SEMINAR ON:

SUMMER RESEARCH

INTERNSHIPSSponsored by FemProf

THE SITES NSF:

http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm

Pathways to Science: http://www.pathwaystoscience.org/Summerresearch.asp

THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER Goals and Objectives of the REU site Research Projects Internship Activities Benefits (stipend, travel, room & board) Internship Requirements Application Materials Required Qualifications Institution/Location Health Insurance (remember SiCKO) Start date/ End date

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE REU SITE Tells you if it’s good for you

Should be taken into consideration for the statement of purpose

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Select the best that fits your interest

Get acquainted with the research topic

Mention something relevant about it in the statement of purpose

Work is usually in groups Main research mentor – professor Other mentors – graduate students Colleagues – undergraduate students

May be extended into academic year

INTERNSHIP ACTIVITIES

Workshops Training Conferences Field Trips Social events BBQs

BENEFITS Stipends - $4,000 - $6,000

Travel – usually includes travel allowance

Housing – usually college dormitories paid by the REU site

Meals – included in many cases

INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Attend meetings

Attend workshops

Oral presentations

Write reports

Work X hours/week

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Application form (submit ASAP)

Transcript (copy is good)

Statement of Purpose (research interest)

Letters of recommendation (from professors in your major field of study)

Resume (short and concise)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

US citizens or permanent residents

Usually juniors (UPRM: 3-4 years BS students)

Programming skills

Math skills

Technical skills

INSTITUTION/LOCATION

Mix of top 50 and below top 50

Good Facilities

Good Infrastructure

Big cities/Rural places

Far/close

HEALTH INSURANCE You need to be covered

Check if your Health Insurance cover you.

QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ANSWER Why are you interested in that

summer internship?

What do you know about the topic of your interest?

What are your qualifications?

Why should they select you?

What do you expect to gain from the experience?

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU PREPARING THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

What motivated you to select your field of study?

Tell an interesting story Talk about what’s unique about your background

What excites you about your field of study?

What motivates you to work on research?

QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU PREPARING THE STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Why are you interested in a particular project?

What will you gain from an internship experience?

What impact could this experience have in other fellow female students?Serve as role models Serve as advocate

How will this experience prepare you for graduate studies?

THINGS YOU NEED FOR YESTERDAY Transcript

Statement of Purpose

Letters of recommendation

Resume