Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) from Heritage University

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) from Heritage University welcomed 11 students in summer 2022. The students engaged in exciting and relevant STEM research at the University of Washington Bothell, Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL), and LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO), with in-person and hybrid options. The Heritage University students joined summer research students at UW Bothell to form a cohort of students participating in interactive, culturally responsive weekly seminars and workshops.

Participants gained access to ongoing resources, mentoring, and professional networks to support career paths in STEM. Students received professional development mentoring on applying to graduate programs and learned about research opportunities from early career professionals. Each student was guided by peer and faculty mentors based on student interest.

2022 program details

  • Two-week REU training May 16 to May 26 at Heritage University
    • $1200 stipend awarded to each student to cover personal expenses
  • Ten-week REU program June 13 to August 19 at research sites
    • $6000 stipend awarded to each student to cover personal expenses
    • Housing costs are paid by the program. Students are lodged in shared student housing with roommates from summer research programs.
    • Up to $300 per student is available to assist with travel expenses.

Available research areas

  • Physics
    • Computational Astrophysics
    • Computational Modeling for Climate Change
    • Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
    • Gravitational Wave Astronomy
    • Physics Education Research
  • Electrical Engineering
    • Acoustics
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Data Security
    • Signal Processing
  • Mathematics
    • Knot Theory
    • Optimization Methods
    • Tiling Theory
    • Ultrasound Image Analysis
  • Biotechnology research in partnership with CBIT (Center for Biotechnology Innovation & Training)

Program schedule

  • Feb 25: application deadline
  • April 12: program introductions on Zoom
  • April 19: welcome and orientation session at Heritage University
  • May 16–26: REU training at Heritage University
  • June 12: arrive at research site
  • June 13: first day of REU program
  • August 19: UW Bothell School of STEM Student Research Symposium presentations from all students
  • August 20: depart research site

Eligibility

  1. Undergraduate student from Heritage University
    • Students in any academic year are eligible to apply. Freshmen must have successfully completed at least one semester.
  2. Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
    • Transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended are considered.
  3. Interest in exploring and possibly pursuing a STEM career
  4. Not required:
    • A declared major is not required.
    • U.S. citizenship is not required.

How to apply

All application materials must be submitted online. Your application consists of the following:

  1. Completed online application
  2. Statement of interest (up to 1 page in length)
    • Describe your academic background, interests, and tentative career plans.
    • Indicate why you feel participation would benefit you and your future plans, and if you have a preferred mentor or topic area. (But take note: final mentor assignment occurs after participants are selected.)
  3. Current college transcript(s)
    • We accept official or unofficial transcripts from your school registrar. If your school provides you with online access to your transcript or degree audit, a PDF printout is also acceptable.
  4. Two references
    • Provide contact information for two professors or research mentors who can supply letters of reference.

Local and regional resources

Questions?

For questions, please contact:

David Laman

Laman_D@heritage.edu

Winona Wynn

Wynn_W@heritage.edu

Laura Zamudio-Orozco

Zamudio-Orozco_L@heritage.edu

Funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation award G-2021-16996.