We are now accepting applications for Summer 2023.  Apply Today! 

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summer reu 2021

The Computational Bioengineering Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates is a 10-week research experience.  Students take part in an immersive research experience to learn the fundamental concepts of computational bioengineering and how to apply those concepts to solve challenging biomedical problems.  Under the mentorship of an affiliated faculty member from the College of Engineering or Carver College of Medicine, students will work on their research project and showcase their work at the UI Summer Undergraduate Research Conference.

Eligibility

Participants must be US citizens or permanent residents enrolled at US universities.  Students must be pursuing a baccalaureate degree in engineering or other relevant STEM majors, such as computer science, physics, biology, and chemistry.  All rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for the program.  Applicants must have GPAs above 3.0 with good grades in recent STEM classes. 

Students from two and four-year institutions with limited research opportunities, women, and members of underrepresented populations in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. 

REU participants are not allowed to take summer classes during the REU program without written consent from the REU Director, Dr. Ed Sander.  Failure to comply with this requirement could result in dismissal from the program.

Program Dates

This is a 10-week residential summer program.  The 2023 program is expected to begin Monday, May 22 and end on Friday, July 28, 2023 (10-week program). Departures from this schedule can be considered only in special circumstances. Participation in the REU is comparable to a full-time job and scholars are expected to devote their full effort to the program for its duration.  

What is provided?

Each scholar will be provided:

  • A stipend of $6,000. 
  • Housing in Petersen Residence Hall (double occupancy).  REU participants will be housed on the same floor.
  • A travel award up to $500 to help offset the cost of travel to and from Iowa City.
  • $2,100 food allowance.

Application Procedure

1) Submit a completed online application form, including: 

  • Resume
  • Transcript (unofficial)
  • A personal statement that requires the following:
    • A statement on how the program fits into your educational goals
    • What experiences or knowledge you hope to gain from the program
    • What your top three choices for research projects are with a brief rationale for how the projects could complement your future goals (see research mentors page for choices)

2)  Have two letters of recommendation sent to: bme@engineering.uiowa.edu     

The applicant is responsible for informing their references they need to email letters of recommendation.  The letters should describe the applicant’s potential for success, based on factors such as motivation and work ethic, and how the applicant will benefit from the research experience.

We are still accepting applications for the summer 2023 program.  Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until all seats have been filled.

Please contact joshua-lobb@uiowa.edu for more information.