The MAOP Undergraduate Summer Research Internship (SRI) began in the summer of 1993. Since then, it has been a transformative experience for over 700 undergraduates. The purpose of the program is to provide undergraduates from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to conduct research on campus and to educate participants about graduate education. Students from a wide variety of academic disciplines spend ten weeks during the summer, working closely with a faculty mentor in a mentor/protege relationship to design, conduct and present a scholarly research presentation.
Students interact with other student researchers, faculty and graduate students in different areas of study, using state-of-the-art equipment, and attend seminars on the nature of graduate education.
Students also prepare to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and receive counseling on gaining admission to graduate school and available funding opportunities. In addition, the experience provides for a two day retreat, and provides students with the opportunity to enhance their personal growth and development.
Students devote at least 40 hours a week on their respective research projects and scholarly activities. At the conclusion of the program, students will present their research to their fellow SRI peers, faculty mentors, and guests. The research is presented using a poster format and oral presentation. This research symposium is the culminating event of the experience, and takes place during the last week of the program.
The program is open to undergraduate students from any two-year and/or four-institution from around the United States and territories. Participants must be U.S. Citizens or Permanent U.S. Residents. Participants are selected on the basis of academic achievement, commitment to pursuit of graduate education, and match of interest with an available faculty mentor.
Since many SRI participants eventually enroll in graduate school at Virginia Tech or elsewhere, this program has been an especially effective way to invest in and prepare a talented, diverse group of students for enrollment in graduate programs. Previous participants have been very successful in obtaining graduate/professional degrees and in adding to the diversity of their institutions and within their professional fields.
To apply, visit their site.
