Summer Research Opportunities in Engineering
Thinking of coming to VCU? Join us early for research opportunities!
The Summer Research Opportunities in Engineering (SRO) program aims to enhance transfer and high school students' exposure to engineering research while, providing opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to develop skills in mentoring. High school students entering their junior or senior year and transfer students who are interested in engineering or computer science may apply for this six-week summer program. SRO is a very hands-on, practical approach that allows students to develop research skills, build relationships with graduate students and faculty mentors, grow professionally through required workshops, and represent their work at an end-of-term symposium.
What to Expect
The goal of the Summer Research program is to give high school students a research experience resulting in sufficient data to support a presentation. At the same time, the program provides graduate students and postdoctoral fellows the opportunity to develop critical skills in mentoring students. These are skills that will benefit them in their future careers, whether in academia or industry.
Summer Research Fellows
- Fellows will work with a Ph.D. student and faculty member on a research project
- Fellows will be expected to work a minimum of 60 hours during the summer, dates are on the application
- Fellows will prepare a poster based on their research project and will present it at the closing ceremony at the end of the program
- Applicants will be selected based on their academic achievements
- Fellows will participate in weekly Zoom workshops with relevant VCU professionals to assist with their project
- Fellows will receive a fee waiver when they apply for undergraduate admission to VCU
Summer Research Mentors
- The faculty mentor must complete the Letter of Support sent by SRO staff confirming their willingness to provide support for the project, including any supplies needed
- $300 support for supplies needed to support the research project will be given by request
- If you have any further questions as to what you need to mentor, please reach out to SRO staff