National Science Foundation
Application Procedure

The deadline for application submissions was February 25, 2011.  Acceptance/declination decisions will be made by March 18, 2011 and letters of acceptance will be sent to successful applicants.  April 1, 2011will be the deadline for students to accept the offers. 

Eligibility: REU participants must be undergraduate students and must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. We prefer students who will be in the 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate at the beginning of the Fall 2010 semester.


We especially encourage applications from members of groups under-represented in science and engineering, and from students enrolled at institutions where research opportunities are limited.

Procedure: If you want to apply to the REU program, you must:

  • Read about the various research projects being offered and identify your particular area of interest. click here to read about the research areas.
  • Complete the online form. You will upload 1 file to the online form. This file should include (in the following order):
    • 1 page resume
    • 1 page statement of previous research.

    "Describe any scientific research activities in which you have participated, such as experience in undergraduate research programs, or research experience gained through summer or part-time employment or in work-study programs, or other research activities, either academic or job-related. Explain the purpose of the research and your specific role in the research, including the extent to which you worked independently and/or as part of a team, and what you learned from your research experience. At the end of your statement, list any publications and/or presentations made at national and/or regional professional meetings. If you have no direct research experience, describe any activities that you believe have prepared you to undertake research."

    • 1 page statement of purpose

    "Describe any personal, professional, or educational experiences or situations that have prepared you or contributed to your desire to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with an emphasis on sustainability. Describe your competencies and evidence of leadership potential."

    • copy of your unofficial transcript (if you cannot include in the document, mail to the address below)

    Acceptable file formats: pdf and MS Word.
    Font style/size: Arial, Tinew new Roman, Palatino Lintoype, 11 point or larger
    Margins: 1" margins on all sides
    Line spacing: 1

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

 

  • Arrange for recommendations from two college professors (in math, science, or engineering) to be sent via email directly to the REU Program Coordinator or sealed in an envelop and mailed to the address given below:

  • Dr. Maya Trotz (matrotz@usf.edu)
    Summer 2011 REU Program
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
    University of South Florida
    4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENB 118 
    Tampa, FL 33620

Evaluation: In evaluating applications, we consider the following criteria:

  • Academic achievement, as demonstrated by college performance.

  • Courses in area of research projects. We look for students who closely match the area of research of faculty so that both students and faculty get the most out of the summer experience.

  • Previous research. Experience carrying out scientific research is not a prerequisite for admission to the program. However, prior experience may be a considerable asset for some of the REU research projects offered each summer.

  • Personal Statement. We seek participants who will make good use of the opportunity provided by the REU program. A primary goal of the National Science Foundation REU program is to help students make informed choices concerning scientific careers, such as the decision whether or not to pursue a graduate degree, or selection between possible sub-fields of study.

  • Letters of recommendation. These provide valuable information about applicants' accomplishments and potential for independent scientific research.

© The University of South Florida. Contact information: Dr. Maya Trotz (matrotz@eng.usf.edu) or (813 974-3172.

"Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)
and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."