Frequently asked questions
Eligibility
What kind of academic background is required for the REU program?
Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor degree program at the time of the REU. Positions are ideally suited for juniors and seniors majoring in atmospheric science, chemistry, ecology, physics, mathematics, engineering, oceanography, geology and geography.
I am graduating in May. Can I still participate?
Students who have received their bachelor's degrees and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible.
I am a first-year student. Am I eligible for the REU?
Yes, as a first-year student you are absolutely eligible to apply for the REU. We encourage you to apply.
I am not a US citizen or permanent resident. Can I still apply?
Our funding for the program is provided by Federal Government, which has the restriction that participants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
I am not a PSU student. Can I apply for the REU?
Absolutely yes! The REU program is open to any undergraduates from any institution.
Application process
Who is eligible to apply to the REU program?
A strong background in atmospheric science, chemistry, ecology, physics, mathematics, engineering, oceanography, geology or geography is ideal. Applicants must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or greater.
What other skills would be useful for my application?
Skills in computer programming are a plus for many projects. Some experience making measurements in laboratory or field settings may be helpful for some projects. Good verbal and written communication skills are useful because of the interactive nature of the program and because participants are expected to write up their research results at the end of the REU. Previous research experience, however, is not a requirement.
What is the selection process?
The program directors, with input from the faculty mentors, review the applications and select students based on their academic record, accomplishments, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Consideration is also given to the diversity of the cohort because it is believed that students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, home institutions, and undergraduate majors will create the best learning environment.
How are students matched with faculty mentors and research projects?
After the students are selected, research project descriptions written by faculty mentors are sent to the students. Students express their interest in the various research projects and the program directors match students with research projects. Students are informed of their research project before arriving at Penn State.
What is the deadline for applications?
Applications received on or before February 15, 2018, will be considered.
When will I be notified if I have been accepted to the program?
We expect to contact successful applicants no later than the first week of March, and we will notify every applicant of our decision by the beginning of April.
Is an official transcript necessary to apply, or can I send an unofficial one?
An unofficial transcript is fine.
Program details
Do I get paid?
Yes. The stipend for 2018 is $5000 for the full REU.
Is my REU stipend taxable?
Yes. It is taxable and you should report it in your tax filings. No deduction is taken on your stipend payment because it is not big enough to get taxed, but if you have other sources of income during the year, then you’ll end up paying some income tax on it later. Since it is a stipend and not a salary, you will not pay social security tax on it.
What is the workload as a REU participant and what is expected of me?
Hours are up to your mentor, but generally you should plan on putting in at least an eight-hour day. This includes research experimental design, data acquisition with state-of-the-art instruments, analyses of data sets, numerical modeling, writing of research reports, and presenting findings at research symposia.
What is the time commitment of the REU?
Appointment is from May 30, 2018 to August 3, 2018.
Is participation in the full REU required?
Yes. In rare cases, an exception may be made by the program director if a student has a prior professional obligation.
Can I use my REU research as a starting point for a senior project or other independent study credit at my home institution?
Absolutely. We strongly encourage (but do not require) that you continue your REU research in some form at your home institution. This increases the chance of publishing your REU research, which is a significant accomplishment that can help you to gain employment or admission to graduate school.
How do I contact the REU program for further information?
The director of the REU program is Dr. Raymond Najjar (najjar@meteo.psu.edu) and the co-director is Dr. Jon Nese (j2n@psu.edu). You should email either of them with additional questions.
