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Various construction science research areas.

About

Welcome to a unique chance to be a part of the first class of Research Experience for Undergraduates hosted by the Texas A&M University, Department of Construction Science. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the first cohort will consist of 10 students who will receive a paid opportunity to work with top researchers over the on-site 10-week program. The overarching theme of the REU program is “Smart and Sustainable Construction in the Digital Era.”

Gain experience conducting research and build your confidence as a researcher who might see and graduate studies in construction science as part of career path.

Participants Receive:

  • Supervision by a construction science faculty member
  • Regularly scheduled seminars on issues directly related to the academic, personal and professional growth of graduate students including invited presentations from the industry
  • Social events including welcome BBQ, outdoor activities, and engagement activities with other REU students on campus.
  • Field trips to innovative companies in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, TX
  • Constructive feedback on the need for further undergraduate courses and acquisition of additional laboratory skills.
  • Opportunity to possibly co-author a scientific paper with the faculty mentor.
  • Exposure to state-of-the-art research laboratories in our college’s departments and interdisciplinary centers.
  • University housing (students are responsible for their food expenses).
  • Access to campus facilities (library, athletic and health facilities).

Funding

Each participant will receive a $6,000 stipend paid out as a competitive scholarship.

Male recipients of this scholarship must provide the institution (via the USRG program upon starting the program) proof of meeting Selective Service registration requirements or being exempt per the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Rule 21.2263.

Travel costs

We will reimburse round-trip travel costs from the participating student’s home base to Texas A&M university.

Housing

External Participants

External (non-Texas A&M) participants are required to stay in the housing provided by the program (see below).

Texas A&M Participants

Internal (Texas A&M) participants can choose to stay in the housing provided by the program or receive a housing allowance.

Program Housing

Housing for summer 2024 will be on campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

My school is on a quarter system — can I still apply?

In general, yes, you are eligible to apply for the program. However, we will run into issues with your institution being on a quarter system. We can accommodate some students on a quarter system in consultation with their faculty mentor, but no more than five days past the program start date. There will be some give and take from both our end and the student’s end. For instance, one student may work with his or her university’s professors on taking final exams earlier than scheduled so that they could start the REU program the Monday following the regular start of the program. Also, the REU mentor may agree on special arrangements by giving reading assignments ahead of time and working with the student on completing the first assignment (research problem statement). The REU mentor (and the student) also agree to the student working extra hours (nights and/or weekends) to make up for the few days missed at the beginning of the program. Applicants on quarter systems are still encouraged to apply and mention the quarter system issue briefly at the end of the personal statement to remind us. However, there is no guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you, since several parties must make special arrangements (you, the program, and the faculty mentor), but we will try our hardest.

Is this considered a work experience, and can I use it as a work reference?

While a student is able to place the REU experience on their resume as an academic activity, and are encouraged to seek recommendations from those they work with during the program, it is not work experience and therefore cannot serve as a reference when applying to a job, etc. Additionally, a W-2 form will not be provided.