TN-SCORE (Tennessee Solar Conversion using Outreach, Research, and Education) is excited to offer summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s). TN-SCORE is an alternative energy research grant involving nine universities across Tennessee. Funding comes from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. There are three research areas within TN-SCORE:
Thrust 1 Advanced Solar Conversion and Innovation
Thrust 2 Components and Devices for Energy Storage and Conversion
Thrust 3 Nanostructures for Enhancing Energy Efficiency
During the summer, there are competitive opportunities for undergraduates to work in research groups. The summer research experience is an 8-10 week program. Students will receive a $4000 stipend, housing, and supplies. Depending on the host institution, the stipend may differ and food may be included. In 2012, the host universities include: Tennessee Tech, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University. Funding is provided by NSF EPS-10004083.
Starting dates for the program are tentatively set for late May- early June but are determined by the availability of the dormitories and may vary by campus. Please check the TN-SCORE website for updates. Funding provided by NSF EPS-10004083.
Student Application Requirements
-Enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student in a college or university in Tennessee (4 year or community college)
-Preference in applicant selection will be given to students who are underrepresented in STEM, are Tennessee residents, and those who have career and educational goals that involve alternative energy.
Requirements of Participation
In addition to performing the research on the project, all award recipients are required to:
-Present their research at the annual TN-SCORE Conference and other events as determined by the TN-SCORE staff.
Application Details
The deadline is February 29, 2012. However applications will be reviewed as received with rolling awards decisions. Click here to apply.
(1) Application Form
(2) Copy of Unofficial College Transcripts
(3) A brief (1-2 page) statement outlining how the summer research experience will strengthen and encourage the student’s pursuit of a graduate degree or career development that includes research components in STEM areas.
(4) A letter of recommendation (2 page maximum) sent independently by a faculty member at the student’s home institution. The letter should include:
-In what capacity does the faculty member know the student
-The student’s overall classroom performance
-The student’s potential for graduate study and research
-The student’s research experience
-The level of undergraduate research in the student’s home department
-The potential benefit to the student of involvement in the TN-SCORE undergraduate research program.
Selection Process
Applications will undergo careful review by a panel of TN-SCORE administrators and faculty researchers based on the following:
-Scholarship: student grades, activities, and other performance indicators that suggest the student will have success in program
-Research activity: relevance of proposed research to alternative energy issues and TN-SCORE program objectives
-Faculty Support: Commitment from an REU supporting faculty member and consistency between the students’ interests and the faculty members’ ongoing research.