Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Automotive Technologies

Overview:

The engineering economy is becoming increasingly global. To succeed in this new economy, engineers must not only be technically competent and effective at working within multidisciplinary teams, but they must also have the cultural, social, and language skills necessary to effectively interact with colleagues and customers overseas.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Virginia Tech (USA) and the Technische Universität Darmstadt (Germany) have established a dual international NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site to encourage US undergraduate students to pursue graduate studies and a research career within an international context and, in particular, within the area of automotive technologies. The second cohort of 12 students will enroll in this REU program for Summer 2008.

Four REU students will be located at Virginia Tech (VT) in Blacksburg, Virginia, and eight REU students will be located at Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUD) in Darmstadt, Germany. These students will join local graduate research teams in the area of automotive technologies. The objective is to place the REU students, to the extent possible, in joint VT-TUD research projects so they can participate in transatlantic research teams with REU students in both locations. In many cases there will be an opportunity for the REU students to return during Summer 2009 for research at the other location, and to continue their research at a distance while back at their home university during the 2008-2009 academic year.

Language Skills: The research will take place using English. German language skill, while desirable, will not be required. To the extent German language training is available and desired by the individual REU students, the REU student will be given time off with pay to pursue German language training on a part-time basis. The cost of tuition and/or fees for this optional training will be the responsibility of the REU student.

Academic Credit: The REU students will have the option to earn up to six (6) semester credit hours of ME 4994 Undergraduate Research from Virginia Tech for their REU research at VT or TUD. ME 4994 counts as technical elective credits for VT BSME students. The cost of tuition and/or fees for this optional academic credit will be the responsibility of the REU student.

Research Locations (Summer 2008)

Dates

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The REU students will receive a stipend of at least US$3,000 plus free room, board, and travel. The REU students at VT will receive a Hokie Passport (VT student ID), which will provide free access to the university pool and gymnasium. The REU students at TUD will receive a TUD student ID (and the associated health insurance required at TUD), which will provide discounted long-distance public transportation, free local public transportation, and discounted pricing in the student dining halls. Subject to funding availability, timing, and access, the REU students will also be invited to attend the VT Automotive Awareness Conference as part of the REU program. The exact amount of the stipend will be determined in April 2008 once the cost of air travel and the currency exchange rates are less uncertain.

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