FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — This week more than 70 undergraduate science students from around Arkansas and across the country begin the 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of Arkansas. The summer program is funded by the National Science Foundation to give students an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a chosen research area while introducing them to careers in scientific research.

The chemistry department has the oldest and longest running REU program on campus, having hosted its first REU in 1959. The REU program in chemistry and biochemistry is now in its 18th consecutive year. Five other departments have joined the program over the years: physics, microelectronics-photonics, space and planetary science, food science, and the Environmental Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research.

REU students spend most of their time in the lab, doing research in fields ranging from analytical chemistry and sensor technology (chemistry program) to the search for water on Mars (space and planetary science program) to experiments involving advanced materials and devices on the nanoscopic and microscopic scales (microelectronics-photonics program.)

"The students get an interdisciplinary research experience and a great opportunity to interact with faculty and other students who share the same interests,” said Hazel Sears, manager of the Space and Planetary Science Center. “They also get a taste of what life is like in graduate school."

That life includes research-related field trips, various social activities that are shared by all the REU students on campus, and a weekly series of presentations from UA experts on topics such as the process of getting into graduate school, test-taking skills and ethical issues.

Students chosen for the REU program receive a scholarship to pay for room and board, a stipend to cover expenses, and an allowance to enable them to attend a regional or national conference in their discipline during the coming academic year. REU students are enrolled at the University of Arkansas and receive one hour of research credit when they complete the 10-week program.