MTU College of Engineering Debuts New Research Experience for Undergraduate Students.

The Michigan Technological University (MTU) College of Engineering has introduced a dynamic Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, designed to immerse students in interdisciplinary STEM research while enhancing their professional skills. This initiative is part of the TECH SCEnE (Technology, Engineering, Community, and Environment) project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Program Overview

The REU program offers undergraduate students a comprehensive 10-week summer experience, running from May to August, at MTU’s Houghton campus. Participants engage in hands-on research across various engineering and environmental disciplines, collaborating closely with faculty mentors and peers. The program aims to foster interest in STEM careers, particularly among underrepresented minority students, by providing exposure to real-world research challenges and solutions.

Daily Structure and Activities

A typical day for REU participants begins with research activities from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, where students work in labs or field settings, depending on their project focus. This is followed by workshops from 11:00 AM to noon, covering topics such as technical writing, career development, and effective use of research tools. Afternoons are dedicated to continued research and field trips to local sites like Ke