It’s not uncommon to go into someone’s office and find fun and inspirational quotes.  Whether it be handwritten on a Post-It Note or hung up as a canvas photo. I love quotes, however, as always I like to put my own spin on things. On that note, let’s talk for a moment about the iconic character Gordon Gekko and his contributions to higher education that you may not be fully aware of. Gordon Gekko? Who?  Read on.

I’ll never forget the day a student walked into my office and said “I have a question for you but it’s for a greedy reason.” I immediately looked up at him as it piqued my interest.  Greedy?  What is it?

“I want to get into graduate school, but I don’t know how to ask for a letter of recommendation”
“That’s not being greedy!” I reassured him.
He told me that for him it felt greedy because for a lot of his time in college he was focused on helping others out.  I grabbed a black marker and wrote on the whiteboard in my office “GREED IS GOOD.”  I left it there for months to remind myself and anyone who came into my office the powerful underlying message of my conversation with this student.

Greed is Good. If you’re of a certain age that phrase conjures of images of the Gordon Gekko the iconic character immortalized by Oliver Stone in the cult classic Wall Street. I love that movie more than you can ever realize but it’s not for the reasons you might think.  Why do I love this film? To start with Gordon Gekko and I have a connection in that we both have the same birthday which is May 6.

We’re both Taurus’ and May Taurus’ at that, meaning that we like stability, are stubborn, and can sometimes be our own worst enemies. Spoiler alert this is clearly illustrated in the Wall Street film. However, Gordon Gekko’s words of wisdom and quotes are wonderful fodder as I work with my own students.

Now if you are a student especially a first-generation college student I urge you to put an imaginary shell up to your ear because you are about to hear something very different than the diatribe of the film.  Are you listening?  Good. Now do you think I’m going to talk to you about Insider trading? Corporate Greed?  Charlie Sheen? He’s also in the film, too.  I’m not going to tell you about any of these thing because remember I work with college students.  I’m not on Wall Street I’m on a university campus and I’m a higher ed blogger who interacts with students from all over the world.  I can tell you that whether or not you want to believe it Gordon Gekko was really on to something with his quotes in the film.

Take for instance these wonderful gems that he imparted on my generation, and I would like to impart this wisdom on my own Gems.  I call all the students I work with Gems because they are Gems. So if you’re a student reading this, Hi Gem!  Disclaimer: my interpretations of these quotes might be slightly different that of what Oliver Stone intended.  Michael Douglas won an Oscar for his interpretation of these quotes and while I may not win an Oscar I’m telling you there’s some sage wisdom going on here as it relates to college students.

1. “What’s worth doing is worth doing for money.”One time beach cleanup? Sure. Occasional go talk to your old high school or community college?  Yeah, go do it. However, if it’s something you’re doing to be doing on a regular basis whether it’s research, tutoring, etc. then you should be getting paid.  But it’s for the community!  Hello, aren’t you a member of the community? Guess what, you and the community have rent to pay, groceries to buy, tuition, and if you drive include gas in there.  Oh don’t even get me started on that one.  You are a college student and college is expensive. So please, if something is offered to you and it’s unpaid seriously consider what’s in it for you?  Ask if there’s money to pay you a small stipend or an honorarium and let them know that you’re on a budget. I’m not taking about just a financial budget because you also are on a time budget, there are only so many hours in a week.  Saying yes to one thing means say no to another thing.  If it turns out that you cannot get paid, consider what’s in it for you besides the good karma. Also remember that when you do eventually apply for jobs, internships, or summer research programs whoever is looking at your resume is going to expect to see paid positions and if you’ve got a full resume of unpaid positions then they might not be willing to pay you what you’re truly worth.  I’m just being honest here, think about it, if you’ve seen that someone is willing to do all of this work for free then why would they be eager to pay top dollar?  I’m just saying.
2. “The most valuable commodity I know of is information.” Another one of Gordon Gekko’s nuggets of wisdom. You have that information which is why it’s very likely people are asking you to do things.  Whether it is teaching or tutoring math or helping with a coding project.  If you notice that people keep asking you to do things it’s because you have skills my friend, and guess what these skills are valuable, and you should be getting paid for them.
3. “Buy a decent suit you can’t come in here looking like this.” Another controversial conundrum. Yes, I know in some tech companies’ office attire isn’t an issue but guess what?  I guarantee you there will be a time when you will need a suit.  More and more schools now have professional clothing closets that provide clothing lending programs to students that need to borrow professional attire for interviews, networking, or other professional events.   Here are some examples:Cal Poly’s Professional Clothing Closet
   University of Northern Colorado
   Columbia University

   If your school doesn’t have this type of service why not advocate for one?  Start off by contacting the Career Center on your campus. You might find out that a) that your school has this type of service already, or b) you might walk away with a job as a result of your forward thinking! Even if you don’t wind up with a job you can continue to be involved and this could be an outstanding illustration of your forward thinking and leadership both of which are great things to highlight to future employers or graduate schools.

4. Greed is Good.Repeat after me: What’s in it for me? Seriously WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?  When that student asked me to help him navigate applying to graduate school, he was practicing something called self-advocacy.  He knew he liked math and that he also liked computer science. He knew he had a keen interest in pursuing graduate school but he had no idea what applying to graduate school entailed.  He knew nothing about the unwritten rules and the self-advocacy that no one teaches you up front.  If you’re not a first-generation college student than many times this self-advocacy is instilled in you.  But if you are a first-generation college student often times its touch and go yet it doesn’t have to be.  When this student came into my office and said he was being greedy but was he really? He was taking up my time because he realized that I was someone who could help him.  The way I look at it he wasn’t being greedy he was being resourceful.  However, sometimes when we go after things, say no to things, or we take time for ourselves people might say “You’re being greedy.” When we protect ourselves and when we look after ourselves people might view this as being greedy?  So what do I say to that?  Greed is Good.I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this is what it’s like being a first-generation college student.  Its like the entire time everyone else takes the elevator and you must take the stairs.  Some days it seems like someone has added a couple of extra staircases.  Some days you stumble and are out of breath.  At some point you reach the point of no return and think to yourself, “Bring it on there’s no way in Hell I’m giving up.” After a while those stairs get easier because you have built up the stamina.  Once you get that degree you will celebrate but it’s not about the degree it’s about the realization that if you can climb those stairs you can get through anything that life throws at you.  But here’s the deal, there are people who will help you such as mentors, staff, alumni, and just people who want to see you succeed.  However, before you do, please read the next quote.

   5. “If you’re not inside, you’re *outside*!”  Although Gordon is talking about something completely different, he’s right on this end in terms of commitment.  In this context I mean you need to do what it takes to succeed in college.  This is by asking for help and advocating for what you need as a student.  I am surprised by the number of students who don’t utilize resources that you are paying for.  I have known far too many students who have not reached out because they either a) don’t know what’s available. or b) are shy about asking for help.  Please look at it this way, you are paying tuition so utilize these resources. I am specifically talking about things like:

• Campus Disabled Students Programs. Test taking accommodations, note taking services, reduced course loads, etc.  Every school has this resource.
•  Lending Libraries.  This could be everything from Textbooks to Technology. Can’t afford a textbook?  Is your laptop on the fritz?  Guess what? There are programs specifically for students to help.
• University Health Services. Whether it’s an eye exam or counseling services you are entitled to these services so please make your health a priority and make those appointments.
• Gymnasium.  As a student it’s very likely your school has one or more gyms. As you take care of your physical and mental well-being fitness is very important. Whether its swimming at your campus pool, playing tennis with a classmate, or hitting the treadmill use this resource.  After all, if you were paying for a gym membership you would want to use to use something that you’re paying for.
• Food Pantries both on campus and in the community.  If you look up food insecurity on college campuses it is a common issue that does not get enough attention.   If you are a full-time student you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administered by the US Department of Agriculture.  It’s free to apply!!
• Financial Aid – Again every single school has an Office of Student Financial Aid.  Even if you do not receive a significant portion of aid sometimes having even a small amount of unmet need will allow you to be eligible for outside scholarships. You can also consider filling out a cost of attendance adjustment.  For instance, take a look at some of the Cost of Attendance Adjustment Appeals that Baylor University allows such as the one time purchase of a computer, expenses due to participation in a study abroad program. or dependent expenses. I can pretty much almost guarantee that Baylor is not the only school that offers a Cost of Attendance Adjustment Appeal.
• Menstrual Supplies. Period Poverty has recently gained more awareness in the past few years, so much so that there is now a Period Poverty Awareness Week in May. The cost of pads and tampons is an issue and according to a recent study 1 in 10 college students cannot afford pads or tampons. To address this issues a number of schools have created programs for students to receive free menstrual supplies.  If you attend one of the 23 campuses in the California State University system or a California Community College it is required by law that schools provide free menstrual products in at least one central location. However just because it’s the law a lot of other campuses are doing this as well.  Again, if your school doesn’t have this then this is an issue worth exploring and a worthy cause to invest your time into advocating for.

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You’d be very surprised at how little there is to guide students on the essentials that they need for college.  College is expensive enough as it is so if you’re living in the dorms this fall here is a listing of the basics things you NEED to bring.

The two most important things to bring with you are:

1. Confidence. Be confident enough to communicate with your Roommate or Roommates. 
Be sure to let them know what you need to help make your upcoming year a successful one. Be open, be honest, and be genuine.

2. A Good Attitude. What they say is true, you never get a second change to make a first impression so be positive and be open minded.   

Beyond that I have composed a listing of items that you will need if you’re living in the dorms this fall and  disclaimer REU Finder gets a small cut if you buy any of these items on Amazon or Macy’s.  But trust me the amount we get is very small.  This site is a labor of love more than anything else plus if you’re not an Amazon fan then you can  likely find many of these items at Walmart, Target or even the Dollar Store.  We also are a Macy’s affiliate so if you shop at Macy’s that works too. 

Bed
So what do you really need?
Usually all dorms will have a mattress and the standard size is Twin XL. 

Pillow case vs. Pillow Sham. What’s the difference? 
Usually the pillow case is what covers your pillow.  A pillow sham might be used in addition to a pillow case.  It’s basically for decoration over your pillow. 

So for bedding at the absolute minimum you need the following:

Pillowcase and a pillow
Flat sheet
Fitted sheet
Comforter or a quilt
If you’re buying a set pillowcases usually come in two

Those are the basics that you need.  Everything else is extra.  If you are that person who is always cold, maybe you’ll want an extra blanket or a throw blanket.

We found this sheet set at Macy’s for 21 Dollars!!
Printed Microfiber 3 Pc. Sheet Set, Twin XL, Created for Macy’s

Want something a little more Basic?
Try Amazon Basics Essential Cotton Blend Sheet Set 

Bath

Two bath towels, two face towels, two hand towels.
If you plan to swim or go to the beach a lot then bring two more.
Towel sets on Amazon 

Shower Caddy this is to bring your shampoo, body, wash etc with you to the showers.
Shower Shoes because yeah you have to be clean.
House shoes or slippers for when you walk around the dorm otherwise you will ruin your socks and being barefoot isn’t cute around the dorms.

Own Your Style at Macy’s! Shop Back to Campus Essentials!

Beyond

Earbuds to not annoy your roommate
Noise Cancelling Headphones for when your roommate is annoying

Reading Lamp also when’s the last time you had an eye exam?  Your university likely has an eye clinic and since you’re paying for the benefits use it!!

Surge Protector

Charger for cell phone Don’t borrow your roommates

Laundry hamper
Laundry bag be sure to see if the on site laundry takes quarters or if yo

u need to use a debit card.
Detergent (including fabric softener) be sure to fold your clothes immediately after you dry them otherwise you’ll need an iron. If you have sensitive skin use fragrance free.

Desk Lamp save even more space by getting one with a USB port 
Being in a dorm is all about saving space so you might opt for a foldable portable computer tray.
Closet organizers are helpful as well.

Dorms will usually have wastebaskets but check with your specific dorm to see.

Don’t forget to follow REU Finder on Instagram for even more updates!!

The most common question I get from students this time of year is “So what do I need to bring with me?”   Here is a quick checklist of what you should bring and why.

1. Pack clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for both the program and the weather
   
   West Coast. Weather can fluctuate so dress in layers.  Coming to the San Francisco Bay Area? You’ll meet Karl the fog. Going to SoCal? You won’t meet Karl the fog but you will see smog.  San Diego or Santa Barbara? June gloom, it does get foggy but then it clears up quickly and it’s gorgeous you won’t want to leave. Going to Arizona State or the University of Arizona? it gets hot!!! You may have heard that you can fry an egg on the sidewalk in Arizona in the summer.  Well, actually no you can’t.  Eggs need 158 degrees to cook through and sidewalks although very hot usually reach out 145 degrees. Although with global warming I could be wrong…
   
   Canada, Washington State or Portland no umbrellas pack a light raincoat instead.  You don’t want to look like a tourist, right?
   
   East Coast hello humidity and possibly rain but it won’t be cold, just humid.  If you’re in the middle of the country or in the South East you’ll find that humid weather means it can rain at any moment so it’s not terrible to pack an umbrella.
   
   Somewhere in the middle is hot and/or humid.  Regardless of where you are, bring sunscreen and possibly a hat and definitely sunglasses.  
2. Business casual clothes for the poster session/networking events.
   Chances are you’ll give a talk at the end of your REU. It will likely be a poster session and possibly a technical talk so be sure to pack something to wear.  You might even have an additional outing where business casual. What is business casual?  Collared shirts or dressy blouses.  Dress socks!  Don’t be that person that wears dark dress pants  and white socks.
   
   If you decide to invest in a suit or a blazer be sure to cut those strings off.  The white strings on the back of the jacket,  When you see these you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. 
   
   Close toed shoes!! This is a big one. I’ve had a lot of students say but I’m not working in a wet lab or this isn’t a requirement in my lab.  Okay, I get it but sometimes you may be touring a lab and imagine you get to the lab and this is a requirement so guess what everyone gets to go into the lab and you’re stuck waiting outside because you don’t have closed toed shoes.  It happens and it’s not fun for that person.
   
   
3.  A shower caddy!! Yes, a shower caddy.  If you’re staying in the dorms then you’ll likely be happy you brought one.  Don’t forget flip flops too. 
4. Maybe a pillow (or not).  Check and see if the dorm or housing you’re staying in has linens (sheets, towels, pillowcases, pillows) they probably do but ask just in case. Fun fact: one year I had a student complain because he didn’t like the thread count in the dorms! I’m not kidding.  Don’t be that person! Unless you have severe eczema and need cotton sheets or a breathable material don’t be that person who complains about the linens on the first day. 
5. Travel Laundry bag and quarters!! Yes, at some point you will have to do laundry and the likelihood is you’ll have to pay in quarters.  Sometimes you’ll get lucky and they’ll take a debit card but you never know so bring quarters just in case. 
6.  Packing cubes.  Did you know that some airlines charge baggage fees?  As someone who travels a lot packing cubes are a game changer for me. Maybe right now you have plenty of room in your suitcase. Changes are after a ten-week summer research experience you’ll have more stuff.  Admit it, you know you’re planning to buy a college sweatshirt from whichever school you’ll be visiting this summer. Buy the packing cubes so you don’t have to pay the extra money on baggage fees. You can use that money on Boba instead! 
7. Your Driver’s License or other official Identification.  This might be a
   no-brainer but believe me I’ve had students forget this.  You might be thinking,” I’m not driving this summer.” Although this might be true you’ll still need identification.  So please be sure to bring this!!  Passport? If you have one, why not?  Again, if you’re going to any high security labs and such you may need to provide this. I once had a student who forgot his ID, his brother wasn’t too happy when he had to drive to drop it off and with gas prices these days… 
8.  A reusable water bottle. You’ll thank me for this one.  Many campuses either a) don’t sell water because they want to be eco friendly, or b) do sell bottled water at a huge markup.  Invest in a water bottle and if you’re a coffee drinker like me buy a tumbler.  You’ll save a lot of money and stay hydrated and awake! 
9. A lock for your e-scooter, bike, etc. If you are bringing a car be sure to let the program coordinators know and ask for a permit if possible.  On the subject of locks the school you’re at probably has a gym so if you plan to utilize the gym you may want to BYOL Brink your own lock.
   
   
10. Confidence. You’re really excited to begin but as the date approaches good old imposter syndrome can start to kick in. Don’t let it happen.  You got this!!  You have the aptitude and the drive to succeed in this new and amazing experience. Also fun fact: they do not expect you to know everything!!  Believe me, it’s an undergraduate research experience so don’t be shy about asking questions.  If you don’t understand something just ask. Remember the more confident you are the easier it will be for you to ask questions and to reach out for help when you need it.
    
    Oh wait, since you’re going to be working with people all summer long be sure to check out my audio book (also available in Kindle or Paperback) “Rose Colored Lenses: A Survival Guide for Navigating Personalities in the Workplace.”Good luck!!

    P.S. Want to be featured on our instagram page?

Last fall you spent much of your time applying to research programs.

Summer is finally here and after months of applying it’s time to begin your research internship (REU). Join Tiffany Reardon, founder of REUFinder, as she gives tips and guidance on making the most out of your upcoming summer research internship.

Bring your questions and join us! Students who register in advance will receive a
Zoom link.
Monday, May 23rd
4 pm (PST)
7 pm (EST)

Register Here!

It’s not too late!!

Here are some REU programs and (scholarships) with March Deadlines.  We’ll be adding more as they are forwarded to us so check back often and be sure to follow us on Instagram!

University of California at Davis

The UC Davis ChemEnergy REU aims to provide diverse undergraduate students with a unique 10-week research experience tackling state-of-the-art research problems in energy, materials, catalysis, and biotechnology. REU students will live on campus and work alongside faculty and graduate students to gain a unique perspective on modern chemistry research. Students will also network with faculty and students in weekly social activities, participate in field trips to local companies and a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe, and receive training to improve science communication skills

Levels: Sophomores &Juniors
Minimum GPA: not specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 22, 2022
Apply

The Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program offers talented undergraduate and graduate students 10-week summer internships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories.
Applicants must be a undergraduate or graduate student enrolled full time an accredited Minority Serving Institution (MSI) that meets the statutory criteria for identification as a MSI defined by the U.S. Department of Education, https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/edlite-minorityinst.html.

Levels: Juniors and Seniors and Graduate Students
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Deadline to Apply: March 31,2022
Apply

REU-CAAR, University of Maryland at College Park

Research Experience For Undergraduates (REU) in Combinatorics, Algorithms, and AI for Real Problems (CAAR) is a 10 week NSF funded research program designed to bridge the gap between the theory (algorithms, probability, combinatorics, Theoretical Machine Learning, others) and other disciplines within Computer Science (AI, Operations Research, practical machine learning, others.) Rather than wax philosophical about this just go Look at the Projects!

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and non-graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.5
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents (there is some funding for non-US Citizens) but you must be attending an American School) Please indicate this in your essays.
Deadline: March 30, 2022
Apply


BioInformatics , University of Maryland at College Park
This REU establishes a program called BRIDGE (Bioinformatics Research In Data science for Genomics) that exposes students to research within bioinformatics and computational biology. Ten students will receive training and mentorship for ten weeks each summer and will be jointly advised by members of the UMD Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB). Throughout this experience, students will work in pairs to learn about a research problem, propose a plan to tackle a specific research question, and implement their plan. With the guidance of experienced mentors, undergraduate students will research real world problems in cutting-edge areas of bioinformatics, including metagenomics, machine learning, single-cell RNA sequencing, parallel computing, and phylogenomics. Students will address novel problems with unknown answers. By the end of the summer, each team will produce a paper and give an oral presentation on their project. Students’ findings will advance knowledge and understanding of the field.

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and non-graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: Not Specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 22, 2022
Apply

Spelman College

Statistical analysis plays a significant role across the sciences and is arguably the most salient point of intersection among diverse disciplines; scientists constantly communicate information on varied topics through the common language of statistics. Application of statistical knowledge is broad, the field is advancing, and there is increased demand for rigor. It is important that underrepresented students, who may be initially less likely to pursue degrees in quantitative fields, not get left behind in the pursuit of advanced training in statistics and the data sciences. The aim of this project is to address this critical need by providing 24 underrepresented female students with statistical training in an exemplary summer program.

Apply

The Math Research at UNC Charlotte (MRC-REU) site will host undergraduate students working with faculty mentors for 10 weeks on research projects in topics including financial mathematics, number theory, material science, probability theory, and statistics. The objective of the program is to cultivate in the students an appreciation of mathematics and its applications and to stimulate the students’ interest in pursuing careers in STEM. The program will foster the overall professional growth of the participants through presentations, training, and networking with alumni and local industry partners.

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Non-Graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: Not Specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2022
Apply

Portland Institute for Computational Science
For students majoring in STEM or a STEM related major
No letter of Recommendation Required.

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Non-Graduating Seniors. The program will also accept high school graduates who have been accepted to a college for this fall.
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: Not Specified
Deadline to Apply: April 3, 2022
Apply

Portland State

Project Based REU – does not pay a stipend but experience ”
The altREU program on “Computational Modeling Serving Your Community” is an alternative, fully online, project-based Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). It is designed for you, the intrinsically motivated doer, eager to go through a unique learning experience that has the potential to directly impact both your community and your career.”
No Citizenship Restrictions
Deadline to Apply: April 24, 2022

Apply

Engineering Sensors, Systems, and Signal Processing for Speech Pathology at The University of AlabamaThe University of Alabama (UA) REU, Engineering Sensors Systems and Signal Processing for Speech Pathology, is a collaborative research experience between the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the department of Communicative Disorders. This multidisciplinary program runs from May through July and offers research opportunities for 9 students from UA and other institutions across the nation. Students in all areas of engineering, computer science, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors & Non-graduating Seniors
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Minimum GPA: No minimum GPA but students should be in good academic standing
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2022
Apply

The Biostatistics Epidemiology Summer Training Diversity Program (BEST) was established to expand and diversify the behavioral and biomedical sciences’ workforce by introducing undergraduates from underrepresented populations to biostatistics and cardiovascular and pulmonary disease research. Students representing racial and ethnic minority groups, disadvantaged backgrounds, and students with disabilities join the Department of Biostatistics at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health’s for eight weeks of research, training, academic and career planning, and social activities around New York City. All applicants must have completed one semester of college level calculus.

Levels: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors & Non-Graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: Not Specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 15, 2022
Apply

Future Leaders in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (FLAME)
The Cornell FLAME Summer Program provides URM students a unique opportunity to launch into a Ph.D. program through enhanced summer research experience and through a subsequent fast-tracked/prioritized admission into the Cornell MAE Ph.D. program with tailored programmatic and financial support. It is designed for students interested in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials, Biomechanics, Bioengineering, Energy and Sustainability, Robotics and Autonomy, and Space Science and Engineering.

Ideal candidates Identify as African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander>

Levels:  Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, & Non-Graduating Seniors
Citizenship Requirements: Not Specified
Minimum GPA: Not specified but students should be in good academic standing
Deadline to Apply: March 18, 2022
Apply

Cornell Center for Materials Research REU Undergrads will have the opportunity to work directly with faculty on interdisciplinary materials research projects involving chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering disciplines. Students will also participate in an organized program of lectures, laboratory visits and a variety of recreational activities.

Levels: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 31, 2022 rolling admissions so apply early
Apply

The JPL Summer Internship Program offers 10-week, full-time, summer internship opportunities at JPL to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

Levels: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.0 GPA
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 31, 2022
Apply

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Site Name: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University

Program Description: This NSF-REU program offers interdisciplinary research opportunities in Biochemistry, Organic, Physical, Computational, and Analytical Chemistry laboratories with an overarching focus on the theme of Catalysis. Students will do research in a nurturing and vibrant academic setting and spend a summer enjoying all what the city of Boston has to offer.

Students will be paired with a Northeastern Chemistry faculty mentor and a graduate student mentor based on their stated research interests. These mentors will guide the student as they immerse themselves in full-time laboratory research over 10 weeks. Participants will attend research seminars presented by program faculty and invited speakers; academic and professional skills development workshops and panel discussions on topics such as research ethics, literature searching, graduate school; social activities and events with other members of the chemistry department or with students from other summer research programs at Northeastern; and field trips to pharmaceutical & biotech companies, or other research institutes in the Boston area. The REU program will conclude with a research symposium where students will orally present their research findings to the wider chemistry community.

Applications are encouraged from students who are first generation college students, women, and students underrepresented in STEM. Students should be majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, or other related disciplines

Levels: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and non-graduating seniors
Minimum GPA: Not specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline:  March 15, 2022
Apply

New York University
The Simons Foundation, New York University’s Department of Biology and Center for Genomics and Systems Biology offer a summer program for undergraduates with career interests in biological research. This 10-week program places students in laboratories of NYU faculty.

Priority will be given to students who are underrepresented, from diverse cultural backgrounds, of LGBTQIA+ identities, and first generation college student
LevelsSophomores, Juniors, and non-graduating seniors
Minimum GPA: Not specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens, Permanent Residents or DACA Eligible
Deadline:  March 15, 2022
Apply

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

This summer, the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) at the University of Pittsburgh will be offering an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program in Rehabilitation Engineering.

The mission of HERL is to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation. The American Student Placements in Rehabilitation Engineering (ASPIRE) program is aligned with this mission and is designed to promote greater involvement and understanding of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology while fostering an understanding of the problems faced by individuals with disabilities.  The result of this 10-week program is a greater ability for students to apply engineering principles to improve the quality of life, level of inclusiveness, and greater functionality for people with disabilities.

HERL is an internationally recognized leader in these research areas and is uniquely qualified to offer an experience that will foster future growth for a new generation of researchers. ASPIRE participants will work directly with HERL faculty and graduate students on projects in our current research portfolio.

The program includes:

• Seminars and workshops to augment the research experience
• Exposure to new and challenging engineering and design concepts
• Networking/collaboration opportunities
• Graduate school application process
• A stipend of $4,750

Given the current state of affairs, HERL is planning to offer ASPIRE in a remote/hybrid format for summer 2021.  For more program details and application instructions, please visit https://www.herl.pitt.edu/education/undergrad.  The program site provides access to the current list research projects, as well as information to research projects from past cohorts.

The program runs  May 16, 2022 – July 21, 2022. Questions regarding any element of the program can be sent to rjw64@pitt.edu.

Levels: Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, and non graduating seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline: March 13, 2022
Apply

The objective of the REU site program, Summer Academy in Sustainable Manufacturing, is to introduce undergraduate students to the forefront of sustainable manufacturing research, and provide students with the skills to pursue post-undergraduate studies to become contributing researchers and practitioners of sustainability in the manufacturing industry of the future. The site resides in midtown Detroit, Michigan, within the Southeastern Michigan Manufacturing Community.

This REU site program has a number of important features: (1) national priority area in advanced manufacturing and sustainability, (2) sustainable manufacturing research projects that challenge participants to consider economic, environmental, and social implications, and (3) activities to develop a vibrant sustainable manufacturing research community. This site is designed to provide a challenging and dynamic learning environment for students to conduct research in critical technical areas of sustainable manufacturing identified by the Department of Energy. Participants will develop collegial relationships as a group by participating in various scholarly and recreational activities. Participants will attend weekly group meetings that introduce participants to the multi-disciplinary nature of sustainable manufacturing, and elaborates on how undergraduate research projects fit into the sustainable manufacturing body of knowledge

Levels: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2022

Apply

ASPB Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships Application 

The American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) fund promising undergraduate students so they can conduct research in plant biology during the early part of their college careers. SURF recipients must present their research at ASPB’s annual Plant Biology meeting in the year following the fellowship award.

Students must secure a mentor
Faculty Mentors – Students must secure a mentor before submitting an application. The proposed research project must be pursued in the mentor’s laboratory. Mentors must be a member of ASPB, have an ongoing research program of high scientific merit, and demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education and research. Mentors are expected to attend Plant Biology 2023 with their SURF student.

Levels: Sophomores or Juniors.
Minimum GPA Not Specified
Citizenship Restrictions: None
Deadline to Apply: March 14, 2022
Apply

 

2022 Vanderbilt Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Chemical Biology

Apply to the  2022 Vanderbilt Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program in Chemical Biology, sponsored by the  National Science Foundation  and the  Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology  (VICB). The objective of the REU program is to introduce students to the excitement and importance of research in chemical biology through a mix of educational and research activities. This ten-week program runs from  May 31, 2022 to August 5, 2022 .

Levels:  Sophomore, Junior, and Senior
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2022
Apply

Cal Poly Pomona 

This REU program is designed to increase students’ interest in UAV technologies by means of first-hand experience on UAV research with direct mentorship by faculty advisors from various departments within the CPP Colleges of Engineering and Science. This REU Site offers undergraduates opportunities to conduct research during a 10-week summer program, on state-of-the-art technologies and advanced research projects in UAV flight dynamic and control, computer vision, artificial intelligence, embedded systems, and robotics.

Levels:  Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and non-graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 7, 2022
Apply

New York Tech is one of few REU sites in the NSF Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) directorate that focus on mobile device and wireless network security. With the objective of providing research opportunities to those who are from institutions lacking research opportunities and from under-represented groups, our REU program has a large number of participants from undergraduate and liberal arts institutions as well as female and minority students. The program provides an opportunity for the undergraduate researchers to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, as well as their REU peers to conduct research in cutting-edge research areas with paramount societal importance and build their confidence as independent researchers.

Levels:  Sophomore, Junior, and non-graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: 3.2
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 10, 2022
Apply

Plymouth State University 

Undergraduate students working toward a degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, geoscience, environmental science, geography, computer science, mathematics, physics or other related degree program are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience is not required.

Levels:  Freshmen, Sophomore,  Junior, and non-graduating Seniors
Minimum GPA: Not Specified
Citizenship Requirements: US Citizens & Permanent Residents
Deadline to Apply: March 16, 2022
Apply

Grace Hopper Travel Scholarship 
“AnitaB.org produces Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) in collaboration with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).  GHC is the world’s largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists. Those who attend GHC gain access to career and academic workshops, networking opportunities, inspirational role models, and memories that will last a lifetime!

For 2022, GHC will be going hybrid! GHC Scholars will participate in the virtual component of GHC and receive exclusive opportunities such as pre-GHC programming, professional development, and networking opportunities.

Scholarships are available for Undergraduates and faculty!!

Eligibility  You must be a student who identifies as a woman or non-binary, enrolled in an accredited degree program at a college, university or high school at the time of applying

Deadline to Apply is March 30, 2022
Apply

“How to Create an Amazing Student Bio”

Friday, March 18th 4 pm (PST)

Registration Link 

Stop saying “Four Year Degrees,” okay?

A lot of focus has been put on the Class of 2020. For college students it meant delayed commencements, unemployment, cancelled trips, and a host of other cancellations. Now in 2022 I realize that there are other unsung heroes we’re not focused on, the game changers if you will. That is, the entering frosh and transfers from 2019 and 2020.  Hear me out, these students are the true revolutionaries!

2019 students, you started off on campus in the fall coasting along and then bam!! spring comes along and… Zoom anyone? For those of you who were frosh or transfers in 2020  “Going off to college” meant shopping for a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones. You never realized just how annoying family can be until this semester.  Maybe you went to college to make your parents proud, to be the role model for your younger siblings.  You envision that day when you walk across the stage and there they are there in the audience standing up applauding in your honor.  It’s a day you have replayed over and over in your mind but in fall 2020 your family annoyed the hell out of you.  You’re not tech support so why is your dad asking you to “just take a quick break” to help him with something.  You’re trying to study chemistry and your younger sister is whining about how you didn’t do the dishes last time.  Or maybe you’re a transfer student and your roommate is bellyaching about how the guy they met on Tinder looked nothing like his profile pic. Or maybe you’re a student parent. Not only do you have to worry about reliable internet for yourself but for your kid, too!  You had to go an entire year online!!!!  The whole year!!!  It was awful.

Suddenly fall 2021 rolls around and you’re on campus but guess what, you can’t find anything.  2020 folks you have no clue where anything is because that virtual tour was useless and 2019 folks you don’t remember where anything is? Oh and wait they changed the name of the buildings when the campus was closed. I get it those namesakes had a checkered past but can we please at least update the maps or put a name on the building????  True story, this happened to me.

Why are you the unsung heroes? Because let’s be honest for the first time it’s normalized that students might not finish college in four years and that is totally okay.  For years community college transfer students silently cringed when they heard “a four year degree.”  I mean if you started off not knowing what you wanted to major in it probably take you longer than four years. Maybe you had an undiagnosed neuro condition (not at all uncommon) and struggled a lot then guess what?  Now you’re doing amazing, sweetie! Or maybe you had undiagnosed depression (yep, that’s me) You do realize that the 2019 and 2020 folks spent their entire first and second years on campus.  You worked your butt off to get here and now you’re already a sophomore or a junior? You spent all of fall trying to adjust and getting lost in the mix.   So think about it, would it be horrible to stay an extra semester?  Would a December graduation be that bad?  Actually, you could participate in commencement in May and then officially graduate in December.  People do it all of the time and probably get double the gifts, just saying.  Like I said you entering 2019 and 2020 folks you are the revolutionaries! You are normalizing that it does not always take four years to complete your degree.  Fun fact: yours truly took seven years!! Yep, it took me seven years and that is okay. You had a worldwide pandemic, I had a kid so yeah.

Let’s normalize and stop saying “four year degree.”  Some people do take four years and some don’t.  Life happens, plans change, our interests change, our relationships change, and best of all we change.  Isn’t that what college is all about?  Discovering who we are and what impact we want to have on the world?  So while you entering 2019 and 2020 folks focus on the impacts that you would like to make on the world, ’ll tell you the impact that you’ve already made, you have normalized that not finishing college in four years is completely okay and that’s awesome. 

Tiffany Reardon is the founder and creator of REU Finder.  For over twenty years she has been working with STEM undergraduate students. Her book “Rose Colored Lenses” is available on Amazon.com

Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Hallmark really needs to step up their game.  Have you ever tried finding a graduation card in December?  In June you’ve got aisles of “Dads and Grads” merch but in December? Good luck with that.  While the holidays take center stage in winter it’s important to remember that you’re a college graduate!! You did it. Although the world is focused on the holidays, because let’s be honest folks are looking forward to getting a break, do not forget to celebrate because you’ve made it to the finish line!! 

Walk this Way

I know a lot of students that participate in a spring commencement whether it’s before they actually finish (walking in May) or after (walking in June). This is a fantastic feeling because you see everyone else around you but in December it’s a little bit different. It feels rushed. You don’t have the same pomp and circumstance.  You likely have one graduation ceremony and then you’re officially finished. Spring graduates may attend many (department commencement,  major commencement, identity based commencement, college wide commencement, etc) but in fall probably just one.  On top of that it’s not uncommon for fall graduates to worry about what’s next if they don’t have something immediately lined up. Maybe you decided to take an extra semester because you wanted to add a minor or maybe you decided to study abroad for a semester? And while that trip to Japan may have been so worth postponing your graduation a semester you now find yourself wondering did I do the right thing?  Maybe you wanted to save money and you had so many AP’s that you said to yourself, why not? I’ll be a spring grad. But then now you’re thinking what’s next? For some reason people think just because you’ve graduated that you wake up the next morning knowing exactly what’s next on the horizon. Many students do not and that is 100% okay particularly as we’re still in a pandemic.  

As a fall grad you might be taking a gap year or at least a gap semester but where does that leave you? If you’ve applied to graduate school then you’ve got until next fall so what do you do now?  So my fall grads here are some opportunities for you to explore. I have curated a list of opportunities just for you: 

1. Continue working on campus for a semester.  A lot of students may not know this but there is usually a grace period after you graduate to continue working on campus as a student assistant.  Why not work as a tutor? Or an orientation leader or a peer adviser? Share your wisdom with the next generation and get paid while you’re at it.  You’ll be helping students and building up references which will be valuable once you decide what it is you actually want to do.
2. Work at a DOE National lab. Did you know that in the eyes of the National Lab you can still be considered a student assistant for up to two years after graduating. I once knew a student who decided to work for a national lab after graduating and based on this experience completely changed their career trajectory.  Case in point:  Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education “The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) provides recent graduates with challenging research opportunities to help prepare motivated students for a career in STEM while providing them with laboratory knowledge to use in pursuit of an advanced degree. Recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates are in a position to gain invaluable research experience in one of more than a dozen STEM-related disciplines. Apply
3. Work for NASA! I’ve never met a STEM student who didn’t want to work at NASA.
   Did you know that NASA hires plenty of recent grads?? Apply 
4. Do a Post Baccalaureate Program. For instance the NIH Postbac program is an excellent one.  The NIH Postbac IRTA program (CRTA, Cancer Research Training Award, in the National Cancer Institute) provides recent college graduates who are planning to apply to graduate or professional (medical/dental/pharmacy/nursing/veterinary, etc.) school an opportunity to spend one or two years performing full-time research at the NIH. Postbac IRTAs/CRTAs work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. The NIH consists of the 240-bed Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center and more than 1100 laboratories/research projects, located on the main campus in Bethesda, MD and in the surrounding area as well as in Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; Phoenix, AZ; and Detroit, MI.
   Deadline to Apply: January 12, 2022
   Apply 
5. Thinking of Med School but you’ve already graduated?  No problem.  The Association of American Medical Colleges has a huge listing of Post Bac programs for students thinking of medical school. https://mec.aamc.org/postbac/#/index
6. Want to get a PhD in Biomedical Science?  The University of Chicago’s PREP program which is designed to provide mentoring, research skills, coursework and a positive learning environment to recent post-baccalaureate students, who intend to pursue a PhD degree in biomedical science.  This program is a unique opportunity in particular for students belonging to groups underrepresented in the biomedical or behavioral sciences as defined by NIH to strengthen their applications to PhD Programs nation-wide by conducting research as laboratory technicians for one year at the University of Chicago and by participating in diverse academic activities that will prepare them to be successful graduate students.
   Deadline to Apply: March 31. 2022
   Apply
   
   
7. Work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) EPA internships, fellowships, and recent graduate positions provide a great introduction to their work, and may lead to permanent employment. The EPA has opportunities available at their Washington D.C. headquarters, in one of their ten regional offices, and at our labs and research centers throughout the nation.
   Apply  
8. Work at the Buck Institute
   The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to investigate insights into the critical molecular and biological drivers of aging as well as translation of that research into new therapies which will improve healthspan. Postbaccalaureate Researchers will conduct biomedical research to combat diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes. Under the guidance of a scientific mentor, each Postbaccalaureate Researchers will be responsible for his or her own research project. The Program emphasizes both laboratory and communication skills training to develop well-rounded future scientists, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
   
   Who’s eligible: Recent graduates two years or less
   Minimum GPA 2.0
   All majors accepted but preference is given to those with prior biological or computational research experience.
   Apply
9. Work for Americorps Through three program thrusts Americorps (AmeriCorps NCCC, AmeriCorps State & National, AmeriCorps VISTA) offers participants the opportunity to use their skills to better the lives of others. Want to work on a team and travel across the US? Are you taking a gap year and you’ve always want to work with Habitat for Humanity? Do you need help with paying off federal loans? If you answered yes to any of these then Americorps might be a good fit for you. 
10. Apply to an REU? Wait, doesn’t the U stand for Undergraduate?  Technically yes, however, there are a number of programs that are willing accept recent grads. So with that in mind go ahead and apply to one!While Hallmark may not be making as a big deal as they might if this were June we at REUFinder are ecstatic and are so happy for you.  Congratulations Grad!!!!

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