REU Links:

2008 REU Program

• Application (Word)

Past REU Programs

• 2007 REU Program
• 2006 REU Program
• 2005 REU Program
• 2004 REU Program

CASA Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
June 1 - August 2, 2008

The CASA REU Program is a 9-week intensive research experience that offers a select group of undergraduate students the opportunity to work alongside leading engineers, scientists, and computer science experts from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Oklahoma, Colorado State University, and the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, as well as corporate partners.

The following elements are additional features (intended to facilitate cross-disciplinary and cross-campus communication) of this REU program:

• All REU students participate in a common orientation to CASA;
• A weekly research discussion or lecture via Polycom teleconferencing facilities will be presented. These facilities are available at all sites and will be a key feature of the REU program;
• All students will be brought together during the summer to attend a professional conference (such as ASEE, or IEEE). Students from different CASA locations will meet each other and have the opportunity to attend conference sessions that will contribute to their professional growth and knowledge. We will conduct a one-day workshop following the conference for students to focus on CASA research with faculty and graduate students;
• Students will report their research with final presentations due at a poster session at the conclusion of the program;
• An REU webpage on the CASA website will be provided where final presentations will be posted.

In addition to these features, each campus will plan for local activities such as field trips to industry and social activities, taking advantage of local industrial partners and local summer research programs.

Stipend

Students who are selected to participate in the CASA REU program will receive a stipend of $6,000.  Students will use this stipend to pay for housing and meals, travel to and from the REU site, conference allowance, and laboratory, software and computer materials.

Selection Criteria and Application Package

The REU Program participants will be selected by a committee composed of CASA faculty. Students majoring in the following disciplines (or other closely related fields) are invited to apply: electrical engineering, computer systems engineering, computer science, meteorology, civil and environmental engineering, industrial engineering, education, and the social sciences.

All undergraduate students will be considered for REU positions although preference will be given to students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate study. Women, minorities, and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Community college students are also eligible to apply.

The National Science Foundation requires that all students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be considered for the REU Program. Other selection criteria that is taken into consideration includes the qualifications of the applicant (including courses taken, grades, interests and motivation), any previous research experience, and a good match of faculty and student research interests.

Deadline and Submission Procedures

Please complete the application form and send all requested materials by February 29, 2008 for consideration. The application packet should include:

• Application form
• Official transcript(s)
• Two letters of recommendation
• One-page statement of why you would like to be involved in the REU program

Students will be notified by April 1, 2008 if they have been selected.

For more information please contact:
Lorraine Robidoux
REU Program Coordinator
College of Engineering
129 Marston Hall
130 Natural Resources Road
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
Phone: 413-545-6390
Email: lrobidou@ecs.umass.edu

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