2021 Virtual Undergraduate Research Summer Institute
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Virtual Undergraduate Student Research Summer Institute (vURSI) program provides research opportunities, chances to connect with ORNL researchers, and associated activities for undergraduate students. The summer institute is designed to complement academic programs by utilizing the unique resources and mentorship from world-class scientists of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education; encourage careers in science and technology; and improve scientific literacy.
Program Goals
- Engage students through meaningful mentorship and enrichment activities
- Maximize the abilities of students through cooperative research with ORNL researchers Provide a learning environment for students to develop the skills they need to become the next generation of researchers
- Advance the participant's scientific skills and knowledge in areas of critical national need
- Promote the influx of new ideas and skills into the laboratory
- Enhance interactions with the wider academic and research communities
The emphasis on a research mentoring approach allows vURSI appointees to become integral members of ORNL research and development teams. The appointees gain exposure to current national issues in science and technology, have opportunities to share and exchange innovative ideas and techniques, and make significant contributions to ORNL programs. Depending on the nature of the research and availability of funding, participants are encouraged to publish and present research findings and write funding proposals as part of a research team to enhance their own professional development. The interaction of ideas, skills, approaches, and technologies will be of mutual benefit to the fellow and ORNL.
The vURSI program is managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and administered by the STEM Workforce Development Unit of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), which is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) for the U.S. Department of Energy.
Program Topics
Researchers from any of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's mission areas may review vURSI applications and issue an appointment offer. ORNL boasts state-of-the-art capabilities across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including materials science and engineering, computer and computational science, neutron scattering, neutron science and technology, biological and environmental research, national securities, nuclear physics and engineering, fusion and fission science and technology, and energy efficiency and renewable energy (building technologies, advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies).
Oak Ridge is also the place to be for scientists and engineers who want to be leaders in their disciplines while addressing challenging problems in a multidisciplinary environment. Our researchers work in laboratories with world-class, often unique, facilities including the Spallation Neutron Source, High Flux Isotope Reactor, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, National Transportation Research Center, Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, Buildings Technologies Research and Innovation Center, Center for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors, and many more. Many research groups are cross-disciplinary and projects may be supported by multiple Divisions and Directorates.
Program Details
- Ten week research experience
- Full-time participation (40 hours/week)
- Appointments will start on Monday, June 7th, 2021 and end on Friday, August 13th, 2021. Dates for individual appointments may be flexible to account for academic calendars and trimester schedules.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must:
1. Be currently enrolled in an Associate's or Bachelor's degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or University -> Applicant must be currently taking undergraduate-level classes or have completed the first term in an undergraduate program
2. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
3. Be 18 years of age
Complete details are available at https://zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/ORNL-USO-2021vURSI.