Program Details
Looking to pursue a career in national security and defense? Interested in conducting research on energetic materials (propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics)? The Purdue Energetics Research Center (PERC) invites you to apply to the AAMP-UP! '25 summer undergraduate research program!
What is AAMP-UP?
The Advancing Army Modernization Priorities ? Undergraduate Program (AAMP-UP) is an 11-week summer research program that provides an immersive, experiential environment for undergraduates to collaborate with energetic materials experts. The goal of the AAMP-UP program is to introduce students to energetic materials research and establish a talent pipeline for engineering graduate programs and national research laboratories. AAMP-UP students have the opportunity to work on projects with world-class faculty, staff and student researchers.
139 undergraduate students from 32 colleges and universities across the nation have completed the AAMP-UP program. Student majors range from aeronautics & astronautics to mechanical engineering and chemistry.
Students in the program will have the opportunity to work on a project in one of the following research areas:
- Synthesis and Formulation — Synthesis and formulation involve creating tailored energetic materials for applications like advanced propellants, enhanced explosives and novel pyrotechnics.
- Machine Learning and Computer Modeling — Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (AI/ML), and Computer Modeling to predict, analyze, and improve energetic materials and their applications.
- Advanced Manufacturing — Advanced Manufacturing (AM) in energetic materials includes new and novel manufacturing processes to open opportunities for applications in propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
- Diagnostics and Characterization — Diagnostic and characterization efforts are primarily aimed at improving our ability to study energetic materials during dynamic events.
To learn more about each of these areas check out the PERC research page.
The 2025 summer program will run from May 25th through August 8th, with the first week acting as a virtual and move-in week.
AAMP-UP is supported by the Advancing Army Modernization Priorities ? Energetic Materials (AAMP-EM) and Energetic Materials Basic Research (EMBR) cooperative agreements between PERC, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), and the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO). These agreements aim to advance basic and applied research in energetic materials and technology.
Benefits & Activities
- Biweekly stipend plus housing provided
- Research performed under the guidance of graduate student & faculty mentoring teams
- Professional development activities to refine interviewing, presentation, and technical writing skills (students will produce a literature review, scientific abstract, technical report, and scientific poster)
- Networking and seminar events with high-profile individuals in the military, research, and defense industries
- Field trips to relevant military locations within Indiana
- An end-of-summer symposium to showcase research, network, and celebrate accomplishments
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Must be a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of the United States
- Must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study at a bachelor's degree level from an accredited college or university
- Majors including, but not limited to, aeronautical and astronautical, aerospace, chemical, computer, electrical, materials, and mechanica engineering, chemistry, materials science and engineering, computer science and engineering
Facilities & Safety
Students in the AAMP-UP program conduct research in several of Purdue's world-class engineering research facilities, including FLEX Lab, Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, and Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories.
AAMP-UP cultivates an intense culture of safety with PERC and Purdue's impeccable, field-leading safety protocols, which include initial safety training, regular safety reviews throughout the program, and required safety awareness surveys.
Application Portal
Applications will be accepted through the Purdue Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) application portal beginning Dec 1, 2024. Priority Application Deadline are due by January 15, 2025, and the final cutoff is April 15, 2025. Be sure to select "AAMP-UP" as the program to which you are applying. Follow the instructions below when submitting applications through the SURF portal:
SURF Application Steps for AAMP-UP! Students
- Complete the application form.
- Upload your resume.
- Send Unofficial University transcript Upload a PDF of your original transcript to the application system.
- Submit Statement of Purpose which answers the following prompts: Briefly describe to us what instances or experiences have led you to pursue your current field of study, and why you continue to pursue it. Mention any significant questions or problems in the field that you find particularly intriguing and that motivate you to delve deeper. If you are part of multiple fields, or at the intersection of them, feel free to comment on that. There are many programs that offer summer research opportunities, what attracted you to AAMP-UP! and the resources it offers? Please outline your long-term career aspirations within STEM, working in the defense industry or with the U.S. Department of Defense, and any research areas of interest in defense or energetic materials. Explain how the research and experiences gained through the AAMP-UP! program will contribute to your career goals. You may mention any specific skills, knowledge, or connections you hope to gain during this program that will be valuable in your future career. What have you done so far to explore the field of study you are interested in? This could include coursework, independent projects, internships, or participation in relevant clubs or organizations. Highlight any achievements or experiences that demonstrate your commitment and readiness for research. If you have encountered any obstacles or challenges in your pursuit of higher education or research, please discuss how you have addressed or overcome these obstacles. This could include seeking guidance from professors, taking additional courses, or refining your research question.
- External Students Only External students are required to request a letter of recommendation from a Professor/Professional who you have worked closely with. The letter should be uploaded by the application deadline.
- Explore potential research projects with PERC Talk to PERC professors about your research interests and potential opportunities in their lab. Remember to state any projects discussed with PERC faculty on your application. Or review the SURF list of research projects with undergraduate research positions. You can indicate your interest in these projects directly on the application by selecting up to three projects. Additional projects will be posted as they become available. Return to this list frequently to view new project postings but be aware that not every available SURF or AAMP-UP! project will be posted here.
Testimonials
Hear from some of the students who participated in AAMP-UP! 2021-2023
"Throughout the summer, I worked with experts in various fields and learned a lot of useful and unique information through an enjoyable, hands-on approach. There always seems to be an interesting problem to tackle."
"AAMP-UP exceeded my expectations. I was treated as an equal with the graduate students and appreciated that my research mattered. I also learned that graduate school is more than just a location; it is the advisors, coworkers, and culture that contribute to the experience."
"I'm a Biochemistry major...and I now see I can do so much more than just being in a lab mixing chemicals. I can do propellants; I can take explosives apart. It just opens my eyes to the different things I can do that I didn't know was possible before."
"AAMP-UP exceeded my expectations in many ways my favorite aspect of AAMP-UP was the work itself and the connections I was able to build with different mentors, undergrads, and faculty members. Having a mentor who truly cared about my success made the work meaningful and allowed me to learn so much technical and professional knowledge."
"I was surprised by how much I learned about the world of energetics and the department of defense I learned how important it is to remain tenacious and meticulous about the way you do things and how you carry yourself. I learned how each and every component of what engineers learn directly impacts the world we live in. I have so much more to learn, and this program really broadened my engineering perspective."
"I joined AAMP-UP because I was interested in the field of additive manufacturing and wanted to gain research experience a lot of the skills I've learned so far and general knowledge regarding energetics provides a unique experience that many people don't. This project has definitely exposed me to areas of engineering I was intimidated by, such as Electrical and Chemical Engineering. It ultimately solidified my pursuit of a master's degree."
Helpful Links
- Purdue Dining
- Purdue student parking
- Student ID process
- Purdue campus map
- Things to do in the Greater Lafayette area
Contact Us
Specific questions? Please email Rachel Clark at rbilyeu@purdue.edu.
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AAMP-UP Team Members
