NEESreu Program: Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Summer 2008

This is not your typical Science and Engineering REU…

Are you ready for a dynamic new experience this summer? Are you interested in changing the world around you? Do earthquakes and tsunamis excite you? Then apply now to spend the summer delving into leading-edge earthquake engineering experiments at world-class facilities, while building connections with mentors and a national network of interns.

All students will join their cohorts at the Sixth NEES Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, and at the Young Researchers Symposium in Boulder, Colorado.  Video conferencing and WebEx meetings will be held to further the cohort experience with fellow NEESreu students at six node research sites.

What you will gain:
•           Hands-on research experience
•           Participation in a challenging but supportive interdisciplinary research team
•           Exposure to the latest methodologies in earthquake studies
•           Occasion to work with established researchers
•           Improved observation and communication skills
•           Awareness of the diversity of earthquake research
•           Interaction with faculty and graduate students who will serve as mentors
•           Opportunity to decide whether a career in research is right for you

Questions

If you have questions about the program, please contact Jocelyn Miramontes (email:jocelyn.miramontes@nees.org | phone: 530.771.2535)

How to Apply

Fill out the online application form by May 5th, 2008 at 12:00 PDT.  Application review begins March 17. 

The application includes:

  • Online application form, including statement of purpose (no more than 500 words)
  • Academic transcripts from all universities attended
  • Contact information for one academic reference

NEESreu Flyer (PDF): Click Here
 

2008 NEESreu Program Description

The NEESreu program offers unique opportunities for twenty outstanding undergraduate students to participate in state-of-the-art research. REU participants are paired with a faculty advisor and join a research team to work on a NEES project. Interns should be available full-time from June through mid-August and are required to work 400 hours over a 10-week period. Specific work schedules are arranged between the student and the faculty mentor.

Each participant will be assigned to an individual research project which contributes to the goals of an existing NEES research project (you will be able to rank your choices of location on the application form). Appropriate faculty supervision will be provided throughout the summer, and students will be taught how to conduct independent research and how to participate effectively as a member of a research team.

Potential 2008 research sites include:

Eligibility

  • Applicants will be selected from junior and senior level students who have been accepted to or attend a four-year institution and who are still undergraduates during summer 2008. 
  • Students will be evaluated based on grade point average, relevant coursework, work history, interest level, and willingness to participate in a team-based environment, among other criteria.
  • Students will be requested to supply a written summary of their goals and interests, articulating which aspects of research are intriguing to them, and how they might benefit from the experience.
  • Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • It is preferred that applicants intern somewhere other than their home institutions.
  • Women, underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Stipends
Each participant will receive $5,500 for housing and travel expenses to and from the research sites.  Travel to and from the Sixth NEES Annual Meeting and the Young Researchers’ Symposium will be compensated in addition to this stipend.

Activities
NEES Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon: Students will attend the Sixth NEES Annual Meeting and will attend a Communications Workshop designed to enable them to write and present a scientific paper and submit it to a scientific journal.

Young Researchers’ Symposium in Boulder, Colorado: The NEESreu Program will end with a Symposium at a relaxed location to present research work, participate in focused studies in engineering ethics, and interact with peers, faculty, and members of industry.

Proceedings: All NEESreu papers will be compiled as a proceedings volume and made freely available via the NEES website. Students are also strongly encouraged to submit their papers to the annual undergraduate student paper competition organized by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.

*Note: This program is contingent on funding approval from NSF.