Nano-CEMMS Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)

Opportunity Description:

The Nano-CEMMS Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP), under the direction of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Graduate College and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC), offers a summer program that provides students from underrepresented populations in undergraduate studies at any U.S. college or university an opportunity to explore careers in research. The program at UIUC provides each student an experience that will help strengthen their knowledge, skills, and understanding of graduate school. The many opportunities offered through the SROP will allow every participant to establish important relationships with faculty in their respective fields of study, conduct graduate-level research under the supervision of one of Nano-CEMMS renowned faculty members, become acquainted with the culture of graduate school, and learn what is needed and expected of them as a graduate student in nanotechnology.

The overarching goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue careers in nanotechnology by enhancing their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors. Through workshops on graduate education, faculty mentoring, and research, the program prepares students for entry into graduate programs. The experience includes instruction in research design, methodology, data analysis, and presentation of research findings. Students participate as Nano-CEMMS research team members for 20-40 hours per week. In addition to the academic experience, students attend a CIC/SROP conference and participate in social activities, including a welcoming lunch and an awards ceremony.

Minimum Qualifications and/or Eligibility Requirements: 

For this program, Nano-CEMMS identifies and selects highly qualified college sophomores and juniors, with grade point averages of 3.0 or better and an interest in nanotechnology research, to participate in an intensive eight-week summer research program. The University of Illinois receives applications from students enrolled in institutions from across the United States and Puerto Rico. Participation in the SROP at UIUC is extended to, but not limited to, students who are African American, Native American Indian, Mexican American, and Puerto Rican.