before sending your inquiry, please see the FAQ page for responses to frequently asked questions. For additional information, please contact the program administrator, Mr. Jason Bailey:
Jason Bailey
UR IRES Program Administrative Assistant
Department of Chemistry
University of Rochester
URchemIRES@ur.rochester.edu
Program Director
Michael Ruggiero, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
451 Hutchison Hall
Department of Chemistry
University of Rochester