Fellows Program

APEX Undergraduate Experiential Research Fellow

Workforce development through experiential research in sustainable packaging
 

APEX Fellow.png

 

Program Overview

The APEX Undergraduate Experiential Research Fellow is a structured, paid, rotational training model that integrates undergraduate students directly into ongoing federally funded and industry-driven research. Students work across plastics, paper, and advanced packaging systems — contributing to active sponsored projects from day one.

40+

Undergraduate researchers trained

4–8

Paid research fellows per year (contingent upon funding availability)

6

Core research domains

100%

Embedded in active research projects

Program Model

This model moves beyond traditional lab participation to a replicable workforce development platform — with defined milestones, cross-domain rotation, and measurable outcomes at every stage.

Core Program Elements

→  Paid undergraduate research assistantships

→  Cross-rotation across six research areas

→  Mentored integration into funded projects

→  Defined milestones and measurable outcomes
Program Outputs & Deliverables

→  Peer-reviewed publications

→  Technical reports and datasets

→  Conference presentations

→  Pre-competitive research outputs

Research Integration

Students contribute to active, federally funded research across six domains — all aligned with industry-relevant challenges and federal research priorities.

1

Circular plastics and recycling systems

2

Recyclable high-performance packaging

3

PFAS-free paper and fiber technologies

4

Compostable materials and validation

5

Bio-based materials development

6

Biodegradation and active packaging systems

Workforce Development Pipeline

From undergraduate training to workforce deployment — the program builds talent in sustainable materials, manufacturing technologies, and data-driven research workflows. APEX Lab has a demonstrated record of developing workforce-ready researchers who move directly into industry R&D, graduate programs, and national labs.

Skills Developed

→  Sustainable materials and polymer systems

→  Manufacturing and packaging technologies

→  Data-driven research workflows

→  Cross-disciplinary technical problem solving
Placement Outcomes

→  Packaging and materials industry (R&D roles)

→  Graduate research programs

→  National laboratories

 

Get Paid to Do Real Research

Join APEX Lab and work on funded projects in sustainable packaging, materials science, and AI - gaining hands-on research experience that prepares you for industry or graduate school.

Paid position

A paid assistantship — not unpaid volunteering. Your time and contributions are compensated.
 Real projects

Work on industry and federally funded research. Your contributions go into real publications and reports.
Sustainability impact

Work on problems that matter to companies, regulators, and society.

How the Program Works

1
2
3
4
Training

Lab skills, tools, and research fundamentals
Rotation

Explore six research areas
Project Work

Contribute to active funded research with a team
Presentation

Present findings via poster at conference

Who should apply

Undergraduate students in materials science, packaging, chemistry, chemical or mechanical engineering, sustainability, or data/AI in engineering. All years welcome.

Contact

rabnawaz@msu.edu