The LRE Program is not being offered in 2023. Please check back again later for info on our next session.
Six-Week Intensive Laboratory Research Experience
Sessions held at UC Berkeley
Through Dean Douglas S. Clark and the College of Chemistry, Professor Omar M. Yaghi, Professor Peidong Yang, and Mr. Kyle E. Cordova have designed a laboratory research experience program. This is a non-credit bearing summer enrichment program for emerging scholars who seek to learn hands-on about research techniques in a group laboratory setting. Through this program, you will learn to think independently, process advanced concepts and apply theory, effectively communicate and substantiate your ideas to others, and build group dynamic skills while being mentored through the modules listed below.
The Laboratory Research Experience program distinguishes itself from other research-based programs in the following aspects:
- Brought to you by the TOP RANKED chemistry program in the world. The Laboratory Research Experience program is administered and delivered by the College of Chemistry at UC Berkeley and is taught by its own globally ranked faculty.
- Science in ACTION. As a participating scholar, you will be exposed to advanced techniques, including, but not limited to, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, gas adsorption, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
- Exposure to cutting-edge research. Participating scholars will attend workshops to learn about the research that is done at UC Berkeley and at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
- Provides invaluable insight into graduate school life at UC Berkeley. The program is designed to mirror life in graduate school. Participating scholars will attend weekly seminars provided by UC Berkeley faculty and mingle with current UC Berkeley students to solicit their advice on the graduate school application process and to get a better sense of graduate school life.
- Continuous interaction with Berkeley professors and students. Continuous interactions will better inform UC Berkeley professors and mentors when writing recommendation letters.
Thanks to the LRE program, I learned a lot of new knowledge and gained experience in new techniques regarding emerging materials. I also gained hands-on experience in conducting experiments, presenting academic posters, and writing academic papers independently. I had the opportunity to gain insight into cutting-edge research by interacting with top scientists and young scholars from around the world. I highly recommend the LRE program to undergraduates who are planning for an advanced education in chemistry.
I was fortunate to join the Laboratory Research Experience program (LRE), organized by the University of California, Berkeley. The daily laboratory work and the interaction with top graduate students enhanced my working knowledge about reticular chemistry and confirmed to me that this is the area I want to work in during my Ph.D. This program helped me to develop as a well-trained researcher, enriched my scientific knowledge, and expanded my expertise in this particular field of research. It also exposed me to state-of-the-art research facilities and allowed me to interact with emerging scholars from around the world. I am now at my home university with more enthusiasm for my work, as well as a deeper understanding of what I am doing.
LRE exceeded all of my expectations—It gave me confidence and direction for my future as a chemist. Each week out provides you with hands-on experience in different fields to guide you to what really is your passion. We made MOFs, COFs, OLED and synthesized various nanoparticles—things you wouldn't be exposed to in your usual undergraduate lab. We had weekly seminars with faculty which was absolutely my favorite, as we got to hear these outstanding professors explain their research face to face. I would recommend LRE to anyone considering graduate studies in chemistry.
