Academics

Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) and other undergraduate research-based programs are offered during the summer in most fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  The programs are held for 8-10 weeks at colleges, universities, laboratories, hospitals, and institutes across the country and abroad.  They are usually intended for students after their sophomore or junior years of college, but there are an increasing number of programs that seek students after their first year.  A student's time at an REU is generally devoted to working in small groups with other undergraduate students on original research projects under the direction of a professional researcher.

REU programs usually pay each student a stipend of several thousand dollars to participate.  In addition, they often cover travel and living expenses for the duration of the program and fund travel to present research at conferences.

Benefits of participating in a summer research experience:

  • REU programs help students explore their field of study beyond the standard undergraduate curriculum.
  • Participating in an REU significantly strengthens a resume and/or graduate school application.
  • Working with students and faculty from other colleges and universities can result in valuable networking connections.
  • Students gain exposure to research-based careers.

Resources:  A long list of resources with information about summer research programs can be found at the REU resources page.

Tips on applying to summer research programs:

  • The Division of Natural Sciences supports undergraduate research, so in your applications mention that you may have the opportunity to continue and expand on your summer research after you return to Simpson College.
  • Customize your application for each program.  Indicate why you are specifically interested in that program.
  • Each program has different requirements for its participants, so pay close attention to them.  For example, some programs expect their participants to have completed certain classes and the majority require U.S. citizenship.
  • Emphasize your potential by mentioning any undergraduate research you have completed and any outstanding projects or term papers you have completed for your classes.
  • Indicate any interest in graduate school that you may have.  Note that programs in biological or medical fields generally prefer students who have an interest in graduate school rather than students who are strictly interested in medical school.
  • Ask a professor in your major to read over your application materials.
  • Every application will require recommendation letters.  Do not wait until the last minute to request them from your professors!

Simpson students who participated in research experiences during Summer 2011:

  • Amelia Brown at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Laura Collins at Florida State University (Mathematics)
  • Mike Comer at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Stephen Henrich at University of Iowa (M.D./Ph.D. Program)
  • Mike Henry at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Kevin Hughes at University of Iowa (Microbiology)
  • Jill Jesse at North Carolina State University (Mathematics)
  • Dianna Krejsa at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (Biology)
  • Ryan Lane at the University of Iowa (Mathematics)
  • Heather Malbon at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Max Nguyen at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Norah Owiti at the University of Wisconsin - Madison (Biochemistry)
  • Mitch Pitlick at the University of Iowa (Biology)
  • Phillip Seiwert at Simpson College (Environmental Science)
  • Anna Statz at Simpson College (Environmental Science)
  • Sara Thoma at the University of Oregon (Marine Biology)
  • Kraig Thomas at the University of Iowa (Mathematics)
  • Whitney Thompson at Miami University of Ohio (Mathematics)
  • Jes Toyne at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Hanna VanEvera at the University of Iowa (Mathematics)
  • Emily Van Roekel at the University of Iowa (Biology)

Simpson students who participated in research experiences during Summer 2010:

  • Laura Collins at the University of Iowa (Mathematics)
  • Clay Daggett at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Ethan Eller at Simpson College (Computer Science and the Simpson Urban Studies Institute)
  • Brooke Faulkner at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Physics)
  • Jennifer Griffiths at the University of Iowa (Biostatistics)
  • Stephen Henrich at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Jill Jessee at Valparaiso University (Mathematics)
  • Sean Kelly at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Justin Kuiper at the University of Iowa (Biology)
  • Jackie Mathenge at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Blaise Mikels at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Jeanie Mullen at Simpson College (Mathematics)
  • Norah Owiti at Des Moines University (Biochemistry)
  • Dani Peterson at Marshall University (Mathematics)
  • Molly Peterson at Marshall University and the University of Iowa (Mathematics)
  • Mitch Pitlick at the University of Iowa (Pediatrics)
  • Kiersten Ruff at the University of Utah (Mathematics)
  • Paul Scaletta at Simpson College (Physics)
  • Hope Schissler at Louisiana State University (Biology)
  • Phillip Seiwert at Simpson College (Biology)
  • Anna Statz at Simpson College (Biology)
  • Taylor Stockdale at Simpson College (Mathematics)

Before Summer 2010:  Many Simpson students participated in summer research programs over two years ago.  A list of those students and where they attended programs can be found at the REU students page.

Contact Information:  Contact Dr. Bill Schellhorn if you want additional information included above or notice any mistakes on this page.

Last Updated: 11/30/11