The Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at Penn State provides opportunities for Mechanical Engineering students to participate in research related to real problems involved in manufacturing systems, control systems, thermal systems and fluid mechanics. The research projects proposed assume completion of the junior year in a standard mechanical engineering curriculum and build upon the students' education in one or more of the following courses: dynamics, kinematics, controls, fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Students selected to participate in the program are offered the opportunity to visit the campus prior to the start of the summer experience. During the visit, they meet with the PIs and the research advisors. Matching of the students and advisors is thus accomplished prior to the start of the research experience. The research experience is on a one-on-one basis with the advisor; however, group opportunities to exchange ideas between the REU participants and faculty are organized throughout the summer. Formal presentation of the research takes place during the final week.
