Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do participants on this program get paid?
    Yes, each accepted participant in this REU-Site will receive an stipend of $600/week. Will also receive on campus housing, food allowed, and travel support to the Side.
  • If I am accepted to this program, should I arrange for housing?
    No, Student participants will be housed in the OU Residence Hall. This will be arranged by the program organizers (PI/Co-PI) before the program starts.
  • If am selected for this program, how many hours per week do I have to work on my project?

    Selected students are required to work on their project from 8:00am to 5:00 pm five days per week. This includes hands-on research, weekly research meetings, cohort building activities, professional development meetings, etc. Students must not work outside of their research project and extracurricular activities during the course of this program.

  • If I am selected, can I enroll in a summer course?
    No, students are require to commit to this program fully and participants should not take any classes during the 10 weeks duration of this program.
  • Can I apply for this program if I am a senior graduating on June when the program starts?
    No, it is required by NSF that participants should have at least one semester of undergraduate studies remaining after completing the REU Site summer program.
  • Is there a minimum required GPA to apply for this program?
    Yes, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 in the scale of 4.0.
  • What is the selection process for this REU-Site program?
    The PI & Co-PI will review applications (i.e. the personal statement, resume, academic transcript, responses to the application form survey, and the two recommendation letters).
  • Can I apply for this program if I am an international student?
    No, NSF requires participants to be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents
  • What is the minimum required coursework to participate in the program?
    Students should have completed at least 4 semesters by the start of the program. Must have completed differential equations and Physics. Applicants from Community Colleges (Oklahoma only) must have taken calculus and physics.
  • When will I be notified that I was accepted into this program?
    Notifications of acceptance will be sent on the second or third week of March of the year in which the REU Program is offered. All applicants will be notified whether or not they have been accepted into the program. Accepted participants will have 10 days to accept or decline REU offers. Students not selected for the Program will be notified by the second week of April of the year in which Program is offered
  • What is the process for project selection assignments?
    To match research mentors with REU participants the PI & Co-PI will review the completed selection survey. They will work closely with the research mentors and receive/evaluate their input. The PI and Co-PI will take into account both the student and mentor preferences. ​
  • Do I need prior research experience to apply for this program?
    No, no prior research experience is required to apply for this program.
  • What are you looking for in the applicants pool or is there a special skill that I need to have for this program?
      There is not a “special skill” but students should have:
    • Strong motivation to work on the project
    • Passion for learning
    • Get along with peers and contribute in maintaining a friendly working environment
    • Be able to meet deadlines
    • Be able to closely follow instructions and advice from mentors
  • Who should be contacted for additional questions regarding this program?

    Questions regarding this program should be addressed to Dr. Wilson Merchan-Merchan at wmerchan-merchan@ou.edu and please copy Dr. Wei Sun at wsun@ou.edu.