2026 Expectations & Abridged Final Report Guidelines

CNF Summer Research Expectations & Timeline

Welcome to the CNF summer program - we’re excited to have you here! This is a full-time research experience, and while you’ll be working hard, there will also be plenty of opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy your summer in Ithaca.

Below is a general guide to help you stay on track throughout the program.

Please read these expectations carefully and keep them close by for the summer.

April - May: Getting Set Up

Before arriving on campus, you'll be completing your onboarding tasks and preparing for the summer.

Complete your welcome packet, including:
- Degree Registration
- Health Fee
- Student ID Photo
Contact your Principal Investigator and/or Mentors (PI/M) to learn about your research project; get any advance reading materials that might be helpful to understanding your project.
Coordinate travel plans with Emma
Look out for additional program details and communications

June: Arrival & Getting Started

This is your transition into the program and your research.

Arrival Date: Sunday, March 31
Orientation: Tuesday, June 2
All REU's will participate in the TCN Short Course
CNF Users (Only): New User Orientation + Tool Trainings
Begin your research work
Attend biweekly meetings

July: Research & Preparation

You'll be in the full swing of research while starting to prepare for final presentations.

Research!
Attend biweekly meetings
Begin working on:
- Poster
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Final Report (start early!)
SUPREME Annual Review (SUPREME REU's ONLY)
- July 22nd - July 23rd

August: Wrapping Up

Time to finalize your work and present what you've accomplished!

Finalize:
- Poster
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Final Report
Attend:
- CNF REU Convocation: Thursday, August 8th (business casual attire)
Travel home

PLEASE NOTE:

If at any time during the CNF REU +Adopted Programs, your PI and/or Program Coordinator determine that you are not living up to these expectations, we reserve the right to terminate your internship award. You will not be required to reimburse the CNF for any expenses, but [1] you will not collect any unpaid stipend, [2] your housing arrangements will be terminated, and [3] you will be sent home at your own expense.

BASIC RULES FOR CNF REU FINAL REPORT

1. One Thousand (1000) Words Maximum. Four Graphics Maximum.
2. Name All Files and Emails -- YourlastnameFinalReport.pdf, YourlastnameFig1.jpg, etc.
3. Please DO NOT Format Your Report -- NO columns/bold/styles/hypertext/indenting/tabs/etc.
4. You will send your report in two "parts" -- a Word document (docx.) for the written report and JPEGs/PNGs for the graphics.
5. Final Reports are due to your Principal Investigator(s), Mentor(s) & Emma by 8/14

Dear CNF REU Intern:

This summer, you will work with your principal investigator(s) and mentor(s) (PI/M) to prepare a final report of your research. Your report will be published on the 2024 CNF REU Program website and many will also be included in the CNF Research Accomplishments (CNF RA). The CNF RA is distributed widely - to the CNF community, the National Science Foundation, the general public, and CNF REU Program participants. A hard copy will be mailed to you, and a PDF version will also be available online.

Key Points to Remember:

Weekly Check-ins: Sit down each week with your PI/M to outline your report. This will also help you prepare your convocation presentation and poster.
Content Focus: Include only what is necessary to convey your results. For example, briefly summarize fabrication steps like spin-coating or patterning in a sentence or two. Focus instead on how your device worked—or didn’t. Highlight what makes your research unique.
Graphics: When capturing images, use high resolution (at least 300 dpi, minimum 200 dpi). You may submit up to four graphics.
Length: Reports must be 1,000 words maximum.
Deadlines: Ignore announcements about CNF annual reports - they are not for REU students. Your final report is due 8/14