SpectrumX invites applications by current undergraduate students to participate in its 2025 REU+ Program to be hosted during Summer 2025 at the following sites: University of Notre Dame, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, University of California Los Angeles, and University of Virginia.

Students will have the opportunity to work with an experienced, trained mentor in their field of interest including, but not limited to, Spectrum Use Cases and Coexistence, Radio & Network Technologies, Data & Machine Learning, Spectrum Economics and Policy, Science Communication, Science Education, and Social Justice.

What is an REU Program?

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs support active, inclusive research participation by registered undergraduate students in areas of research that are funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs at REU host sites or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. 

By applying to the REU+ Program, students commit to being available for 40 hours of work per week for a maximum of 10 weeks over the Summer. Students are expected to work closely with their mentors and other students, consult with researchers as necessary, and to attend weekly meetings and lectures. Professional development training in technical and workplace skills may also be on offer or required.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the US; be and remain an undergraduate student in good standing; and plan to complete an undergraduate degree program.

Applicants must be registered in a communications, computer science, data science, economics, education, electrical/electronic engineering, physics, policy, pre-law, social justice, or other program directly related to spectrum research, education or management.

Women and nonbinary students, under-represented minorities, transfer students, and others traditionally underrepresented in science are strongly encouraged to apply.

What does the program fund?

Travel costs to and from the REU+ host site, as well as on-site accommodation, will be paid directly by the University of Notre Dame. A stipend, paid into the accepted student’s US bank account, will be provided to cover all other expenses during the program, including meals.

Funding is also available to support students who may need additional financial support in order to successfully complete the program, and/or for those students who have successfully completed the program to present their work at a meeting of their professional peers, e.g. American Astronomical Society.

Application Process

STEP 1: Complete and submit the application form available here by 11:59 PM PST on January 31, 2025 to be considered for the 2025 SpectrumX REU+ Program. Note that this application requires a personal essay and you are advised to leave enough time to complete this application.

STEP 2: Request two references to submit a letter of recommendation to reu@spectrumx.org with Letter of Recommendation: [Your Preferred Full Name] in the Subject Line. The deadline is 11:59 PM PST on January 31, 2025. Note that only PDF files are accepted.

STEP 3: Submit your academic transcript to reu@spectrumx.org with Transcript: [Your Preferred Full Name] in the Subject Line. The deadline is 11:59 PM PST on January 31, 2025. Note that only PDF files are accepted. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

STEP 4: You will be notified of the outcome of your application by February 3, 2025.

Queries

Contact reu@spectrumx.org

Photos provided by Wes Evard, College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, and Christina Clark, SpectrumX and Notre Dame Research.