Frequently Asked Questions

Remember, if you cant find the answer to your question on the website, please email Dr. Lauren Fowler at lfowler@weber.edu (put NSF-REU in the subject line of the email).

• Have I missed the deadline for application?

The deadline for online application is March 1st, 2009.  We will begin reviewing applications on March 1st, so any applications turned in at that time will be reviewed.  We will begin notifying successful applicants by April 3rd, so supplemental materails received after March 1st are LESS likely to be considered.  We will continue to consider applicants until all mentors have either chosen researchers or closed their search.  Once the search is closed, you will be unable to submit an online application.

• This REU sounds like a really difficult topic.  Is this something that I can really do?

While the title of this REU is "Effects of Fatigue on Performance of Military, Medical, and Law-Enforcement Personnel", it is unlikely that there is any undergraduate who will apply for this who has actually done research on exactly this topic.  We are looking for students with a desire to conduct research on some aspect of this topic so that we can combine all of our resources to answer a bigger question.  This is an excellent opportunity to prepare yourself for graduate school by designing (with your mentor) a research study that will be part of a larger research question.  This interdisciplinary experience is one which will enhance your research experience as well as enhance your qualifications to get into graduate school.  Look at the listing of research opportunities listed with each faculty mentor to get a more specific idea of what you can do for your research project.

• How do I submit my application and materials?

Submit your application online on the ONLINE APPLICATION page.  Do NOT submit until you have read through and completed every aspect of the online application.  Transcripts, letters of recommendation, recommendation forms, and paper applications should be mailed (you may mail them together or separately) to the address on the APPLICATION page.

• How do I know who to work with (mentor)?

Go to the FACULTY MENTORS page and view the choices of mentors.  Each mentor has a specific research interest, which is briefly listed on that page, but there are links to each mentor's specific research areas.  You should choose your first, second, and third mentor choices based on the areas of research both you AND your mentor have interest in.  Remember, the mentors are the ones who decide who works with them, so when you apply you should choose a mentor and link that to your reported research interest (on the application form).  Some mentors have chosen to work with multiple students and to work together.  Others will take only one student.  It is important to list your first, second, and third choices, because if your first choice does not have any space available, you will be considered by your second choice, then your third choice.

• How do I describe my research interest?

You should look at the scenarios listed under the EXAMPLES OF RESEARCH or listed with each mentor (their research interest link).  These are the most likely areas within which you can work, so you should gear your research ideas toward one of these scenarios.  For example, if you are interested in working with a mentor who is studying Melatonin in shift-workers, then you could describe why you are interested in studying Melatonin levels in shift-workers.  You could be very specific or slightly vague in your description, but remember that mentors are making choices about who to work with based on this application.  Remember, too, that you may contact mentors directly by emailing them, if you have any questions.  The more specific you can be about your research interests, as well as describing your past research experience, the more likely you are to be chosen by your mentor.

• How do I get to Ogden?

The REU is in Ogden, UT at Weber State University.  We are located about 30 minutes north of Salt Lake City.  If you are driving to Ogden, which would be ideal since you would then have a car to use for transportation, you could plan to drive over Memorial Day Weekend (you can stay in the dorms at no charge beginning Memorial Day Weekend).  If you are flying to Ogden, you will need to arrange to either have someone pick you up from the airport in Salt Lake City OR plan to use public transportation (Utah Transit Authority) to get to campus.  Do not assume we are picking you up at the airport unless you have written confirmation that someone will be there!!!  Your mentor or Dr. Fowler will usually be available to pick you up, but you need to be in frequent contact with them to confirm.

• How will I get paid?

While working on this REU, you will officially be an employee of Weber State University.  As such, you will be paid through Weber State, meaning that you will receive a paycheck approximately every 2 weeks.  However, your first paycheck will not come for approximately 2 1/2 weeks, since you will need to fill out all paperwork (I-9s, W-4s, etc).  Standard taxation will apply to your paycheck, and Weber State will also take out approximately 8 1/2 percent for benefits.  You will receive your paycheck on scheduled payment dates, or you may choose to have your check direct deposited.  Most people find it easiest to establish a bank account in Ogden (or if your bank is located here you can just use your current bank) for their paychecks.  Your pay (before taxes and benefits are taken out) is $3500 for the summer.

•     How will I conduct research?

You and your mentor will work to design a research study for the 10-week period.  You will work with your mentor prior to arriving to begin planning your study, and you will continue to meet with your mentor and Dr. Fowler on a weekly basis to organize, develop, maintain, and finalize your research project.  You will be responsible for the project, so you should assume ownership.  However, don't forget that your mentor is ultimately responsible for the work you do, so you should be prepared to work closely with your mentor to complete your project successfully.  You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the research site, so if you do not plan to bring your own car to Ogden, you will need to arrange for public transportation or use your research funds to obtain a university vehicle (or rental car).  In the past, students working at the same location have carpooled, which has made it easier for students who do not have their own car.

•     Do I get to go to a conference to present my research?

All students are expected to present the results of their research at the culminating research symposium the last week of the REU.  Community partners from the research venues will be invited to attend the symposium, so it is an excellent opportunity for students to disseminate the data they have collected over the summer.  In addition to the research symposium at Weber State, 6 students will be funded (up to $1200 each) to present their research at a national conference selected by the faculty mentors.  If all 10 students would like to apply for these funds, they will compete against each other for the available funding.  For the past four years, the REU students have presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research (www.ncur.org).

•     What facilities will we be using for our research?

Students will be using research facilities at Weber State University, but they may also be using facilities and equipment at Brooks AFB in San Antonio, TX.  Students may travel to Brooks AFB (depending upon Air Force personnel availability at the time of travel) to learn from Air Force experts who will train the students in available software and research techniques related to their studies.  Another possibility is that the Air Force personnel and consultants may travel to Ogden to do their presentation at our site.  This varies year to year.  Students will then collect their data from Ogden area law enforcement agencies, medical facilities, or from Hill AFB (or all of them).

•     How will I be evaluated?

You will be evaluated in a variety of ways.  All students and their progress will be evaluated by their mentors on a weekly basis.  Students will be formally evaluated at the 3rd week, 6th week, and 10th week.  Reports of the students' progress will be provided to the students' mentors at their home institutions following the REU.  Students will also be evaluated on the quality of their research, in that the higher quality projects are more likely to be funded for conference presentations.

More Questions?  Email Dr. Fowler at lfowler@weber.edu for your answers!