The University of Washington Molecular Engineering Materials Center (UW MEM-C) Academic-Year Research Accelerator (AYRA REU) program is focused on expanding students’ prior research experiences. The academic-year program will help bridge gaps in the STEM pathway for those who may otherwise need work-study or other employment to support their education. MEM-C AYRA students will spend 10-19 hr/week on research for two or three academic quarters, and training will include professional development including resume training and internship searches, to help them advance along the STEM pathway.
Program Details
If selected you will be embedded in one of the MEM-C labs for the academic year. You will work with graduate students and faculty to develop a research project, gain training in relevant techniques and instrumentation, collect data, write-up your results and craft presentations. Students participate in seminars on undergraduate research and professional development, and are also included in MEMC IRG meetings and seminars. Participants will register for 2.0 credits of Independent Research (details provided upon acceptance to the program) and present a poster at the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium during Spring quarter.
- Duration: Either two (2) or three (3) academic quarters, following the 2023-2024 UW Academic Calendar.
- Stipend: $2163/quarter
- Application Deadlines: We are accepting AYRA applications in two (2) rounds. The deadline for the first round of applications is September 25, 2023. The deadline for the second round of applications is December 4, 2023.
Application Details
The program is designed to open doors for those who would like to expand their undergraduate research experience. All applicants to the academic year REU program are required to have previous experience in any REU program, not necessarily an REU program at UW. You will be asked questions about that prior experience in the application and it is expected to be listed on your resume. Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.
Application requirements:
- Personal statement (250 words): How did your previous REU experience shape your academic trajectory? Consider explaining any research products that resulted from that previous REU experience. How would this academic year REU extend your prior research and how does this REU fit into your career plans?
- CV: Must include a listing of all education, training, and work experience and your unofficial transcript. Make sure to list your prior REU experience. Please combine into one PDF file named “Lastname_FirstName_CV.pdf”.
- Professional Recommendations (2 people): Please provide email addresses for two people who can provide a professional recommendation.
