Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate (REU) students through itsÌýREU SitesÌýprogram. An REU Site consists of a group of about ten undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution, and are housedÌýat the host university. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel.

Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) has robust REU programs for students wanting to exploreÌýChemistry (Community College Students),ÌýComputer & Information Science, Cybersecurity, and Psychology (Transportation).

Laboratory Research - Scientific Glassware

This REU site provides opportunities for community college students (with a focus on Tidewater Community College and Thomas Nelson Community College) to perform research in the chemical sciences in topics ranging from sustainable energy production to development of materials with biomedical applications. REU students gain hands-on experience in the laboratory under the close mentorship of more experienced researchers and participate as a cohort in a series of professional development activities to include seminars, panel discussions and workshops.

iftekharuddin-xin-2019-reu

Cybersecurity is a priority area of national need. As a multidisciplinary field, cybersecurity requires that the professionals have knowledge and skills in various disciplines. In this REU site program, students from multiple disciplines, such as computer science, computer engineering, criminal justice, information technology, and psychology, will explore a variety of cybersecurity topics, using Deep Learning or AI as a main methodology. The REU program is also enriched through various seminars and social activities.

This REU site provides hands-on learning experiences to undergraduates focused on disinformation detection and analytics at Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) within the Department of Computer Science, in partnership with the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) and the Department of Communication Disorders & Special Education. Disinformation exists in the form of "fake news", consisting of deliberate misinformation. For example, a recent study found that the use of cannabis as a cancer cure generated 4.26 million engagements on social media. In contrast, accurate news generated only 0.036 million engagements. The recently released special Eurobarometer survey found 71% of respondents encounter fake news several times a month or more often. Unfortunately, due to the lack of understanding of the basic and/or the best available science, and the limited accessibility of credible information, a vast number of citizens are susceptible to disinformation.

Psychology Interdisciplinary Research Driving Simulator

The goal of this REU Site on transportation in the behavioral sciences is to provide a diverse group of undergraduate researchers with training on research skills in various subfields of Psychology and Engineering that contribute to interdisciplinary transportation science. Students will be exposed to the interdisciplinary nature of transportation science and conduct research that has both theoretical and applied impact in various transportation areas. Students will learn a variety of behavioral science and engineering methods within human-in-the-loop simulation experiments, questionnaire-based behavioral research, and direct observation.

Laboratory Research - Scientific Glassware

This REU site provides opportunities for community college students (with a focus on Tidewater Community College and Thomas Nelson Community College) to perform research in the chemical sciences in topics ranging from sustainable energy production to development of materials with biomedical applications. REU students gain hands-on experience in the laboratory under the close mentorship of more experienced researchers and participate as a cohort in a series of professional development activities to include seminars, panel discussions and workshops.

iftekharuddin-xin-2019-reu

Cybersecurity is a priority area of national need. As a multidisciplinary field, cybersecurity requires that the professionals have knowledge and skills in various disciplines. In this REU site program, students from multiple disciplines, such as computer science, computer engineering, criminal justice, information technology, and psychology, will explore a variety of cybersecurity topics, using Deep Learning or AI as a main methodology. The REU program is also enriched through various seminars and social activities.

This REU site provides hands-on learning experiences to undergraduates focused on disinformation detection and analytics at Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) within the Department of Computer Science, in partnership with the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) and the Department of Communication Disorders & Special Education. Disinformation exists in the form of "fake news", consisting of deliberate misinformation. For example, a recent study found that the use of cannabis as a cancer cure generated 4.26 million engagements on social media. In contrast, accurate news generated only 0.036 million engagements. The recently released special Eurobarometer survey found 71% of respondents encounter fake news several times a month or more often. Unfortunately, due to the lack of understanding of the basic and/or the best available science, and the limited accessibility of credible information, a vast number of citizens are susceptible to disinformation.

Psychology Interdisciplinary Research Driving Simulator

The goal of this REU Site on transportation in the behavioral sciences is to provide a diverse group of undergraduate researchers with training on research skills in various subfields of Psychology and Engineering that contribute to interdisciplinary transportation science. Students will be exposed to the interdisciplinary nature of transportation science and conduct research that has both theoretical and applied impact in various transportation areas. Students will learn a variety of behavioral science and engineering methods within human-in-the-loop simulation experiments, questionnaire-based behavioral research, and direct observation.