Apply

Prior to applying to the REU program, applicants must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility requirements.

A completed application package will include:

1. Applicant information and demographics
2. Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
3. 500-word essay
4. Letters of reference from two faculty (uploaded by the faculty, not by the student applicant)
5. Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended (sent by their home institution directly to the University of Miami)

Applicants who are selected for participation will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the program start. Official transcripts are not needed when submitting the application.

Applications will be prepared using a Qualtrics website managed by the University of Miami. Detailed instructions are provided in the next section.

In accordance with National Science Foundation policies, undergraduate student participants must meet the following eligibility requirements. The list of Frequently Asked Questions addresses further unique cases.

Nationality

The program is open to:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. nationals
• Permanent resident of the United States

Education status

At the start of the program, participants must be:

• At least 18 years of age
• An undergraduate student at a university in the United States or its territories
• Enrolled in a part-time or full-time degree program leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree

The following special cases of applicants are also eligible to apply:

• Recent high school graduates who have been accepted to an undergraduate institution in the United States or its territories but will not start their undergraduate study until Fall.
• Undergraduate students who are in the process of transferring to another undergraduate institution.

Students who completed their baccalaureate degree and are no longer enrolled as undergraduates are not eligible.

Educational background

In general, applicants should have:

• Completed at least one year or 24 college credits in a relevant STEM major, such as chemistry, engineering, or material science
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4-point scale

The list of Frequently Asked Questions addresses further unique cases.

Follow the steps below to prepare your application. Do not click the application link until the last step. 

If you have questions, first refer to the FAQ page. If your question is not addressed there, email Dr. James Giancaspro (jwgiancaspro@miami.edu). In the subject line, specify "CIRR REU Program | <Your first and last name >". Do not email the application file or any attachments; all responses must be submitted online by following the process below.

1. Verify that you satisfy every eligibility requirement.
2. Review the available CIRR REU research projects. You will be able to select up to 3 projects, ranked in order of preference.
3. Download the sample application. Read it and prepare your responses in a separate document. You will later paste your responses into the application website. Do not email the application file; all responses must be submitted online.
4. Obtain unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, and combine them into a single PDF file no larger than 25 MB. Name the file: "Your last name - UG Transcripts.PDF". For example, name it: Smith – UG Transcripts.PDF
5. Write a ~500-word essay. Use standard letter size (8.5×11 inches) with 1" margins on all sides, single-spaced paragraphs, page numbers, 12-point Times New Roman font, and your name in the footer of each page. The essay must address the following items:
   1. Your motivation to pursue research in coastal resilience
   2. How the CIRR REU program aligns with your career goals
   3. Examples of your ability to work in a team environment
   4. Prior research opportunities, publications, presentations, etc. (if applicable)
6. Save the essay as a PDF file no larger than 10 MB. Name the file: "Your last name - CIRR REU Essay.PDF". For example, name it: Smith – CIRR REU Essay.PDF
7. (Optional) Prepare a 1-page resumé and save it as a PDF file no larger than 10 MB. Name the file: "Your last name – Resume.PDF". For example, name it: Smith – Resume.PDF
8. Ask at least two professional individuals to provide letters of reference for you. Obtain their name, title, name of company or university, phone number, and email address; they must have an email address with an edu suffix. This information will be needed in your application. The CIRR REU program administrators will contact them for the reference letters.
9. Verify that the previous steps are fully completed and the PDF files are named properly and ready for upload. Once you submit your application (in the next step), you will not be able to return later to edit the application.
10. Click here to prepare and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email after your submission. Do not email your application documents.

If you are selected for the CIRR REU program, you will be notified to have your official transcripts sent directly from your institution's Registrar to the address below. We cannot accept official transcripts sent by a student; no exceptions.

Drs. Giancaspro and/or Ghahremaninezhad
CIRR REU Program Administrators
University of Miami
Dept. of Civil and Architectural Engineering
1251 Memorial Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146-0630

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2149857. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

University of Miami
Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
1251 Memorial Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146-0630

CIRR REU Administrators
Dr. Ali Ghahremaninezhad a.ghahremani@miami.edu
Dr. James Giancaspro jwgiancaspro@miami.edu