Student Applications Now Open for Multi-Disciplinary Summer REU Program

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REU participants examine a research poster as part of the multidisciplinary summer research experience.

The Center for Power Optimization of Electro-Thermal Systems is offering a 10-week summer research program that provides students with an opportunity to gain authentic research and apply it to cutting-edge applications.

This year, organizers will run a fully remote research experience, meaning students will perform research tasks from home. If the COVID-19 situations changes, the program may transition to an in-person experience if it is deemed safe by local authorities.

The center's research focus is on increasing power density for electrified mobile systems. Examples include higher power to weight ratios for electrified powertrains in electric vehicles. The topics span multiple disciplines and encompass thermal systems, power electronics, materials science, electrical device fabrication, and more. Details on the university faculty involved with the POETS REU can be found on the center's faculty page.

Every student will be assigned a project of their own with specific responsibilities and deliverables. At the end of the summer, every student creates a scientific poster, paper or project report. In addition, students participate in POETS webinars and social activities with other REU students.

Program Features:

• Virtual research experience
• Faculty/peer mentoring
• Professional development
• Networking opportunities
• $5,000 stipend
• Loaner research equipment as needed
• All expenses paid to POETS annual conference in Fall 2021 (if in person)
• Conference allowance to present REU research during school year (i.e. ASME, SHPE, NSBE), including virtual conferences

Eligibility:

• Undergraduates majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
• Must be a current undergraduate student during the summer of 2021 (i.e. graduation date in Dec. 2021 or later)
• Students with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• U.S. citizenship/national or permanent residency is required
• Students from underrepresented minority groups, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply

Application:

This year, POETS REU program's application will go through the NSF REU Common Application: www.nsfetap.org. Note, that although the POETS REU site location is listed as Urbana-Champaign, IL you may be matched at any one of our partner institutions (Illinois, Arkansas and Stanford). To apply to our program, select the "POETS REU" site during Step 5: Site Selection of your application.

The application materials consist of:

• A 500 word personal statement: Please describe your academic and career goals and how the REU program will help you to achieve these goals
• A copy of your unofficial transcript
• CV or resume
• Provide two faculty references
• Selection of general skill set

The deadline for full consideration is Monday, Feb. 15; applications received after this date may be considered if space permits. Visit poets-erc.org/reu for more information.