BIOSORO REU SITE @ THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
Biologically Inspired Soft Robotics
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 6TH 2022
COVID 19 ANNOUNCEMENT
Welcome to BioSoRo REU Site @ the University of Nevada, Reno
The application period for this opportunity is open until April 6th.
Important update for students accepted into the program:
The program will run in 2022 as an extension of the original funded 3-year period due to COVID-19 related cancelation in summer of 2020. In addition, the program will only support local UNR students to work in a BioSoRo laboratory. Applicants should reach out to potential faculty mentors in the program ASAP.
The program starts June 1, 2022 and runs for 1 year. Interns are expected work full time in their host lab in the summer of 2022 and continue their work at a modified pace during the academic term.
All participants will receive a stipend that can be used towards all living expenses while they are a member of the program.
Group career enrichment events will be scheduled throughout the summer of 2022.
WHAT IS BIOMIMETIC SOFT ROBOTICS?
BioSoRo is a robotics research direction that draws inspirations from nature and applies biological principles to working machines.
BioSoRo explores how to mimic the structures and behaviors of successful animals with soft bodies, compliant joints, deformable shells and other strategies that have proven useful over millions of years of evolution to build powerful and versatile compliant/soft robots
ABOUT THE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE (REU) SITE
Why can’t a conventional robot grasp and handle a fragile glass cup like humans?
What aspects of Biomimetic and Soft Robotics research are important to tackle as compared to traditional robotics?
How can we significantly advance robotics by observing and mimicking natural animal body structures and behaviors?
These are some of the questions that students will investigate at our BioSoRo REU site at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). This REU site will provide an immersive and engaging research experience to participating undergraduates. Social and career inspiring activities will be organized at UNR and at local participating organizations, taking advantage of the rich recreational, industrial and outdoor resources of the Reno/Tahoe area.
Skiing in the Tahoe area extends to ~ July 7th, while river and lake kayaking and mountain biking activities are accessible near Reno throughout the year. Group trips for outdoor and other recreational activities will be organized by faculty throughout the 10 week experience.
FACULTY ADVISORS
DR. LEPING LIU
Program Evaluator
Professor in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology
Expert on educational program evaluation
Projects
For each project, two students will be co-mentored by a team of participating faculty members, and one graduate
mentor who has been working with one of the two co-lead advisors. The REU students will work alongside of faculty members, graduate students, and other undergraduates supported directly by faculty members, thus fostering student-faculty and student-student interactions. During weekly project meetings, undergraduates gain practice in presenting their research and engaging in research discussions Each graduate student mentor will be responsible for staying in close contact with an assigned set of REU students (typically two), tracking their progress, answering their questions, and helping them find assistance and resources from faculty or university organizations as needed.
Check out Participating Faculty websites to learn more about the specific research topics explored and possible projects each summer.
Once you see research of interest to you, you must get in touch with the lead faculty to discuss your interests and possible fit with the lab.
READY TO APPLY?
Qualifications
You must be currently enrolled at UNR. *Preference will be for applicants with otherwise limited opportunities for a research experience here at UNR.
Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
This experience is meant to prepare students for going to graduate school and will therefore be most beneficial to more advanced students. Thus, there will be some preference for students of at least Sophomore ranking. However, all interested applicants will be considered.
Should have a greater than 3.0 GPA. May be waived if supporting faculty choose.
Maturity and responsibility of applicant will be considered.
Should contact potential faculty adviser and gain their support to join their lab for the summer. Read their papers and consider their research before reaching out to them.
Women and minorities are highly encouraged to apply
DEADLINE: APRIL 6TH, 2022
How to submit an application (admission decision will be made by April 25th)
Send an email with application materials to the project director, Dr. Yantao Shen (Link below). Include "BioSoRo Application: First name, last name" in Re. field
provide contact information: full name, email and phone number.
Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial ok)
Two letters of recommendation. One should be from the proposed BioSoRo faculty mentor and should be letters written in support of your application. The other can come from advisers, professors or past employers. They should comment on your academic performance, character, work ethic and potential to excel in the research or professional environment. Please have them emailed to Dr. Shen directly by your referees if possible.
parent consent form if under 18 years of age.
A short (1 page max) description of why you wish to be involved in this REU site. Effective letters will include mention of: 1) Why you are interested in the subject studied (Be specific) 2) Why this particular summer 3) the specific projects/professors you would like to work with 4) previous research experience (if any) - or why you think advanced research might be for you. 5) examples of your work ethic and ability to work well with others (be specific ). Encourage your letter writers to highlight these aspects of your character 6) What are your plans after graduation and how will this REU contribute to them?
The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in recruitment of its students and employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
SPONSORS
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
RENO/TAHOE
RECREATION AND INDUSTRY
Work Hard and Play Hard
