There are many exciting things happening in my life lately. I
recently applied to an REU Program through the University of Delaware
at the end of February. REU stands for Research Experience for Undergraduates
and it supports active research participation by undergraduate students in
any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU
projects involve students in ongoing research programs or in research projects
specifically designed for the REU program.
I definitely recommend anyone interested in applying for paid research
opportunities to go onto the National Science Foundation’s website (nsf.gov)
and look up REU programs within their related field. This opportunity to do
research is open to sophomores and juniors from all universities nationwide.
Since these opportunities are open to so many students, getting accepted to one
of these programs is highly selective—but that is not stopping me and should
not stop you from applying because you never know what your luck may be.
The program I applied to is through the Social Science
sector and involves doing research on AIDS related issues like prevention
and tracking methods. I am extremely excited to hear back by the end of this
week if I get an offer to participate in the program. It is highly selective
program-only about ten students from the United States are chosen each
summer—and the benefits to this experience are invaluable. The program provides
a stipend of $3,600, housing is provided, and meals are provided as well. In
addition to this there are two field trips to conventions in Colorado and in D.C. Basically this
opportunity seems like it would be extremely beneficial to my future career
goals.
I would like to join the Peace Corps after graduating
college and help out with AIDS issues in Africa
so landing this research experience would be helpful in expanding my
knowledge base of this pandemic. I truly hope to one day make the lives of AIDS
victims much easier either trough developing new treatments or policy
recommendations. I really hope to get this internship also because of the
opportunity to become published. There is a possibility to get published by
participating in this program because two of the ten student researchers are
chosen to come back the following summer and present their research, while
having their work published in a research compilation.
I think it is definitely worth it to take the time out to
look up research opportunities while still an undergraduate because it not only
helps with the courses you take but it also gives students an edge amongst
other people applying for jobs after college because the hands on experience
gained from doing research reflects a sense of determination and dedication to
employers. Like I said before there are a ton of different fields within the
REU program that have opportunities available for research so take the
time to do your research on these. Here are some of the fields that have
research opportunities with the REU program…
Good luck:
Astronomical
Sciences
ATM
Atmospheric
Sciences
Biological
Sciences
Chemistry
Computer
and Information Science and Engineering
Cyberinfrastructure
Department
of Defense (DoD)
Earth
Sciences
Education
and Human Resources
Engineering
Ethics
and Values Studies
International
Science and Engineering
Materials
Research
Mathematical
Sciences
Ocean
Sciences
Physics
Polar
Programs
Social,
Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
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