Summer research experience for undergraduates
This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) aims to deliver a unique and holistic cross-disciplinary research experience on the cutting-edge topics of big data for future smart cities development. As the fields of big data and smart cities are reshaping our societies, changing our everyday life, and providing new opportunities for economic growth, the overarching goal is to inspire and prepare undergraduate researchers to pursue academic studies and careers in STEM via cross-disciplinary research, education, and training on big data analytics in smart cities. The project will provide 10 undergraduates per summer the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects. The undergraduates will also be involved in various professional development activities that will help them to build not only important research skills but also self-confidence to pursue graduate education in big data for smart cities.
Award information
- $4,800 stipend for 8 weeks
- On-campus housing provided
- Food allowance
- Round-trip travel expenses up to $600
- Total: approximately $7,500
Application and program information
We applicants from all academic institutions, including those without extensive research infrastructure to learn about this cross-disciplinary field of big data and smart cities. This REU Site leverages the unique infrastructures at UNR (e.g., AlertTahoe Fire Camera Network and the intelligent mobility facilities) that provide real data and experimental environments to enhance undergraduates' cross-disciplinary research experience. Undergraduates will work with faculty mentors to address the multitude of open challenges in big data theory and big data computing and provide big data analytics-based solutions to enhance the situational awareness and decision making in smart city applications.
We welcome applicants from computer science, electrical engineering, as well as other related fields inside and outside of engineering, e.g., mechanical engineering, atmospheric sciences, environmental sciences, physics, etc. In addition to participating in a hands-on orientation week, students will also participate in workshops on how to write an application for graduate school and how to write an application for a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF). Students will participate in a research project, prepare a written report on their project, and present to the University's undergraduate research symposium.
This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (CNS-1950485).
Housing and location information
The University of Nevada, Reno is located near downtown Reno. There are numerous restaurants and stores on or adjacent to campus. Within a one-hour drive of Reno are Lake Tahoe, hundreds of mountain biking and hiking trails including the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, and the Truckee River, which runs from the California state line through downtown Reno, where one of country's top outdoor whitewater kayak parks is located. Reno's population enjoys an array of cultural activities, including museums, numerous theatre companies, a symphony, ballet and opera. There are several major venues for concerts, sporting events and other live performances, including Lawlor Events Center on campus and the Reno Events Center, located less than a 10-minute walk from campus.
Students will be housed in University campus housing, and the cost of housing and meal plan will be covered by the program.