Students must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Be enrolled at either a two-year or four-year institution and majoring in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, microbiology, science education, or mathematics.
  • First-generation college students, members of groups underrepresented in science, education majors, non-traditional students, and post-9/11 veterans are encouraged to apply.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.75. However, applicants with lower GPAs should explain extenuating circumstances, such as obstacles to their education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Be able to commit to the time requirements of the program. REU research internships are 9-week full-time (40 hr) research internships. REU participants will be introduced to the culture of research science by presenting at lab meetings, reading publications, analyzing experimental data, and summarizing their results for a research symposium. Occasionally, participants will need to visit the lab over the weekend or after hours.
• Be either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holders). DACA recipients are not eligible for this program.

Please note the following:

• Students receiving their bachelor's degree in May/June of the current academic year are not eligible for this program.
• Students with funding from other sources such as EPSCoR, McNair, NASA, MARC, and RISE are eligible for this program, but cost sharing or matching might be required by the granting agencies.
• All participants must be 18 years old by the start of the program.

All applications are processed through the NSF ETAP website. The application is designed to be completed in one sitting. A complete application consists of:

• A well-written, one-page (minimum) career essay detailing the applicant’s interest in research or STEM education. Applicants should specifically discuss/explain how a research internship will contribute to their post-baccalaureate career plans.
• Two letters of recommendation from college/university faculty.
• Letters of recommendation are submitted through ETAP. 
• An unofficial transcript as proof of academic record (please note that unofficial transcripts should be attached as a PDF).

Career Essay

• The career essay is an extremely important part of the selection criteria, and the research mentors expect a well-written composition.
• Applicants should prepare their essays with a word processing program, and all applicants should consult the Pathways to Science recommendations on the Writing Strong Essays & Personal Statements.
• Use Google Scholar to find recent publications of the selected mentors. Be sure to mention which publication you reviewed for each mentor. The selection committee realizes that applicants may not understand everything in a mentor's publications, but will be impressed by the additional effort.
• If applicable, applicants should explain how their educational plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Review your essay with the faculty member that will provide your letter of recommendation.

Letter of Recommendation

• A strong recommendation letter is an important part of the REU application. All applicants should read the Getting Strong Letters of Recommendation from the Pathways to Science.

• Each participant will receive a $5,850 stipend disbursed in two payments at the beginning of July and August. The stipend is subject to federal taxes and withholding.
• REU participants must register with the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Payment Registration System.
• REU participants may be required to sign-up for direct deposit.

• The REU program will make every attempt to provide round-trip airfare for every participant. Unfortunately, the REU program is not able to pay airline fees and charges for either baggage or rescheduled flights.
• The standard mileage reimbursement regulations will be employed for participants that drive to UNLV.

• REU participants will reside in air-conditioned double-occupancy dormitory rooms located on campus. Each suite contains two bedrooms, a small refrigerator, microwave, Internet connection, and a shared bathroom. REU students should bring twin sheets, pillowcases, a blanket, and a desk lamp.
• There is no married student housing at UNLV, and pets are not allowed in the dorm. Cooking is prohibited in the dormitory.
• A 100-meal dining plan will be provided to out-of-state participants.
• The dormitory is a 15 min. walk from the research laboratories.

• All REU students must have proof of major medical insurance. Contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers for Clark County, NV. Students without medical insurance must purchase a temporary policy. Contact the REU program director for additional information.

Program Schedule

Our program consists of two meetings per week over a period of nine weeks. We will cover a variety of event topics and modules. 

View the summer program schedule

Number of Applications Received Each Year

This REU site receives more than 100 applications and selects 10 participants each year.

Library, Recreation Center and Student Union

REU students will have full access to the Lied Library, Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Student Union.

Parking

Students driving to campus should check the Parking & Transportation Services website for the latest parking regulations and rates.

Pharmacy

Walgreens (store no. 5311) at the northwest corner of Maryland and Flamingo is the closest pharmacy to the dormitory.

Medical Clinic

University Medical Clinic (UMC) will accept out-of-state medical insurance and Urgent Care is available on a walk-in basis.

UMC Spring Valley QuickCare, 20 min drive from UNLV.