Research Experience for Undergraduates

Sponsors

Co-supported by: The NSF REU program (Physics and Chemistry and DMR) and the DoD ASSURE program.

Program Objectives

The objective of the REU program at RQI is to give undergraduate students an opportunity to train during the summer in an intense, interdisciplinary, collaborative research environment and to involve them in a program of discussions and interactions with faculty and graduate students. Students from many schools spend 10 weeks at Rice working on cutting-edge projects with individual RQI research groups. This provides an accelerated introduction to experimental and/or theoretical research work itself, as well as insight into how fundamental research in atomic, molecular, optical, surface, materials, chemical and biophysical sciences relate to many important technologies. In addition, each student is expected to attend special seminars and group discussions for REU participants, make a report of the project and participate in the RQI Research Colloquium at the end of the summer.

The faculty fellows of RQI and their groups always have considerable undergraduate involvement in research; however, this Program provides additional research opportunities, allowing more students to become involved and create a coherent educational structure for these students during the summer. The fellows are accustomed to working with undergrads, and their research has involved undergrads to the extent that undergraduate co-authorship of publications is not uncommon.

Stipend/Dates

Students accepted into our summer REU Program this year will receive $3,700 for the total 10 week period. The dates for the 2010 program are May 31 (as this day is Memorial Day holiday, orientation will actually be on Tuesday, June 1) through Saturday morning, August 7, 2010.

Housing

Student housing will be arranged and paid for by the REU Program. There is, however, a $35 nonrefundable housing application fee.

General

All applicants must be US citizens or US permanent residents enrolled in an undergraduate institution for the duration of the program. Current Rice or international undergraduate students with other funding can participate in the scientific activities of the program.

All participants are required to complete the entire 10 weeks. We do not accept students who need to arrive late or leave early. There are no vacations during the 10 week Program. Since you're registered for class credit, participation in the weekly seminars and social activities are mandatory for successful completion of the Program. Participants are also required to present a poster at the annual RQI Research Colloquium.

Upon arrival at Rice, participants will check in with the RQI office, which serves as "home department." The RQI office arranges for an individual email account and access to the University library and gym.

The REU Program concludes each summer with the RQI Research Colloquium.

Applications

Applications are submitted through an online form. If you are unable to submit an online application, please email Yvonne Kambourelis for assistance.