Brief Overview
Brief Overview
The focus of the program is to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to experience cutting-edge chemical research in the fields of materials and life science and to broaden their perspectives on chemical research careers in both academic and industrial settings. During 10 weeks, from late May to early August, 2008, REU students will be afforded an opportunity to perform research on an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor and graduate student or postdoctoral researcher. Each student will fully participate in the activities of the research group they have selected to join. Although the research experience is the emphasis of the 10-week program, REU students will also receive an introduction to and overview of the Department of Chemistry's laser laboratory, X-ray and powder diffraction facility, and NMR facilities. Other opportunities include:
Stipend, Travel and Accommodations
The 10-week program will include a $4,000 stipend received in three equal payments. In addition, room and board will be provided. This includes double occupancy living on campus, and weekday meal service provided by campus cafeteria. REU students will be reimbursed for their travel expenses up to $300, more could be provided to individual students if some participants do not use their entire allotted amount. Those students who are flying to Raleigh can arrange their travel through a selected local travel Company. Students will only be billed for their travel expenses that exceed the $300 allotment. Instructions will be provided to those who receive and accept offers for our program.
Arrival and Orientation
Before arriving on campus, students will receive an information package including a general description of the summer's events, email address, travel arrangements, emergency phone numbers, housing information, etc. The program begins with check-in at University Housing. During the first week of the program students will go through an orientation that includes an introduction to the campus, Department of Chemistry, and Raleigh. Orientation week includes
Research
Each student will be paired with a research advisor and group. Before arriving on campus, REU students will be informed of their advisor selection and are encouraged to get in touch with their summer advisor to begin discussing summer projects and preparation. During the first week on campus, each REU student will meet individually with research advisors to discuss their project in detail. Work on independent research projects make up the core of the REU program. During the next 10 weeks, each student will work closely with their research advisor and a graduate student or postdoctoral research on their independent project.
Poster Session, Oral Presentations and Funded Trip to ACS Meeting
At the end of the summer, REU students will be asked to put together a poster describing their research. A poster session will be held on the final day of the program in which the entire chemistry department is invited along with representatives from our industrial partners. During this event, a panel of judges (formed from representatives from the industrial partners) will visit each poster. Following the poster session, a luncheon will be held. After the luncheon, each REU student will get an opportunity to discuss her or his research during an oral presentation session. In the past, these sessions have been very successful and highly attended. At the conclusion of the oral presentations the judging panel will select two REU students to each receive a $500 stipend to be used to travel to a national meeting of the American Chemical Society to present her or his work.
Outside Activities
REU students will have a variety of outside activities in which to spend their free time. For example, REU participants will have full access to NC State facilities including indoor pools, racquetball courts, weight training equipment, basketball courts, etc. In addition, the Raleigh area offers a range of entertainment options including outstanding dining, minor league baseball (the Durham Bulls and the Carolina Mudcats), the North Carolina Symphony and many others. The NC State campus is centered in the capital of North Carolina and is located within approximately 2 hours of the coast and 2 hours from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
