Eligibility
Q:Are K-12 STEM teachers eligible to apply?
A: Please contact the CIRR REU coordinators for guidance.
Q: Am I eligible as a Freshman / first-year student?
A:Yes, first-year students with a strong desire and aptitude for research are encouraged to apply.
Q: Am I eligible even though I'm not an engineering major?
A: Yes, we encourage students from all relevant STEM backgrounds to apply.
Q: Am I eligible if I previously participated in an REU program at another university?
A: Yes, and please include this information in your essay.
Q: Am I eligible even though I do not have any prior research experience?
A: Yes, absolutely. The purpose of the REU program is to engage undergraduates who do not have substantial research experience yet.
Q: Am I eligible even though I'm not a University of Miami (UM) student?
A: In fact, we expect only a few of the REU participants to be undergraduate students enrolled at UM.
Q: I'm currently a Senior in college and I expect to graduate in May. Am I eligible?
A: No, the CIRR REU program targets undergraduate students who have not yet received their bachelor's degree. The National Science Foundation prohibits such students from participating in the REU program.
Q: I'm currently a Senior in college enrolled a 5-year BS/MS program and I expect to finish the undergraduate coursework (year 4) by June 1. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, as long as you have not yet received your bachelor's degree by June 1. Both degrees are typically conferred simultaneously when the graduate work is completed at the end of the fifth year.
Q: I'm currently a Senior in high school and I expect to graduate in June. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, you are eligible as long as you can provide proof that you have been accepted to (and plan to matriculate to) an undergraduate institution in the following Fall semester. It is expected that you will be able to participate full-time when the on-site program begins on June 1.
Q: I have a disability that may prevent me from fully participating in the REU program. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, absolutely. If you are selected to participate, we will do our best to provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate your participation in the program.
Applying
Q: I applied for a summer internship/job and am waiting to hear back from them. Can I accept a position in the REU program later after hearing the outcome of the internship/job?
A: Applicants must make a decision to either accept or reject the REU position by the imposed deadline. We must ensure that all available REU positions are filled, and that all students fully participate the entire 10 weeks of the program.
Q: What is the application and selection process for the REU program?
A: Applicants prepare and submit their application, in which they will select (and rank) up to 3 research projects that interest them. The selection committee consists of the faculty mentors who will review all applications to determine the most competitive students who are likely to thrive in the CIERR REU program. Applicants are paired with research projects considering both applicant and faculty preferences. However, the committee will do its best to accommodate the primary research preference of applicants.
Q: Should I contact a prospective faculty mentor before submitting my application?
A: Yes, applicants are encouraged to contact a faculty mentor whose research interests align with that of the applicant.
Q: Can I change my research project preferences after I submit my application?
A: Since the review, selection, and faculty-student pairing process is rather complex, applicants cannot change their preferences once the application is submitted.
Q: When and how will I be notified of the outcome of the selection process?
A: All applicants, regardless of whether they have been selected, will be informed via email in April. Please refrain from sending emails inquiring about the status of your application since it delays the overall processing of applications.
Q: If I receive an REU position, when do I have to decide whether to accept it?
A: Selected students will typically receive an offer letter via email in April, and must notify the CIRR REU administrators with their decision by May 1. The faculty mentor(s) will be cc'd on all email correspondence.
Q: I applied to the CIRR REU program, but was not selected. Can I still conduct research?
A: It may be possible, but it depends on many factors, especially the available funding of the faculty member. You may reach out to the faculty mentor for further guidance.
Participation
Q: How and when do I decide on a research plan?
A: If you accept a position in the CIRR REU program, you will meet (virtually) with your faculty mentor to formalize a research plan in mid- to late-May. Refer to the for an explanation on how you can formulate the project plan.
Q: Are there extracurricular activities that I must participate in during the REU program?
A: It is expected that all REU participants attend and actively participate in the workshops, seminars, field trips, and poster presentation. All of these activities represents excellent opportunities to learn about coastal infrastructure resilience and to network with leaders in the field.
Q: What is the typical workload of a CIRR REU participant while on campus?
A: REU participants are expected to (a) contribute in their research environment 40 hours per week for 10 weeks, and (b) actively participate in the workshops, seminars, field trips, and other activities. Applicants who are selected should consult with their faculty advisor(s) regarding specific training and a typical schedule during the 10-week program. Acceptance of a position in the CIRR REU program implies that the applicant agrees to be available throughout the duration of the entire program. Students who fail to fully participate or complete the REU summer research commitment may be removed from the program and/or the stipend may be reversed or partially reversed.
Q: Can I work a part-time job while simultaneously participating in the REU summer program?
A: It is unlikely since the REU program requires full-time participation.
Q: Can I enroll in summer classes while participating in the REU summer program?
A: It is unlikely since the REU program requires full-time participation.
Q: Will I be enrolled in any summer classes or receive any course credit while participating in the REU summer program?
A: The REU program does not provide tuition or enrollment in courses to receive credit.
Q: I expect to take time off during the summer program for personal or family reasons. Can my absence be accommodated?
A: REU participants are expected to be present and fully engaged during the entirety of the 10-week program. Short absences for one or 2 days may be accommodated with advance consultation from your faculty advisor and the CIRR REU program administrator.
Q: Can I continue my research involvement beyond REU?
A: Yes, it may be possible. Consult with your faculty mentor(s) to discuss such options.
Accommodations
Q: Do I get paid as an REU participant?
A: Each participant will receive a stipend of $600 per week for their full participation during each week of the 10-week summer program.
Q: Is my REU stipend taxable?
A: Please contact the University of Miami's Office of Student Accounts for more information.
Q: When do I receive the first stipend payment?
A: Participants will be notified of the payment schedule in May.
Q: How often will I get paid?
A: Participants will be notified of the payment schedule in May.
Q: Do I need to enroll in direct deposit?
A: Yes, all REU program participants are required to enroll in direct deposit to receive the stipend payment and travel reimbursement.
Q: Should I bring my car or rent one?
A: No, it is not necessary to have a car. REU participants will receive a Metrorail pass, and will be provided transportation for the field trips. Bikes, skateboards, etc. may be used on campus.
Q: Are travel costs reimbursed? If so, how much? Can I get a travel advance?
A: Up to $500 in domestic airfare will be reimbursed with proper documentation. Travel advances are not permitted.
Q: Is an on-campus meal plan included? If not, how much does it cost? Do I need one?
A: A meal plan is not included. It is not required as there are many on-campus eateries available to faculty, staff, and students.
Q: Where will I live on-campus for the Summer? How does the housing payment work?
A: You will live in one of the residential communities on the Coral Gables campus. The REU program will pay for the housing directly.
Q: Do I need to apply for summer housing, or will someone make the on-campus housing arrangements for me?
A: If you are accepted to the program, notify the REU program coordinators of your intent to live on campus. They will make all of the necessary arrangements for you.
Q: Will I have a roommate? If so, how will he/she be paired? Can I contact them before traveling to campus?
A: Most REU participants will have a roommate. The REU program administrators, in coordination with Housing & Residential Life, will pair individuals. With participants’ permission, contact information will be shared prior to arriving on campus.
Q: Will there be a resident advisor in the on-campus housing to assist with day-to-day questions as I become accustomed to living on campus?
A: Housing & Residential Life staff will be available to assist students as they become accustomed to living on campus.
Q: Can I live off campus during the summer REU program?
A: Yes, but we strongly encourage students to reside on campus since all program activities will take place there. Students who opt to live off-campus will not receive reimbursement for off-campus housing nor parking passes for their vehicles.
