This program is a continuation of support for a REU site in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. The support for 10 undergraduate students each year allows them to become involved in the research activities of the faculty of the Department and provides students with an improved understanding of research and encourages them to consider careers in research. The research activities span the areas of expertise of the faculty in civil engineering and includes projects in water resources, bioengineering and pollution control, and structural mechanics. Components of the program include identification of exceptional students through nationwide recruitment with emphasis on women and minority participation; matching of student research interests with faculty; close interaction of graduate students and faculty with the undergraduates to provide students with a fuller appreciation of graduate study, university research, and careers in academia; an intense two month research experience; mini-courses, as needed, to facilitate effectiveness in the research projects; and a mini- conference for presentation of results. The goal of the program is to excite some of the best engineering students in the nation about the challenges of a career in research.
