ISR's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program
June 2 through August 8, 2008
Application deadline: February 1, 2008
| Application form | Past projects |
Special note: This program is funded by the National Science Foundation, a federal agency. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and to participate.
Introducing the systems engineering paradigm to young researchers and future leaders
Faculty and students at the Institute for Systems Research (ISR) perform basic and applied research with an emphasis on five major research directions: global communications systems, sensor-actuator networks, next-generation product realization systems, societal infrastructure systems, and cross-disciplinary systems education. ISR seeks a balanced, integrated approach to the design and control of large, heterogeneous systems, bringing together a diversified team of outstanding engineers, scientists, and students to research, develop, and implement advances in systems engineering.
As a participant in ISR's REU program, you will be able to join this community of scholars for a focused 10-week period of research. We have made arrangements in the past for students whose schools are on a quarter system or release later to join the session a few days later, but arrangements must be worked out with the REU Director and your program mentor.
Benefits
ISR's REU program offers an intensive co-curriculum to provide students an additional context for their laboratory work. In conjunction with their individual and team projects, through workshops and off-site visits, REU participants will explore the characteristics and social impact of scientific research and engineering.
By participating in the REU program, you will:
- Establish a basis for systems thinking by conducting research, and understand systems engineering as a unique discipline
- Acquire broader and deeper understanding of both the research process and the practice of engineering, and how new knowledge is created and communicated
- Develop multicultural understanding and team competence, and become aware of the societal implications of research
All participants receive a stipend. Limited funding is available for full or partial housing and meal costs. Students residing within commuting distance of the University of Maryland are expected to live at home unless able to cover the cost of room and board on their own.
Who should apply
Special note: This program is funded by the National Science Foundation, a federal agency. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply and to participate.
REU awards are made on the basis of students' strong motivation and potential to perform systems engineering research, academic preparation in their area of interest, and interest in interacting with diverse mentors and peers in interdisciplinary science and engineering. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to participate.
Students from all institutions, including the University of Maryland, are welcome to apply. Students from colleges and universities having limited research facilities, including tribal colleges and universities and community colleges, are strongly encouraged to apply.Examples of research projects
Participants will be engaged primarily in laboratory research under the supervision of ISR faculty members and advanced graduate student mentors. You can view past reports.
Co-curricular activities
In conjunction with laboratory research, the following co-curricular activities are planned:
- Three workshops on the nature of scientific research:
- "Basic and Applied Research"
- "Analyzing and Assessing Your Results"
- "Disseminating Your Results: Effective Oral and Written Communication"
- Workshops on systems engineering and society, such as "The Social Consequences of Design: Requirements and Trade-Offs in Large-Scale Engineering Projects"
- Cross-lab visits to be introduced to other REU participants' ongoing research (mentors will also discuss the lab's work in general)
- Regular meetings to discuss research and programmatic issues, resolve problems, and establish the focus for the next two weeks
- Presentation of work to peers, mentors, and other interested members of ISR
Logistics
Students residing within commuting distance of the University of Maryland are expected to live at home unless able to cover the cost of room and board on their own. Limited funding is available for full or partial housing and meal costs. Students from out of town are usually housed in campus housing. You should bring whatever you need to feel comfortable for 10 weeks (basic bedding is provided, though you may want to bring something more). Following are some suggestions; clothes (including rain gear and swimsuits), general toiletries, pillow, pens and pencils, paper, cooking utensils (plates, bowls, forks, spoons, etc.) (though you will have a meal card, some students prefer to cook and not eat out for every meal), telephone, cell phone, laptop (you will have access to computers on campus), frisbee, alarm clock. A Target, Linens N' Things, and a grocery store can be reached by ShuttleUM or MetroBus for anything else you may find you need.
About ISR
ISR is an interdisciplinary research unit within the University of Maryland, located in College Park, Md. The following departments participate:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biology
- Business and Management
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Materials and Nuclear Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Psychology
How to apply
Your application should include:
- The application form
- Two letters of recommendation from teacher(s) and/or supervisor(s)
- Statement of interest
- Resume
- Current transcripts
Application deadline: February 1, 2008
Submit the complete application to:
REU Program
Institute for Systems Research
2179 A.V. Williams Bldg.
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
If you have questions or need more information, contact Sue Frazier at 301.405.6599, fax 301.314.9920 or email at sue@isr.umd.edu.
