The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Manufacturing Engineering at Syracuse University is establishing a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program focused on fluid dynamics, including experimental, theoretical, and computational projects. The program will be conducted during a 12 week period in the summer. Six participants will be chosen, with at least four from schools other than Syracuse University. A strong commitment will be made to recruit students from groups that have traditionally been underrepresented in engineering. Six faculty are involved in the proposed work; their research expertise ranges from the generation of parallel algorithms for boundary layer calculations to measurements in supersonic flows. Before starting individual projects each student will attend an intensive one week training program that will address basic research techniques. In addition to one-on-one interaction with a faculty mentor, a complementary program of activities is planned to enhance the professional development of each participant. Among scheduled activities are a workshop on professional writing, a discussion of ethics and professional responsibility, a lecture on public speaking, and presentations on the role of fluid dynamics research in industry by invited speakers. Participants also will prepare a written research proposal, a final written report and make oral presentations of proposed work and final results.
