{"649223":{"#nid":"649223","#data":{"type":"news","title":"How I Spent My Summer: NSF REUs Welcome Undergraduate Researchers","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EPlease note that these interviews were conducted, and photos were taken, during the summer semester prior to \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/health.gatech.edu\/coronavirus\/institute-operations\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EInstitute Operations Updates published August 2, 2021\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E in preparation for fall semester, which include: \u201cTo lower the risk for you and others, you are encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public places, including campus buildings, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (\u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prevent-getting-sick\/about-face-coverings.html\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECDC\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E).\u201d\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFaith Colbert\u003C\/strong\u003E, a rising senior at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, was born in Dallas, Texas. When her home state experienced a dangerous, deep cold spell in February of this year, the atmospheric sciences and meteorology major figured the best way she could help her family would be to study that catastrophic weather event.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EA \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/gtcosreuprograms\u0022\u003ENational Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU)\u003C\/a\u003E program at Georgia Tech that she had enrolled in for summer 2021 gave her that chance. More students will soon have a similar opportunity; starting in summer 2022, for the first time, all six College of Sciences schools will offer an REU.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cMy motivation was mainly driven by emotional pulls,\u201d Colbert says. \u201cMy family being directly affected by the storm pushed me to find research-based answers for both them and me.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe REU that enabled her to conduct that research was the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/reu.biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EAquatic Chemical Ecology at Georgia Tech summer research program\u003C\/a\u003E, an interdisciplinary REU with the Schools of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EEarth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E (EAS), \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EBiological Sciences\u003C\/a\u003E, and \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EChemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/a\u003E. EAS also has its own REU: \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/easreu.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Broadening Participation in Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, and Geosciences research program\u003C\/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESara Cuevas-Qui\u00f1ones\u003C\/strong\u003E, a second year student at Purdue University, attended both of those REUs this summer. She\u2019s a physics major but had a chance to explore planetary sciences with her research project on potential volcanic activity near \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/cos.gatech.edu\/news\/rivera-hernandez-wins-nasa-grant-aid-current-mars-rover-missions-and-find-martian-lakes-future\u0022\u003EMars\u2019 Jezero Crater, where NASA\u2019s Perseverance Rover is currently exploring\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cI\u2019ve never had research experiences before,\u201d Cuevas-Qui\u00f1ones says. \u201cIt\u0027s been a great environment, great people. It\u0027s been wonderful working with all my peers, and just learning about them, seeing where they come from, what they\u0027re researching. Many people here are in totally different fields. That\u0027s also been interesting, to get exposed to these new things that I had no idea even existed, honestly.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech\u2019s REUs give Cuevas-Qui\u00f1ones and other students \u2014 particularly those from underrepresented communities and those who are enrolled at universities without research opportunities found at Tech \u2014 a chance to get in the lab, or out in the field. The experiences also give students from smaller colleges and universities the opportunity to use state-of-the-art equipment, and to be mentored by top Georgia Tech researchers.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThat was the situation for \u003Cstrong\u003EMeredith Clayton\u003C\/strong\u003E, who is set to graduate this December from Stephen F. Austin State University (enrollment: 13,000) in Nacogdoches, Texas. She attended this year\u2019s \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/undergraduate-research\u0022\u003EMathematics Research Experiences for Undergraduates\u003C\/a\u003E REU at Georgia Tech. \u201cIt was great just to meet other math majors from different universities. Georgia Tech\u0027s a great environment and campus \u2014 all the faculty are awesome that I\u0027ve met. It\u0027s just been a really good time.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ELast December, \u003Cstrong\u003ELydia Jefferson\u003C\/strong\u003E, a rising senior at the University of Missouri, did a Google search for REUs that addressed \u201caquatic chemistry for environmental science, stream ecology, \u2014 anything I could find. Georgia Tech popped up near the top,\u201d Jefferson says.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EJefferson was obviously water-focused when it came to REUs. \u003Cstrong\u003E\u201c\u003C\/strong\u003EBut it was interesting seeing people interested in the race side of things \u2014 of environmental justice problems in flooding issues. Just anything in the environment was free game. And I didn\u0027t realize, going in, that it would be that diverse. I assumed all of us would be water-focused.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThis experience was just eye opening for how other people communicate their science, how other people present,\u201d they add. \u201cI\u0027m learning the ins and outs of presentations\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u201d\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EJefferson hopes to get a Ph.D. in aquatic sciences and then apply at a US National Laboratory, or perhaps the United States Geological Survey.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cWherever the water takes me.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGeorgia Tech College of Sciences: All about our REUs \u2014 and their leaders\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EREUs are sponsored and funded for science and math programs in higher education by the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/funding\/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517\u0022\u003ENational Science Foundation (NSF\u003C\/a\u003E).\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis year, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.3m.com\/\u0022\u003E3M\u003C\/a\u003E also sponsored a student in the EAS REU. Some of the College of Sciences REUs accept Georgia Tech students, while others are limited to out-of-state students. Check the links for acceptance requirements of each REU.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/faculty\/collard\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDavid Collard\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, senior associate dean in the College, who previously led the REU program in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry for more than a decade, shares that \u201cNSF REU programs in the College of Sciences have a long record of engaging diverse cohorts of participants in cutting edge research.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cSince most of the undergraduate participants are recruited from institutions that do not have extensive research infrastructure, the immersive research experience available to them in these programs can be transformational,\u201d he says. \u201cA measure of success of the REU programs in the College of Sciences is that many of the undergraduate participants subsequently go on to complete their Ph.D., some at Georgia Tech, and others elsewhere.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ECollard highlights that \u201cthe new additions to the College\u0027s set of NSF REU programs \u2014 in neuroscience and in atmospheric science, oceanography, and geosciences \u2014 represent a strong commitment of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/psychology.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ESchool of Psychology\u003C\/a\u003E, the School of Biological Sciences, and the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences to broadening participation and fostering inclusivity in research careers.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u201cIn each school, there is very much a team effort in running these programs,\u201d he adds, \u201cand the coordination of these efforts between the schools is a particularly important feature in allowing us to provide high quality programs.\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/reu.biosciences.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Aquatic Chemical Ecology Summer Research Program (ACE)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHosted by the Schools of Biological Sciences, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ce.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ECivil \u0026amp; Environmental Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cem\u003E, Chemistry \u0026amp; Biochemistry, \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chbe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003EChemical \u0026amp; Biomolecular Engineering\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/brian-hammer\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EBrian Hammer\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, associate professor, School of Biological Sciences and ACE co-director:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EOur Aquatic Chemical Ecology (ACE) REU program has been running since 2004. Our program hosts about 10 students each summer for a 10-week research experience in the lab of a Georgia Tech scientist.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENSF\u0027s intent is to support research opportunities that recruit students from non-Ph.D. institutions where such opportunities are rare. This summer we hosted 9 ACE students. \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/joshua-weitz\u0022\u003EJoshua Weitz\u003C\/a\u003E and his \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/weitzgroup.biosci.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EWeitz Group\u003C\/a\u003E also \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/weitzgroup.biosci.gatech.edu\/2021\/05\/17\/the-weitz-group-welcomes-three-summer-reu-students\/\u0022\u003Ehosted\u003C\/a\u003E 3 students with support from the Simon\u0027s Foundation and they joined our ACE cohort this summer. This summer, two of our ACE REU students (were) on a research cruise in the Gulf of Mexico!\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of our ACE REU is to train students in an interdisciplinary setting, where they interact with a variety of other students and faculty to experience how scientific discoveries are made. They learn about career opportunities in scientific disciplines related to aquatic chemical ecology, they develop mentoring relationships that ignite their desire to pursue scientific careers, and they strengthen their ability to do so through enhanced communication skills, professional ethics training, and exposure to career-building information.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/easreu.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Broadening Participation in Atmospheric Science, Oceanography and Geosciences Research\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHosted by the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/handlos.eas.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EZachary Handlos\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, academic professional and REU professional development lead, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe goal of this REU program is to provide undergraduate students, especially underrepresented students\u0026nbsp; \u2014 as well as those with limited to no research opportunities at their college or university \u2014 the opportunity to participate in world-class research at a major research university with leading experts in the fields of atmospheric sciences, oceanography and the geosciences.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAlong with learning the skills and tools required to actively participate within a research project, participants attend a variety of professional development and social events that prepare them for research-based career and graduate school opportunities. They also foster collaborations with experts and colleagues within their field of study, and network and develop lifelong friendships with other participants within their program.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EProfessional development opportunities focus on best practices for conducting research, strategies for writing research papers\/conducting research presentations, tips for applying to graduate school, and discussions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Social activities, while limited this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, range from field trips to local Atlanta tourist attractions, to companies\/organizations relevant to students\u0027 career interests.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003ETo my knowledge, the students are having a wonderful time, and the impression I get is that they are so happy to be working in-person at a college campus performing research with other undergraduate students and Georgia Tech faculty. Since last year was supposed to be our first year running this program, but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year was really our true first year.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe tone was set immediately on day one when I emailed the students arriving on campus to ask if everything was going okay. One student simply responded to my email question with a picture of the majority of the EAS REU students at the grocery store, buying supplies for the summer, and all were smiling.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis is the most exciting research program I have ever been a part of. These students are amazing people who are highly talented at research. They\u2019re creative, strongly motivated, and most importantly, they\u2019re kind, respectful, and constantly striving to make the world a better place through their work. While they may have learned a lot from this program, I learned a lot from them! They are excellent role models, and it\u0027s an honor and a privilege to have worked with them.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/physicsreu.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Broadening Participation Summer Undergraduate Research Program in Physics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHosted by the \u003C\/em\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cem\u003ESchool of Physics\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/jennifer-curtis\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJennifer Curtis\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, associate professor and REU director, School of Physics:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe GT Physics REU program offers a wide range of cutting-edge independent research projects to a diverse group of undergraduates from around the country.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EStudents have explored a wide range of physical phenomena including Bose-Einstein condensation, quantum properties of magnetic materials, gravitational waves, computational astrophysics, physics of living systems, and soft condensed matter.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe program stands out for its commitment to broadening participation in physics by a diverse cohort of students. To facilitate its goal to broaden participation in physics, the GT REU program is dedicated to building connections with the Atlanta University Consortium (Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University), with approximately 20 percent of the students originating from those institutions. Since 2018, AUC students have been offered additional funding to continue their research collaboration with GT research groups.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/physics.gatech.edu\/user\/shaun-ashley\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EShaun Ashley\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, faculty support coordinator and REU coordinator, School of Physics:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EI had the pleasure and opportunity to create a more engaging and holistic experience for students by serving as a mentor and the \u201cgo to person\u201d for any concerns the students experienced during the program.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis has allowed me to foster long lasting relationships that span from 2016 to present. For example, students continue to reach out to me to guide them with graduate applications, other summer research programs and even to be a sounding board about whether they should continue to graduate school or take a wellness break.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMy responses are always positive and encouraging: Education first, or education and work!\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/reu.chemistry.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Chemistry Function, Application, Structure and Theory (FAST)\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHosted by the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/chemistry.gatech.edu\/people\/evans\/michael\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMichael Evans\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, senior academic professional and freshman chemistry laboratory coordinator, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EREUs have been a long-standing priority for our school for many years, for undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry majors outside and inside Georgia Tech. REU programs are a win-win for students and faculty, as students receive valuable training, and faculty can further their research efforts. These programs also increase the visibility and prestige of Georgia Tech research programs nationally.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EI think much of our success with REU programs flows from a commitment to building up research by undergraduates at Georgia Tech. Because of that history and the quality of Georgia Tech students, our faculty are very comfortable working with undergraduates. Our expanding list of programs builds on that solid foundation.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Human Neuroscience Research and Techniques\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EFirst offering: Summer 2022; hosted by Georgia Tech School of Psychology and Georgia State University\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/biosciences.gatech.edu\/people\/Lewis-Wheaton\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELewis Wheaton\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, associate professor, School of Biological Sciences, REU co-director (Eric Schumacher, professor in the School of Psychology, is the principal investigator for the Neuroscience REU; Wheaton is co-PI):\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is tremendous interest in neuroscience, and we have seen an incredible expansion of technology in our ability to record from the human nervous system. At the same time, many students do not have access to these technologies at their academic institutions because of expense.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EWe feel that it is vital to ensure that students who do not have access to these technologies at their universities get exposure to the tools and approaches to understand the human brain. I am excited to further focus on providing opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities to engage in this research.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EA unique feature of this program allows some students to come back for a two-year experience, which can really provide a great opportunity to enhance their research, and put these students in a stronger position to advance their careers.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/undergraduate-research\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EREU: Mathematics Research Experiences for Undergraduates\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cem\u003EHosted by the School of Mathematics\u003C\/em\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/people.math.gatech.edu\/~dmargalit7\/index.shtml\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDan Margalit\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E, professor and REU co-director, \u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/math.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESchool of Mathematics\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E:\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EOn the face of it, the REU is a chance for undergraduate students to pursue a research project in mathematics with a more senior mentor. As mentors, we do our best to airlift the students into the center of a research problem, where there are calculations to be done, examples to be discovered, or specific arguments to be made. Personally, I am always impressed with the students\u0027 fearlessness and their abilities to make meaningful contributions.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBesides the obvious benefit of being able to contribute to cutting edge research in mathematics, the REU has many other goals and benefits. For many students, the REU is a chance to get a taste of what graduate school might be like, and to decide if they want to apply. We run a professional development program on various topics such as applying to graduate school, creating a poster, and designing a presentation.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis year, we started a graduate research experience boot camp with several other Atlanta schools. On top of this, the students gain valuable experience learning to work together in groups, to think about the big picture of science and mathematics, and to communicate mathematics effectively.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFrom my perspective, I get to see the students experience the highs and lows of research \u2014 from the excitement of thinking they have a solution, to the despair of thinking that everything they did is wrong, and back again. In the end, our students take many more steps forward than backwards, and I am very proud of what they all accomplished this summer.\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"In 2022, all six schools in Georgia Tech\u0027s College of Sciences will offer a summer NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students attending this year\u0027s REUs recount what they learned, and how it will impact their academic careers. "}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EIn 2022, all six schools in Georgia Tech\u0027s College of Sciences will offer a\u0026nbsp;summer NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students attending this year\u0027s REUs recount what they learned, and how it will impact their academic careers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\r\n","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"In 2022, all six schools in Georgia Tech\u0027s College of Sciences will offer a summer NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students attending this year\u0027s REUs recount what they learned, and how it will impact their academic careers. 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