University of Central Florida REU Programs: A Launchpad for STEM Careers

The University of Central Florida (UCF) stands as a prominent institution for undergraduate research, particularly through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs. Supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and internal collaborations, UCF offers a diverse range of REU opportunities that propel students toward graduate studies and impactful careers in STEM fields. These programs provide invaluable hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to cutting-edge research, shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.

The Significance of REU Programs

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), are designed to provide undergraduates from smaller universities with the opportunity to experience top-tier research. These programs are located at incredibly competitive and renowned research institutions and provide graduate-level lab experience. The NSF initiated the REU program in the mid-1980s to attract undergraduates in STEM fields into research careers and to encourage them to consider graduate school. The REU program offers grants to universities to plan and oversee research experiences that enrich undergraduate students’ educational experiences.

These programs play a crucial role in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of participating students. As Isabella Llamazares, a rising junior studying mechanical engineering at Florida International University, noted, these programs provide opportunities that may be limited at their home institutions.

UCF's Commitment to Undergraduate Research

Alongside its status as a “Research 1” University under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University of Central Florida has proven to value undergraduate research in many ways. UCF works towards providing students with opportunities every step of their academic career. UCF’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Office of Research collaborate to support REU principal investigators and student participants.

UCF's Computer Vision group was among the first selected for NSF funding in 1987, marking the beginning of a long and successful commitment to REU programs. For the past 30 years, UCF has continuously been funded, by a total of 14 grants. This sustained support highlights UCF's dedication to fostering undergraduate research and its recognition as a leading institution in this area.

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A Deep Dive into UCF's REU Programs

UCF offers a variety of REU programs, each with its unique focus and objectives. These programs immerse students in a research-intensive environment, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

Computer Vision REU

UCF’s CRCV, led by director Mubarak Shah, has run the nation’s longest continuous REU program for 37 years. The Computer Vision REU at UCF is a 12-week program that immerses students in a research group with a professor and at least one Ph.D. student. The NSF-funded site pays stipends to 10 undergraduates each year who immerse in research and gain useful insight into the prospect of graduate education as an option for their careers. Each year, the program solicits applications, and receives well over 150. After a careful interview process, offers are extended until the 10 positions are filled.

The program's structure includes initial training in background material, topic selection, and nine weeks of dedicated research. This immersive experience allows students to contribute to cutting-edge research in computer vision, a field that is constantly evolving. Students engage in a 10-to-12-week program and participate in workshops, labs and an individual research project that they may select from topics provided by corresponding mentors.

Key Components of the Computer Vision REU

Immersive Research Environment: Students work closely with faculty and graduate students in a research laboratory setting, gaining firsthand experience in the research process.
Mentorship and Guidance: The program emphasizes mentorship, with faculty and graduate students providing guidance and support to the undergraduate researchers.
Training and Skill Development: Students receive training in background material, mathematical reasoning, and coding, as well as develop presentation and communication skills.
Exposure to Career Paths: The program exposes students to career possibilities in graduate school and industry, providing them with real-world examples of successful career pathways.

The Evolution of Computer Vision Research at UCF

Looking at the topics pursued over the past 30 years indicates the student projects have evolved with the growth of computer vision. The field of computer vision is rapidly evolving and the REU site has kept pace with the changes. Machine learning approaches started to appear in computer vision, as they were able to contribute to object recognition solutions during the mid-1990s. Approaches such as neural networks, boosting, and support vector machines were actively competing for ascendance during the early 2000s. The advent of Deep Learning in the 2010s has slowly gained acceptance as the dominant paradigm in computer vision, and today, research in computer vision must start with a quick study of deep learning approaches and novices must acquire competence in running practical experiments with large data sets in deep learning implementation environments.

Broadening Participation in Computer Vision

UCF’s REU has a strong commitment to broaden participation among underrepresented groups. Of the 50 participating UGRs in the past 5 years, 23 are female, and 10 of the 27 males are African-American or Hispanic.

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HYPER REU

Emmelia Lichty, a junior mechanical engineering major at Oral Roberts University, participated in UCF’s HYPER REU and helped stabilize a cooling loop mechanism for space-based payloads. She proudly presented her research in the final week of the REU when it concluded in summer. This program offers hands-on experience with problem-solving and integrates classroom knowledge with research lab work. Participants engage in mechanical work, fluid mechanics, electronics, and coding, culminating in a comprehensive lab experience.

Coastal Cluster REU

Otis Woolfolk, a junior studying biology/marine biology track at UCF, and Rowan Wyss, a senior biology student at Eckerd College, participated in UCF’s Coastal Cluster REU. They both gained valuable research experience that they plan to carry through their education and eventually into STEM careers. The program is very competitive and only 10 students were selected for the Coastal Cluster REU out of 377 applicants, says Walters, who also is a Pegasus Professor of biology. This REU focuses on marine restoration, allowing students to be on the ground floor of cutting-edge research. During the 10 weeks, the students go from a very limited research background to developing their research questions, collecting data, analyzing their data and presenting their projects to the larger community.

Limbitless Solutions REU: Research Experiences in Pediatric Prosthetics

Limbitless Solutions at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida is now accepting applications for our summer research program, NSF REU Site: Research Experiences in Pediatric Prosthetics. This unique, 9-week summer research program is focused on the application of pediatric prosthetics through art and technology. The application deadline is 2/28/2025 at 11:59pm.

The REU Experience: A Transformative Journey

Participating in an REU program at UCF is a transformative experience that can significantly impact a student's academic and professional path. Students gain valuable research skills, develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field, and build confidence in their abilities.

Skill Development and Knowledge Acquisition

REU programs provide students with the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, including:

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Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
Technical Skills: Students gain hands-on experience with specialized equipment and software used in their field of research.
Critical Thinking: Students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze complex problems and evaluate different solutions.
Communication Skills: Students improve their communication skills through presentations, reports, and interactions with faculty and peers.

Mentorship and Networking

REU programs provide students with access to experienced faculty and graduate students who serve as mentors and role models. These mentors provide guidance and support, helping students navigate the challenges of research and explore career options.

Confidence Building

REU programs help students build confidence in their abilities and develop a sense of belonging in the scientific community. By successfully completing a research project, students gain a sense of accomplishment and are empowered to pursue further research opportunities.

Career Guidance

REU programs help students make informed decisions about their future careers. By experiencing research firsthand, students can determine whether a career in research is right for them. The programs also provide students with exposure to different career paths in STEM fields, helping them to identify their interests and goals.

Success Stories: REU Alumni Making an Impact

After 30 years (and approximately 300 students), some patterns have emerged. Approximately half the students have proceeded to graduate school. Many of the participants have proceeded to leadership positions in their professions: becoming faculty members, starting their own companies, and rising to managerial positions in Fortune 500 Technology companies. UCF’s CRCV has seen many benefits from its cultivated REU strength. UGRs have provided an opportunity to explore research directions, to develop mentoring skills among faculty (older and newer) and graduate students. CRCV-trained UGRs have populated graduate programs around the nation. Our models of evaluation and attentiveness have allowed for best practices to be tested and employed.

The success of UCF's REU programs is evident in the accomplishments of its alumni. Many participants have gone on to pursue graduate degrees at prestigious universities, launch successful careers in industry, and make significant contributions to their fields.

Several students from Midwestern Nazarene University (MNU) participated in REU programs across the country. Their experiences highlight the diverse research opportunities available and the impact these programs have on students' career aspirations:

James K: Studied the DNA of bacteria and plasmids to develop a method for predicting which types of bacteria can host specific plasmids. The experience helped him answer a wide array of questions that he had concerning life after college. Before the internship, he had decided to go into industry after his undergrad. This has changed a bit, and although he still wants to end up in industry, he would like to at least pursue a master’s.
Alexandra Cummins: Utilized cyclic voltammetry to study the kinetics of a critical step in the catalytic cycle for nickel-catalyzed sp2-sp3 cross-coupling through peak-ratio analysis. This experience has solidified her field of interest within chemistry and helped her narrow down potential schools and labs to work in during her PhD studies.
Hayley Loewen: Worked to synthesize and characterize multiple uranyl complexes for the purpose of electrochemical interrogation. This experience further confirmed her love for research and strengthened her determination to pursue a PhD in chemistry.
Saragrace Felvus: Made a groundbreaking discovery during her REU experience while studying Delta Scuti Pulsating Variable Stars. It is believed that she has found a new class of star that has been misclassified or undetected as of yet.

Applying to UCF's REU Programs

Applications are generally open from January to March but vary from program to program. If you are an undergraduate at UCF, REUs are typically reserved for students from other institutions, however, you may still be eligible for select REUs at this institution.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for UCF's REU programs, applicants must typically be undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited institution. Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the program.

Application Process

The application process typically involves submitting an online application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining the applicant's research interests and goals.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Begin the application process early to allow ample time to gather the necessary materials and prepare a strong application.
Highlight Your Research Interests: Clearly articulate your research interests and how they align with the goals of the REU program.
Showcase Your Skills and Experience: Highlight any relevant skills and experience, such as coursework, research projects, or internships.
Obtain Strong Letters of Recommendation: Request letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential.
Proofread Your Application: Carefully proofread your application for any errors in grammar or spelling.

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