This REU Site is established at the Fluid Dynamics Research Center (FDRC) of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago. The program is directed at qualified undergraduate students enrolled at IIT as well as at other universities and colleges in the State of Illinois. It is designed to provide the students with hands-on experience in fluid mechanics research in an environment where they will be exposed to new and exciting research problems. A REU participant is a member of a research team, interacting with the faculty as well as with other students. He/she will be given specific assignments tailored to obtain the right mix of knowledge, the acquisition of new skills, and a sense of accomplishment and belonging.