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RENEW-Midwest Program

RENEW-Midwest is a new partnership between Benedictine University, the University of Michigan and Black Hills State University

Apply for the RENEW-Midwest Program
Go back to Physical Sciences

Interested in becoming an astronomer or a physicist? RENEW-Midwest is a new partnership between Benedictine University, the University of Michigan and Black Hills State University to help students interested in astronomy and physics to complete a degree and be competitive for advanced study in physics and astronomy. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science RENEW-HEP grant, Benedictine University is recruiting students interested in physics and astronomy to a multi-year research program at Benedictine and the University of Michigan. The RENEW-HEP grant is targeted to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in physics and astronomy, however students from any background will be considered.

Matt Wiesner, physics

The program includes these benefits:

  • Financial support to work on astronomy research at least 10 hours per week while completing a degree in physics at Benedictine University
  • Access to advanced research facilities, including the new Benedictine remote observing center and collaboration with world-class researchers in astronomy and physics at Benedictine, University of Michigan and Fermilab
  • Guaranteed admission to the 10-week University of Michigan Research Experience for Undergraduates each summer
  • Financial, housing and travel support during the 10-week summer program
  • Travel support to attend at least 1 conference during the school year
  • Extensive support and guidance from Benedictine University faculty and a University of Michigan graduate student in applying to graduate school in physics
  • The potential for support as a full-time researcher for 1 year after graduation with your Bachelor’s degree

Requirements Include

  • Full-time student at Benedictine University majoring in physics (if you are not currently a Benedictine student, you will need to be accepted at Benedictine University to be admitted to the RENEW-Midwest cohort)
    APPLY to Benedictine University HERE
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A transcript from your current institution (unofficial is acceptable)
  • A short essay explaining your interest in astronomy research and RENEW-Midwest
Fermi Lab, Batavia IL

The RENEW-Midwest program will begin in June 2024 with the 10-week summer program at University of Michigan.

The program will continue at the Benedictine Lisle campus beginning in the Fall 2024 semester.

DEADLINE TO APPLY – APRIL 30, 2024

Apply for the RENEW-Midwest Program

Read about it in the Daily Herald – STEM FOR ALL  (scroll down for article) – 9-18-23

Read the article in The Free Library by Farlex – 9-15-23

For questions, please contact:

Dr. Matthew Wiesner
mwiesner@ben.edu