International Partnership for Responsive Infrastructure using Sustainable Multifunctional Materials (iPRISM)

A Penn State-Freiburg Paid Research Internship Opportunity 

Applications Are Now Open for Summer 2025!

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 from June 2nd to July 31st 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.

How to Apply 

To apply for the iPRISM program, please fill out the qualtrics survey. There will be an information session on  TBD. Applications are due November 25th, 2024 at 11:59pm. 

If you have any questions about what to include in your applications, please reach out to Dr. JP Gevaudan, jvg5986@psu.edu, or Dr. Zoubeida Ounaies, zxo100@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 including agricultural science, engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, sociology
• Will be enrolled for the full academic year following your return from Freiburg

 

We highly encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply!

 

Questions

Please contact Dr. JP Gevaudan, jvg5986@psu.edu, and Dr. Zoubeida Ounaies, zxo100@psu.edu, if you have any questions about the program, potential research projects, or the application.