The 2010 National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

Dear NNIN REU Applicants:

Because of the number of completed applications this year (755!!), I am going to have to change the rules of the award process. 

So here is what I'm going to do -- on Thursday, March 11th, I'm going to send out three kinds of emails:

First Kind; The subject line will read "Last Name & the 2010 NNIN REU Program!" (i.e., Mallison & the 2010 NNIN REU Program!).  This email will include an internship award offer, so if you get an email with your last name in the subject line, open it immediately!  You'll only have a week to decide to accept or decline.

Second Kind; The subject line will read "2010 NNIN REU Back Up Candidate" -- this email will NOT include an offer, but will inform you that you are on the back up list of candidates.  This means that if the #1 candidate says 'no' then you may get an offer.  Keep your fingers crossed if you receive this email, BUT take any other program offers you receive!  Do not lose a real offer just because you may get an offer from us.  If ours doesn't happen, you will have lost that other offer too! As an aside, it is not practical to tell you where you are on the back up list. The list changes every moment when First Offers accept or decline.

Third Kind; The subject line will read "2010 NNIN REU: I'm Sorry!" -- this email will be, I'm sorry!, bad news.  If you receive this email, then you do not have an offer and you are not on the back-up list to receive an offer if someone says no.  I'm sorry!  Given the 755 applications and only 80 internships, you'll be in the majority!  That is no consolation, I know.....


So that's how it's going to go on the 11th, ok?

One thing I do ask of you -- if at any time you accept (or have already accepted) another program offer, please tell me. Knowing this allows me to get to the still-available applicants faster.  Thank you.

Thursday, March 11th, 2010 (via email)

During the summer of 2010, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates (NNIN REU) Program from June through August. Engineering and science students with broad interests across disciplines focusing on nanotechnology are eligible to apply (see restrictions and eligibility requirements below).

The chosen undergraduates taking part in this ten-week program will receive hands-on nanoscience and technology experience through research with applications to bio-engineering, chemistry, electronics, materials science, optics, optoelectronics, physics, and the life sciences. The research projects are designed and supervised by the faculty and technical staff at the participating NNIN research facilities. Interns work with faculty and graduate students on projects using the unique resources offered at their award site.

A scientific convocation, attended by all NNIN REU interns, is held in August to allow interns the opportunity to present their work to their peers in a concise scientific presentation. This year's convocation will be held at the University of Minnesota,-Twin Cities, from Wednesday, August 11th through Saturday, August 14th (with everyone leaving the site on Sunday the 15th).

Interns also must complete a written report, akin to a research paper, summarizing the findings of their research project. These reports are published as the NNIN REU Research Accomplishments and distributed to the interns and sites, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and many others.

Participants receive a $4,000 stipend, plus housing and all travel expenses to their research site and the convocation site. They may be responsible for their own meals. Full participation in the site program, network convocation and reporting is mandatory.