Empower: Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates
In summer 2024, the Water Institute at Purdue University Northwest is hosting a Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Our REEU mentoring team will provide multidisciplinary experiences to a select group of participants who will be chosen based on both merit and other critical considerations to ensure an inclusive environment. Participants will receive a $3,100 stipend; housing and food expenses will also be covered.
Program Dates
June 2 to Aug. 2, 2024
How to Apply?
Send the following materials to VGude@Purdue.edu.
- Resume
- Letter of Interest, Including a Half-Page Research Summary
- Transcript
- One Reference Letter
Application deadline is March 15, 2024. Selected participants will be notified by March 31, 2024.
All undergraduate students interested in water, energy and environmental systems for sustainable agriculture and rural development (minorities and underrepresented students are encouraged to apply)
- Food-Energy-Water-Land Nexus for Sustainable Agriculture
- Renewable Energy Integration in Agriculture and Rural Communities
- Process Simulation and Visualization of Water and Energy Integration
- AI-enabled Biomass Feedstock Characterization and Quality Control
- AI-enabled Mobile Augmented Reality Innovation for Coastal Marine Debris Investigation
- Life Cycle Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment for Remanufacturing Decisions
- Innovative Nutrient-Energy-Water Technologies for Circular Bioeconomy in Agriculture
- Hands-on Research Experiences
- Extension and Community Engagement
- Professional Development Workshops
- Symposia and Presentations
- Field Trips and Fun-Filled Weekends
Water, energy, and food demands are expected to rise with an increasing global population in the near future. At the same time, these resources are continuously being depleted due to excessive usage or pollution and need protection to support sustainable production.
There is a growing interest in relevant scientific disciplines, with the United States alone expected to create more than 50,000 annual job openings for a highly skilled workforce with bachelor’s or higher degrees in related disciplines. The highly complex nexus of water, energy, environment, food and nutrition calls for the emerging workforce to be trained with multidisciplinary skills to address the intertwined challenges.
This can only be achieved by providing current undergraduate students with more hands-on research, education, and extension/outreach experiences through scientifically sound and socially relevant projects.
Our REEU mentoring team will provide multidisciplinary experiences to a select group of participants who will be chosen based on both merit and other critical considerations to ensure an inclusive environment. The overarching goal of this project is to prepare a team of professionals with superior skills that form a diverse workforce equivalent to changing demographics.
The REEU program was a great opportunity for me. I was able to gain more experience modeling realworld engineering problems while building skills with simulation tools such as Ansys Workbench and Fluent. I would recommend the REEU research program to any student looking to build skills in engineering analysis or to build up relevant experience on their resume.
Cameron Dunlap
