UMN MRSEC E&HR
Summer Program FAQ

The application deadline for all summer programs is February 15.

What are the goals of the MRSEC?

• Provide each student with an in-depth research experience
• Increasing student awareness of careers available in materials science
• Exposing students to the research experience, particularly that of graduate students
• Instructing students in various areas related to graduate school (writing and presentations)
• Creating mentoring relationships between participants and the faculty and graduate students with whom they work
• Encouraging students to get to know one another, learning about people different from themselves

Who is eligible to participate in a MRSEC summer program?
Any undergraduate (full- or part-time) from undergraduate institutions working towards a bachelor's or associate's degree in any of the following:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics

or any faculty from an undergraduate institution. Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Criteria for the awards include quality of the proposed work, appropriateness of the proposed research to the activities and capabilities of the UMN MRSEC, and endorsement of a UMN MRSEC faculty collaborator. Selection is also based on the quality of the student's undergraduate record.

Will I get paid?
Yes. Student and Faculty participants receive stipends.

Where will I live?
The UMN MRSEC provides housing for students. Student housing is located in Comstock Hall, on the east bank of the campus, in close proximity to the buildings where participants will be conducting their research. Faculty who demonstrate a need will be given an allowance for summer housing.

What will I do while I'm there?
You will be involved in cutting edge research, workshops, seminars, presentations, and poster sessions. Participating students and faculty will come from a variety of backgrounds. They will have different majors, varying abilities, a wide array of interests, goals and career expectations. Our program is structured to challenge participants intellectually, offer research and academic opportunities unavailable at their home institutions, and provide access to a variety of resources (human and material).

How will I get there?
Travel reimbursement (not to exceed $500 for one round trip) is provided. For those who drive, mileage reimbursement is currently 48 cents per mile. Receipts must be provided for any travel expense to be reimbursed. This applies to both students and faculty participants.

How do I apply?
Applications for all UMN MRSEC Summer Programs are submitted online and can be be accessed via the MRSEC website (www.mrsec.umn.edu). Recommendation letters and resumes may be sent by email to engen010@umn.edu. Applications will be reviewed after the February 15 deadline.
Please have your official transcript sent to:

UMN MRSEC REU
489 Amundson Hall
421 Washington Street S.E.
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455