University of Colorado

Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates

in Environmental Engineering

 

REU PROGRAM

Students participating in the REU program in Environmental Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boulder spend 10-weeks doing research with faculty and graduate student mentors in topics related to protection of water resources and ecosystems and water treatment processes.

The objective of the REU program is to motivate and prepare undergraduate students for advanced study and research in Environmental Engineering. In particular we want to enable greater participation of women and minority students in research careers.

REU interns will earn three hours of upper division academic credit in Independent Study through the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering. The REU program begins with a week of workshops on application of scientific method to environmental engineering problems, research methodology, and social and ethical concerns in environmental engineering. This is followed by eight weeks work on an individual research project developed by the REU intern with his or her faculty advisor, including participation in weekly seminars. The summer program ends with production of a written report and oral presentation of research outcomes.

 

EXAMPLE RESEARCH TOPICS

Individual research topics in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering areas reflect the diverse program at the University of Colorado, including:

  • Lab studies on bioremediation of acid mine drainage
  • Development of bioprocessor for treatment of wastewater in space
  • Activity measurements of environmental bacteria in anaerobic digesters
  • Evaluate water use for sustainable urban water management for the West
  • Control of particulate and organic contaminants in drinking water
  • Impact of pretreatment on membrane fouling
  • Lab studies on biodegradation of aircraft deicing fluid in saturated soil
  • Surfactant-enhanced biodegradation of PCB's in bench-scale reactors
  • Column studies on effect of organic matter on transport of viruses in aquifers
  • Biofiltration for treatment of natural organic matter in drinking water supplies
  • Formation of disinfection by-products
  • Modeling and lab simulation of contaminant transport in fractured rock
  • Field studies of distribution of contaminants and impact of acid mine drainage in watershed ecosystems
  • Effect of turbulence on biological activity and contaminant dispersion in surface waters

 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The REU program pays all program costs during the summer. REU summer interns receive:

  • Stipend of $2,000 ($200 per week)
  • Tuition for 3 hours of upper division undergraduate credit in Independent Study through the Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department at CU
  • Room and board on the CU Boulder campus for the 10 weeks (or $1,400 will be added to stipend for students making their own living arrangements)
  • Health insurance and use of all recreational facilities on the CU campus
  • Books and supplies needed for the program
  • $400 for travel to and from Boulder, Colorado OR reimbursement for round trip airfare (only for non-CU-Boulder students)

 

ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION

Academic Eligibility

REU interns must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of undergraduate study and may not have received a bachelor's degree by August of the summer the applicant will attend the REU program. Ideally, applicants should be majoring in an engineering discipline related to Environmental Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, Agricultural, etc.). Students studying science (Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, and Physics) and mathematics also are eligible.

Women and members of minority groups traditionally underrepresented in Engineering (African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander) are especially encourage to apply.

Selection

The faculty in Environmental and Water resources Engineering program in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering review applications for the REU program and make the final selection by April 15. Selection criteria include:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Evidence of academic ability or steady improvement at the applicant's undergraduate institution
  • Evidence of sufficient background in subjects related to Environmental Engineering (not necessarily Env. Eng. Courses per se.)
  • Indication of ability to succeed in a graduate intern program

Letter of interest:

  • Candidates should submit a statement describing their motivation for doing the REU program in Environmental Engineering
  • Written communication skills as shown in letter

Letters of reference focusing on:

  • Applicant's ability to succeed in and benefit from the REU program
  • Applicant's potential for graduate-level study and research
  • Applicant's maturity, motivation and ability to work independently

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

JoAnn Silverstein, Professor
Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering
CB 428
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0428
Phone: (303) 492-7211
Fax: (303) 492-7317
e-mail: silverst@spot.colorado.edu

For more information on the Environmental Engineering program at CU Boulder, visit our web page: http://civil.colorado.edu/web/grad/environ/