Q: What are the dates of the Summer REU Program at Southern Miss?
A: It is a 10-week, full-time program. Dates for Summer 2013 are Tuesday, May 28th - Friday, August 2nd 2013.
Q: How much is the stipend?
A: The stipend for 2013 will be $5,000 given in three equal installments at the end of May, June and July. This may be used for food and recreation. Housing will be provided by Southern Miss.
Q: My school is on the quarter system and I won't be finished until after the REU program starts. Is it still possible for me to participate?
A: Yes! Specific arrangements are made on a case-by case basis.
Q: What will I be doing during the REU program?
A: You will primarily be working on a real-world research project with your Faculty and graduate student mentors using state-of-the-art facilities available at the Southern Miss School of Polymers. You will attend a series of workshops on modern polymer science and nanotechnology and learn valuable presentation skills through biweekly research updates. You will also be taking field trips to local industries and participating in teambuilding exercises with the other students.
Q: Will I interact with other undergraduate students?
A: Yes! We have planned a number of professional development and teambuilding exercises within our own REU program. Students will also interact with students from Southern Miss REU programs in other departments, and with students within your faculty mentor’s research group.
Q: What about housing?
A: Housing and parking will be provided for REU participants in one of the nearby residence halls on the Southern Miss campus free of charge. Students will also be provided with free membership to the Payne Recreation Center located next to the Polymer Science building.
Q: What about food?
A: REU participants will be responsible for their own meals. There are university summer meal plan options available as well as a number of on-campus and off-campus restaurants and grocery stores.
Q: Is there anything to do on the weekends?
A: Yes! There are many outdoor activities including canoeing and bicycling. The Recreation Center has an indoor pool, weight room and aerobics facilities. Many of our students take weekend trips to the Gulf Coast (one hour away) or to New Orleans (about two hours away.)
Q: What about travel expenses?
A: Travel expenses to and from the summer program will be reimbursed up to $500 per participant (original receipts must be provided.) There is also money available to present your summer research at a national conference.
Q: Sign me up! When is the application deadline?
A: All complete applications must be received at our office by March 1, 2013.
Q: What are the application requirements?
A: Prospective REU participants must complete the online application. We also require an updated, official college transcript, a brief resume, a one-page statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation sent directly to the department. No prior research experience is required. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years of college, and students from junior colleges are encouraged to apply.
Q: The School of Polymers is a highly multidisciplinary department. Is there a particular major you are looking for in summer REU students?
A: No. Many of our students are majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or another related field. Given the breadth of potential projects, there is likely an excellent fit for you.
Q: When do I find out if I am accepted?
A: Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by the end of March or early April.
Q: When do I find out what projects I will be working on?
A: After a student is accepted into the REU program, they are carefully matched with a faculty mentor. The student’s major, research interests and experience are taken into consideration when making this project match. The accepted participant will be notified as soon as possible when this match has been made.