💡
How can we help our undergraduates receive UREs (Undergraduate Research Experiences) across the U.S. and ensure they submit competitive applications?

🤔 Who is this for?

Undergraduate Students and their mentors.

📋 What is it about?

In this episode, we:

  1. Explore the key differences and unique benefits of REUs, including hands-on mentorship from professors, the thrill of discovering the unknown, and the joy of applying classroom knowledge to real-world research.
  2. Learn practical tips on enhancing your REU applications, understand eligibility criteria, and discover the importance of personalized applications.
  3. Find out how REUs can pave your way to graduate school and provide a well-rounded research experience, including funded travel and housing. Don't miss this opportunity to explore different paths and hear real-life experiences from our panelists!

⌚️ Helpful Time Stamps

00:00 Nine Ways to Succeed In Undergraduate Research
01:32 REUs v. Internships
03:39 Can Seniors Apply?
04:52 Previous experience required?
06:56 Time Commitment
07:59 Compensation and Benefits
09:08 Selecting Opportunities
11:26 Common Application Questions
13:22 A Competitive Application
17:09 The Strongest Applications
22:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

📣 Speakers

  1. Kylia Butler | GMU Public Health Junior and Student Host
  2. Xia Parkes | GMU Biology Junior and Student Host
  3. Brandon Speed | Doctoral Candidate and President of GMU NOBCChE
  4. Marissa E. Yáñez, Ph.D. | Chief Diversity Officer, UC Berkeley College of Chemistry
  5. Ashley Wallace, Ph.D. | Associate Director of Diversity and Student Engagement, University of Pennsylvania Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter
  6. Jennifer Poo, M.A. | Education, Outreach, and Diversity Manager, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Genetically Encoded Materials
  7. Mike Schwartz, Ph.D. | Managing Director, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): Sustainable Nanotechnology
  8. Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D. | Director of Broader Impacts, NSF Center for Chemical Innovation (CCI): The Chemistry of Molecularly Optimized Networks

📄 Helpful Resources

NOBCChE
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
NOBCChE
Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) | GMU College of Science
Home

Summer Research Opportunities at Mason

Webinar on preparing for graduate school.

Inaugural SURD fellows: the leading minds of the next generation | College of Chemistry
College of ChemistryVeronica Bartell | College of Chemistry

UC Berkeley College of Chemistry SURD program story

Summer Undergraduate Research Diversity Program (SURD) | College of Chemistry
College of Chemistry

SURD program information and application

Summer Research Programs & Scholarships in STEM (Undergrad level)
Our one-stop-shop for info on STEM scholarships & summer research internships. Search our directory of opportunities and explore our tips on applying.

Pathways to Science REU opportunities

Search REU Sites
NSF’s mission is to advance the progress of science, a mission accomplished by funding proposals for research and education made by scientists, engineers, and educators from across the country.
NSF - National Science Foundation

NSF REU Search

Summer Research Early Identification Program | The Leadership Alliance
The Leadership Alliance

Leadership Alliance Summer Research Program

Penn VPSE | Undergraduate Educational Pipeline Programs
Programs taught by leading Penn faculty and successful entrepreneurs offer undergraduate students educational, hands-on learning experiences.
VPSE

Penn Pipeline Programs

Applying to Summer Undergraduate Research Programs: Why, How, and More!, Center for Genetically Encoded Materials
The Center for Genetically Encoded Materials (C-GEM) Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is one of many undergraduate research experience (URE)…
Center for Genetically Encoded Materialsadmin

C-GEM guide on writing competitive applications

Undergrad — NSF CCI
NSF CCI

NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation Summer Research Opportunities

Raychelle - Burks
NSF Center for Computer Assisted SynthesisMarketing Communications: Web | University of Notre Dame

Raychelle Burks (Forensic Chemist) profile

Cuvette Collective
Cuvette Collective is a multidisciplinary team of experts (scientists, evaluators, animators, and graphic designers) dedicated to helping research centers achieve, evaluate, & amplify broader impacts.
Cuvette CollectiveVanessa Rosa, Ph.D.

Cuvette Collective website

CURIOUS Scientists 🎙️ - Cuvette Collective
CURIOUS Scientists is a podcast of diverse perspectives on navigating and excelling in STEM careers.
Cuvette CollectiveVanessa Rosa, Ph.D.

The CURIOUS Scientists Podcast

NSF Award Search: Advanced Search Results.
NSF - National Science Foundation - Home

NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation list

🌎 Learn more about Cuvette Collective:

🎙️ Who is the host?

Dr. Rosa promotes equity in science education, challenging traditional norms and oppressive systems. She leads several organizations focused on empowering diverse educators and driving systemic improvements. Through these organizations, she aims to foster a community of supportive educators who will transform science education and research.
Professional Network: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessarosaphd/
Personal Content: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessalearns

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