Overview

The REU program at UNC Charlotte has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) since 2006 to engage undergraduates in computing research projects, to encourage and prepare students to pursue graduate study in computing, and to help students to build support networks as they prepare for careers. Our Site has a history of successful student outcomes in terms of student co-authored publications, pursuit of graduate computing studies, and long-term peer and student-mentor relationships. Several of our past participants have leveraged the knowledge, skills, experience, and connections with faculty mentors gained through the REU program to win fellowships for graduate study.

Goals

  • Provide a 9 week summer research experience to undergraduate students that addresses a practical problem in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
  • Develop students’ research skills through training and mentoring
  • Immerse students into the activities and culture of a research lab
  • Increase students’ exposure to focused collection of computing research areas
  • Provide students with multiple points of support from a diverse group of peers, graduate student mentors, and faculty mentors
  • Increase students’ awareness and understanding of funded opportunities for graduate study in computing

Benefits

  • Financial package totaling over $6000
    • Stipend
    • Housing
    • Dining programs
  • Important role as a junior researcher that contributes to the state of the art in emerging computing research topics.
  • Mentoring from experienced faculty and graduate students

Requirements

  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Applicant must be and remain an undergraduate student in good standing.
  • Applicants must commit to spending 40 hours per week working as part of a research lab on UNC Charlotte’s campus.

All students that meet these requirements are welcome to apply! We are particularly interested in broadening participation of underrepresented groups in computing, and women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. We also aim to provide research experiences for students who have limited exposure and opportunities to participate in research; we also encourage applicants from primarily undergraduate institutions. Opportunities are not limited to rising seniors; our Site has a history of integrating rising sophomores and juniors into our program.