The REU program at Oak Crest is based on the academic research model, from proposal writing through results presentation, and introduces students to the research and communication process that scientists use in their everyday work.  Applicants are presented with a portfolio of research projects rooted in environmental science, and discuss possible research avenues with the corresponding faculty members.  Once a research project has been selected, the student submits a research proposal to the faculty Review Committee for approval.

Training workshops in safety, ethics, and laboratory procedures provide a common starting point for students on the first day of the REU program. Once research commences, students give oral presentations in front of their peers and mentors at Friday morning group meetings, participate in a journal club, and attend field trips to such institutions such as Caltech, House Ear Institute, or Huntington Medical Research Institute. Guest speakers are periodically invited to speak to the students on such relevant topics as high-performance liquid chromatography and electron microscopy.

Students submit a technical  Final Report using American Chemical Society journal publication guidelines. An REU Seminar Day held after each REU session allows participants to share their research results with both the Oak Crest and local scientific community as well as with family, friends, and the public.

All students are strongly encouraged to give poster presentations at the American Chemical Society Annual Meetings, or at other scientific meetings.  Student co-authored publication of results is a desirable outcome of research, but is not overemphasized.