Research Experience for Undergraduates in Underground Infrastructure

This NSF-funded collaborative Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program is offered by the Colorado School of Mines, Lehigh University, and California State University Los Angeles (CSULA). The objective of the REU program are to (1) attract, engage, and educate undergraduate students from institutions in underground construction and engineering research; (2) offer hands-on high-quality research experience in state-of-the-art laboratory and computing facilities in combination with a series of professional development activities; and (3) motivate undergraduate students to pursue and prepare themselves to succeed in advanced degrees in STEM, with an emphasis on women and minorities.  

Twelve undergraduate students will participate in this ten-week REU program each summer. By engaging a diverse group of students in cutting-edge research, we aim to provide a stimulating opportunity and an impactful program to educate and train future globally competitive researchers in the underground infrastructure area. The REU students will work collaboratively with their mentors to advance fundamental research and field applications, which in addition will help students find a permanent set of mentors to aid in the pursuit of their STEM careers. 

This REU NSF site will provide a dynamic research environment to a cohort of students over a 10-week long summer program. Colorado School of Mines, Lehigh University, and CSULA will collaboratively offer this REU program. We will provide a diverse cohort of undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups with limited research opportunities, with a unique opportunity to explore underground infrastructure and perform research in a multidisciplinary environment. The objectives of this REU program are as follows:  

• Attract, engage, and educate undergraduate students from institutions that have limited research activities in underground construction and engineering research. 
• Offer hands-on high-quality research experience in state-of-the-art laboratory and computing facilities in combination with a series of professional development activities. 
• Motivate undergraduate students to pursue and prepare themselves to succeed in advanced degrees in STEM, with an emphasis on women and minorities. 

We have defined five primary student learning outcomes (SLOs) for this collaborative REU site. These outcomes are the foundation of our program’s design and assessment plan.  

SLO1: Match appropriate research methodologies to research questions and apply these methodologies to advance fundamental knowledge. 

SLO2: Meet standards for the responsible conduct of research. 

SLO3: Develop effective communication and problem-solving skills by working collaboratively with other researchers, writing scientific papers, and making presentations in research meetings. 

SLO4: Discuss confidently the construction, inspection, maintenance, sustainability, and resilience aspects of underground infrastructure with experts in the field. 

SLO5: Clarify their educational and career interests and obtain increased awareness and interest in graduate school and other research opportunities within STEM. 

3Before applying, please make sure you have thoroughly read this page and gathered all necessary documentation and information. Students must provide the following:

• • Background information including the college(s) you attended, your GPA, and credits earned.
  • Two letters of recommendation (see “Recommendation Letter Guidance” below), preferably from professors or supervisors who know your academic abilities and work ethic.
  • A ranking of the projects of interest posted under “Project Descriptions” in order of preference.
  • A ranking of the three project sites (i.e., Colorado School of Mines, Lehigh University, and California State University Los Angeles) in order of preference.
  • Answers to several brief essay questions about your goals and experiences as an undergraduate student.
  • (Optional) Unofficial transcripts, resume, and other scholarly undergraduate work.

Applications for the 2023 REU Summer Program will close on February 15, 2023. Letters of recommendation are also due at that time.

Recommendation Letter Guidance

Each student applying needs two letters of recommendation submitted via the Recommendation Letter Form by the application deadline of February 15, 2023. Each student who applies is responsible for informing their letter writers of the Recommendation Letter Form and asking them to complete it by the deadline. 

For More Information

If you have any questions about the application process or listed projects, please send an email to Dr. Mehran Mazari at mmazari2@calstatela.edu

The application is open to U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident students who are undergraduate students. According to NSF guidelines, an undergraduate student is a student who is enrolled in a degree program (part-time or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree. Students who are transferring from one college or university to another and are enrolled at neither institution during Summer 2023 may participate. High school graduates who have been accepted at an undergraduate institution but who have not yet started their undergraduate study are also eligible to participate. Students who have received their bachelor’s degrees prior to Summer 2023 and will no longer be enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible to participate.

Women, veterans, and students from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering (including African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders) are encouraged to apply to the REU program.

Selected REU participants will receive: 

• Travel funds to and from the research facility.
• On campus housing with a meal plan
• A research stipend of $600/week for their summer work.
• Invaluable research and career experience alongside a faculty mentor and graduate student researcher.

If you have any questions about the application process or listed projects, please send an email to Dr. Mehran Mazari at mmazari2@calstatela.edu

We will be happy to answer your questions