Undergraduate Fluid Power Education
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) - Summer 2015
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 section of our website.)
Program description
A 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 and a graduate student mentor. 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. A Fluid Power REU Bootcamp will be held at Purdue University May xx-xx (travel days before and after bootcamp). This is a required element of the CCEFP REU Program and allows all participants to learn the hydraulic and pneumatic basics and meet other REU students in the Center. 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.
Dates of REU Program:
REU Fluid Power Bootcamp, Purdue University: May 26 - 29, 2015 *Tentative & Required
REU Program Dates: June 1 - August 14, 2015 *Dates may vary by institution
Available REU Projects:
2015 REU Projects by Institution (pdf).
The REU project descriptions indicate the faculty advisor and associated institution, the area within CCEFP research, and the description of the REU project, including goals of the project and anticipated deliverables.
Where
A Fluid Power REU Bootcamp will be held at Purdue University. This is a required element of the CCEFP REU Program. 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, and travel reimbursement based on need. (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 2015, who will be enrolled as a full-time student in fall 2015 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, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Purdue, Milwaukee School of Engineering, North Carolina A&T, and the University of Minnesota), complete the application form according to the guidelines below. SPECIAL NOTE: To apply to CCEFP REU positions at Purdue, please complete BOTH CCEFP and PU SURF applications. The Purdue College of Engineering SURF REU Program Application. The PU SURF Program jointly administers the CCEFP REU positions.
Application Deadline EXTENDED: February 20, 2015
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