Undergraduate Fluid Power Education
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) - Summer 2012
Summer Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Engineering and Science Students
The CCEFP's Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program enables undergraduates from universities around the country to gain hands-on experience in conducting original fluid power research at the Center's seven universities. REU students typically represent a diverse range of majors, experiences and interests. (Learn more about the Center's research program and goals in the Research(link here) section of our website.)
Program description
An student accepted as an REU works at one of the CCEFP's universities on a research project related to fluid power under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Projects may involve background readings in technical literature and reports, computer-aided design, mathematical modeling, fabrication designs, experimental testing, and participation in group discussions and project team meetings. Every student has a project of his/her own, with specific responsibilities and deliverables. In addition, the program includes opportunities for professional development as well as social activities with other REU students. At the end of the summer, every student creates an academic poster and a project report.
Complete list of 2012 REU Projects
Dates of REU Program: Monday, June 4- August 10, 2012
Where
REU positions are available at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA; University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign; IL, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN; Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI; North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC; Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN; and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.
Financial support
Every REU student receives room and board in a university dormitory plus a stipend of approxmiately $4,500 - $5,000, plus room and board and travel reimbursement. (Note: These details may vary from institution, as the CCEFP adheres to the local planning coordinators).
Who is eligible
The program is open to full-time college students who will have completed their sophomore or junior year by June 2012, who will be enrolled as a full-time student in fall 2012 and who expect to obtain their bachelor's degree in engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or related fields. Applicants are expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Women, racially and ethnically underrepresented students, students with disabilities and recent war veterans are particularly encouraged to apply, as are those from colleges and universities without significant research opportunities. No experience in research or in fluid power is required. Rather, we are looking for students with an interest and a desire to try something new.
How to apply
To apply to CCEFP REU positions at these CCEFP schools (Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Purdue, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Milwaukee School of Engineering, North Carolina A&T, and the University of Minnesota), complete the application form according to the guidelines below.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2012.
Application materials include the following:
- An online application form that includes:
- A one-page Statement of Purpose indicating your interest in fluid power and explaining why you should be selected as a participant
- A one-page resume
- Names, titles and e-mail addresses of your references
- A current school-issued transcript (official or unofficial) that indicates your current GPA.
- Two letters of recommendation: At least one letter must be written by a faculty member who is familiar with your academic record and abilities, your ability to function independently, and your research and/or career goals. One of the two letters may come from a professional work supervisor. Request that these letters be sent by email directly to Ms. Burger.
Questions?
Contact Alyssa A. Burger, Education Outreach Director
Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power
111 Church Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
alyssa@umn.edu *preferred
612-624-4991
612-964-3996 *text only