So I started my REU a couple days ago

In summary, the speaker has recently started their REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) where they will be working on growing Aluminum Nitride wide bandgap semiconductors using molecular beam epitaxy. They are not sure what their specific project will be yet and are currently reading up on MBE and UHV technology. They do not expect to be assigned a project for a few weeks and will spend their time studying and helping their professor with miscellaneous tasks. They are concerned about their advisor's strong Russian accent and their ability to understand them. They are also unsure if their REU experience is typical, as they have only been in the program for a short time and have been told by other students that their experiences were more intense and they
  • #1
leright
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So I started my REU a couple days ago...

I will be working on growing Aluminum Nitride wide bandgap semiconductors by molecular beam epitaxy. I am not sure what my specific project will be yet sicne I just started. My advisor has had me read a textbook on MBE technology, and he had me read up on the UHV technology. He has some other books lined up for me to read as well.

I don't think I will get a real project for a few weeks (this REU will be a one year thing...I will work part time this spring, full time in the summer, and part time in the fall). During the first few weeks I think I will be just studying and helping out with miscellaneous tasks that my professors needs help with. Is this typical or an REU? I came in expecting to get assigned a project right away. I certainly hope I get assigned a project eventually because I would like to eventually publish. I also want to apply my REU experience toward my senior project.

The professor that runs the lab is in India for 3 weeks. When he comes back I will go talk to him about funding for a project. This is what my advisor told me to do.

Also, my advisor has a very strong Russian accent so he can be difficult to understand sometimes. I fear this will be a serious hurdle...He is a nice guy though, and has been quite helpful thus far.
 
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  • #2
I guess my question is, what is the typical REU like? Am I getting the same experience as most REUs? I have only been in the REU for a very short period of time, but from what other students have told me, their REU experiences were very intense and they were given a project from the get go. I feel like I am perhaps being babied. However, this could be just due to the fact that I am part time right now (only around 10 hours per week) and my REU time period is around a year.
 
  • #3
Just some simple input. Most of the REU I'm aware of are only for ten weeks and usually have a two week crash course into the subject they are researching, so that the students may be better prepared. I would not worry about being behind others in your REU, in fact, since it is for a year, I would consider you to be ahead.
 

FAQ: So I started my REU a couple days ago

1. What is an REU?

An REU stands for Research Experience for Undergraduates. It is a program funded by the National Science Foundation that provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in research projects at universities and institutions across the United States.

2. How long does an REU last?

The length of an REU program varies, but most programs last for 8-10 weeks during the summer. Some programs may have different durations or may offer the option to continue the research during the academic year.

3. What types of research can I expect to do during an REU?

REU programs cover a wide range of research topics in various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science. Projects can range from lab-based experiments to data analysis and computer simulations.

4. How do I apply for an REU?

To apply for an REU, you will need to find a program that aligns with your research interests and meets your eligibility criteria. Most programs have online applications that require you to submit your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. You may also need to provide a resume and list of research interests.

5. What are the benefits of participating in an REU?

Participating in an REU can provide valuable hands-on research experience, help you develop new skills, and build your resume for future academic and career opportunities. It also allows you to network with peers and professionals in your field and potentially publish your research findings.

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