The REU activity would allow students to work closely with faculty to combine advanced computing tools and techniques with fundamental applications in the structural and materials areas of civil engineering. Since seven other universities are presently working on these projects, NCSU has an excellent opportunity to attract from these schools qualified applicants who are already familiar with these programs. In addition, applicants from NCSU's Engineering Scholars Program would be sought to participate in the REU site program. The 10 REU program students will participate in a ten-week summer research program. All participants will live on campus, enjoy full NCSU student privileges, and be able to interact easily with other undergraduates and with graduate students and faculty. Students will attend weekly discussion sessions on their research projects and also on such topics as proposals, publishing, and presentations. Additionally, they will be required to write and present a paper on their research. The REU site offers valuable and enriched opportunity to each participant with its excellent research facilities, highly qualified and experienced faculty, and past success with the REU program.
