Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Nanotechnology
Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Applicants

1. What are the dates of the 2009 Summer Program?

It is a 10-week, full-time program tentatively from June 01 - August 07, 2009. (“Move in” is May 31 and “Move out” is August 08 by 11am).

2. How much is the stipend?

The stipend for 2009 is $3,500 given incrementally throughout the 10 weeks. It may be used for food and recreation. You will not be paying for housing.

3. What about housing?

Housing will be coordinated and provided for REU participants on-campus in the East Campus dormitory located on the Columbia Morningside (116th Street) campus - http://www.columbia.edu/cu/reshalls/summerhsg/intern-nycwork/.

4. What about food?

REU participants are responsible for their own meals. There are university summer meal plan options as well as local grocery stores and restaurants. (East Campus has student accessible kitchen facilities for cooking.)

5. What about travel expenses?

Round-trip travel expenses to and from the summer program will be reimbursed up to $500 ("regular" tickets only, no first-class, etc.) per participant. Original receipts must be provided.

6. Do I need health insurance?

Yes - Columbia will cover minimal care for health issues during the 10-week program.

7. What will I be doing during the 10 weeks?

You will be working on your research project with your faculty mentor, attending our weekly Thursday REU seminar series, and interacting with other summer science research students in other programs formally and informally, such as on field trips and special events/symposia.

8. When is the application deadline?

All complete online applications must be submitted by March 06, 2009.

9. What are the application requirements?

Prospective REU participants must complete the NSEC REU application, downloadable from the web, forward all updated official college transcripts as well as two letters of recommendation. No prior research experience is required. Students must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years of college - no graduating seniors, please!

10. When do I find out if I am accepted?

Applicants will be notified by the end of March.

11. When do I find out what projects I will be working on?

REU students, faculty, and projects are closely matched after participants have been accepted. The REU participant will be notified of this match as soon as possible. Each student's major, research preference, and experience are taken into careful consideration regarding project match.
12. Why choose Columbia's NSEC REU program?
  • Excellent materials science research facilities
  • Top-notch faculty mentors
  • Interaction with other summer programs such as Materials Science REU, Chemistry REU, and Minority Affairs Summer Research Program
  • Great location in the greatest city in the world

For further questions, please contact:

Dr. Vesna Gasparov
Program Coordinator
Department of Chemistry
Columbia University, Havemeyer Hall, 211A
3000 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-854-2017
E-mail: vg2231@columbia.edu