This summer 13 students from across the country gathered at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering to participate in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates Conference.
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation and UH, the program is designed to provide qualified electrical and computer engineering undergraduates with the opportunity to conduct a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The projects cover a variety of topics, including the diverse fields of control systems, biomedical engineering, optics and computer programming.
The students are given the necessary tools such as library resources, an office and laboratory space to conduct their independent projects. Once the research is complete, the students present their findings to the group. The process is patterned after the research work of graduate students and prepares the REU for the possibility of continuing on to graduate school or a career in research.
These undergraduate students are working at the level of first year master's students at the end of this program according to Stuart Long, associate dean for research and electrical engineering professor. Their research skills are more refined and they acquire a new maturity about their work.
But the program is not all about hard work. Entertainment is also a part of the summer. The students have enjoyed trips to an Astro's game, Moody Gardens and other events around town. A student banquet is planned for the end of the program to celebrate their success.
Students receive a $3,500 stipend, room and board and travel allowances. This is the second year UH has hosted the conference, but the first time funding was provided by the National Science Foundation.