CEMS strongly encourages students to consider participating in undergraduate research or a design team.  In the first two years of college, such experiences provide a mechanism for gaining experience that opens up doors for industry internships.  In the latter years they build the skills necessary for graduate school and/or provide key experiences for finding an industrial position.  Students may participate in research starting in the freshman year.

There are several pathways to pursue undergraduate research in CEMS.  One is through the CEMS REU program.

1. ACADEMIC YEAR

• CEMS will provide matching funds of up to $300/semester to hire undergraduates to do research with faculty during the academic year with an hourly rate of $12.50/hour.
• Students can reach out to faculty members, find a good fit, and apply together in JobX. The application will be reviewed by the Department Chair who will make recommendations for funding.
• Students can fill out the application in JobX and the Department Chair will work with them to find a faculty member with similar interests.
• Students will be expected to work at least 5 hours / week.

2. SUMMER

• Matching funds of up to $2000/student are available for 5 undergraduate students for summer research. Students can talk to faculty members about summer support, and then together with the faculty member apply for summer matching funds using the summer application in JobX.
• Students can apply for Summer Research Funding via the UVM SURF program or via The Barrett Scholars Program within CEMS (https://www.uvm.edu/cems/richard_barrett_scholarships).

Students who participate in sponsored undergraduate research are expected to participate in the UVM Student Research Conference in the spring semester (a report could be written in place of this with permission).

Deadlines for matching funds

Spring: December 15

Summer: February 15 CEMS Barrett Scholars Program and UVM SURF Program

Students are also encouraged to consider other opportunities for research:

• (FOUR) The Fellowships, Opportunities, and Undergraduate Research Office: https://www.uvm.edu/four
• National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp