Skip to main
University-wide Navigation

Are you interested in working one-on-one with professors conducting research on the current trends in STEM Education while earning some extra money? If so, the STEM Research Experience for Undergraduates Program is for you!

Each year, eight (8) undergraduate research fellows will be selected to participate in this unique program. The research fellows will each be assigned to a faculty member in STEM Education for one academic year to plan, conduct, analyze, write, and disseminate a research project based on the faculty member’s research background. The research fellows will be required to enroll in a research course for the fall and spring semesters designed specifically for those selected to participate in this program. The fall course will meet weekly with some classes being held virtually and others held on the University of Kentucky campus. The spring course will meet bi-weekly with some meetings being conducted virtually. This program is open for all undergraduate students from any university within driving distance of UK that is interested in STEM Education research.

The time requirement for each research fellow is approximately 15 hours per week in the Fall and Spring semesters. Research fellows will be paid $7,200 per year and the project will culminate with a fully paid trip to the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.

Criteria for Applicants:

  • An interest in STEM Education (but you don’t have to be majoring in a STEM area)
  • At least a 3.0 GPA
  • Involved in a Teacher Education Program (accepted into a program, or at least planning to apply to a program) at any university within driving distance of Lexington, KY
  • Strong work ethic
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Must be a US citizen
  • Can NOT be student teaching during the academic year

 

Application Deadline:

Questions? Contact Dr. Jennifer Wilhelm via email at jennifer.wilhelm@uky.edu.

How to Apply

  1. You will submit the application using this link. On that application, you will be required to upload an unofficial transcript and write three short essays. You can save and return to the application, if needed.
  2. Request a letter of recommendation from a current or previous instructor. They will submit their recommendation using this link.

You are responsible for sending that link to your instructor so they can submit their reference letter.

NOTE: After the application deadline, you will be contacted by Dr. Wilhelm via email to schedule an interview for the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have not completed an introductory course in education yet, am I still eligible?

A: Yes, as long as you have intentions to begin your education coursework within the next year.

Q: I plan to student teach during the Fall or Spring semester. Will I still be able to participate?

A: No, if you will be student teaching during the program, then you will not be eligible for this program. You will not have enough time to dedicate to student teaching and this program.

Q: Will there be any work during the summer after the REU program? I have a huge trip planned.

A: There may be some work that will spill into the summer after the program has ended, such as presenting your research at a conference, or working on a manuscript for publication. This summer work can be negotiated with your assigned mentor.

Q: When will we know if we have been accepted?

A: Selected students will be notified within a week after the interview period.

Q: What if I’m assigned to participate in a research project that I’m not interested in?

A: We will attempt to place research fellows with faculty members that have similar research interests. When you are notified of acceptance, you will also be notified on the topic of research you are being assigned to. If you feel that you can’t participate due to lack of interest in that field, then you can respectfully decline the acceptance.

Q: Who do I contact if I have any other questions not on this list?

A: You’ll contact Dr. Jennifer Wilhelm (jennifer.wilhelm@uky.edu) for any additional questions.

 

This project is funded through the National Science Foundation, Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) – STEM Education, Award #1949544.