Training and Educating the Next Generation
iPRISM
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Immersive Lab & Field Experiences
Industry & Global Partnerships
The International Partnership for Responsive Infrastructure using Sustainable Multifunctional Materials (iPRISM), funded through the National Science Foundation (NSF), is an international research internship that aims to improve the construction, performance, and maintenance of buildings to lower their energy consumption and environmental impact. It incorporates the development of new technologies that are novel, nature-inspired, and engineered living materials that sense and adapt to functional and environmental conditions.
The iPRISM program is an 8-week research internship that fosters the professional development of the students by participating in scientific, social, and cultural activities that will develop their professional skills and networks in a world-class research setting, an impact that extends beyond the summer program.
The program includes four weeks of remote on-boarding sessions, eight weeks of in-person research in Germany, and a final week of presentations, reflections and debriefing at Penn State. The iPRISM program will cover all costs associated with travel, lodging, and meals.
Program Background
The program builds on the strong partnership between the Penn State Center for Living Multifunctional Materials Systems and the University of Freiburg livMatS Center of Excellence in Germany. The University of Freiburg has one of a few centers worldwide in living materials, making the iPRISM well suited for an international research experience in cutting-edge materials. The students will be guided in their research by world-renowned experts and will have access to unique facilities, including full-scale built structures that incorporate novel and nature-inspired composites. There are opportunities to leverage the unique geographic location of Freiburg, which is easily accessible to France and Switzerland, and is at the heart of the Black Forest, great for hiking and visiting historic sites.
"This is the best experience I’ve ever had in my years of college. From getting exposed to different scientific perspectives to living in Germany and experience a whole new culture was just life changing to me..."
Application Information
2026 Program Structure
- January – February 2026: Virtual onboarding period.
- June – July 2026: Eight-week research internship at the University of Freiburg, Germany.
- August 2026: Debriefing and wrap-up at Penn State.
How to Apply
To apply for the iPRISM program, please fill out this online application. Applications are due January 2, 2026 at 11:59pm.
If you have any questions about what to include in your applications, please reach out to Ms. Ari Kim aqk5988@psu.edu.
Am I Eligible to Apply?
You should consider applying if you are a student who is:
- Interested in developing appreciation for innovative materials research
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in STEM or related fields, including agricultural science, engineering, architecture, materials science, physics, chemistry, sociology
- Will be enrolled for the full academic year following your return from Freiburg
Questions
Please contact Ms. Ari Kim at aqk5988@psu.edu if you have any questions about the program, potential research projects, or the application.
"This experience changed my perspective on both engineering and the world. I now feel empowered and confident in my abilities as a woman in my field, and I'm excited, not nervous, about pursuing postgrad education."