Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Complex Fluids and their Applications June 2 to August 8, 2008

Program Description

The departments of Mechanical, Aerospace and Structural Engineering, Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis are pleased to announce the availability of eight summer research fellowships through our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Complex Fluids Program. This 10-week REU Program, which is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), gives qualified undergraduate science and engineering students an opportunity to explore their interests in theoretical and experimental problems in complex fluids, micro-fluidics, nanoparticles formation and transport, phase transitions, protein folding etc. by conducting independent research under the guidance of one of the participating faculty members, increase their understanding of research practice by participating in a series of  five one day long introductory workshops on complex fluids, microfluidics, nanoparticle formation and transport, protein folding and self assembly, and ethics; and improve their written and oral communication skills. The workshops will help REU participants develop the skills that are required to plan, conduct, and interpret investigations of transport of complex fluids in microsystems and their applications in various fields of engineering. In addition, REU students will learn how data collection and analysis are used in engineering practice by visiting several local facilities that are engaged in the above mentioned and related research areas. Descriptions of potential research topics are available at the REU Program web site (http://www.me.wustl.edu/REU/).

Financial Support

The REU in Complex Fluids and their Applications will provide the following financial support for all participants:

• $4000 stipend for 10-week program
• $3000 allowance for expenses towards on campus housing in residence halls, meals, travel, and other incidentals.

Eligibility and Application Procedures

This program is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.  Applicants should be enrolled in an engineering or science program with sophomore or junior standing and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.  Students who have received their B.S. prior to June 2008 are not eligible.  Female and minority students are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Eligible students may download applications for the Program from the REU web site (http://www.me.wustl.edu/REU/complex_fluids.htm).  Please mail the completed applications to:

REU Program in Complex Fluids (Attn: Dr. Ramesh Agarwal)

Campus Box 1185

Washington University

One Brookings Dr.

St. Louis, MO  63130

The deadline for application is March 14, 2008. The students will be notified about acceptance or rejection by April 1, 2008.