The 2023 REU program has been cancelled

The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) on Smart Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) and Department of Defense (DoD) funded research program at Auburn University. There are nine to twelve positions for the 8-week program. The undergraduate research assistants are initiated to research under the guidance of faculty from Computer Science. The research assistants collaborate with their advisers and are expected to contribute to unmanned flying. Major objectives are to promote interests in UAVs and develop the research skills of the students. Women, minorities, and students from "undergraduate" institutions are especially encouraged to apply.

With computing getting so inexpensive and so lightweight, we can equip unmanned aerial vehicles with enough intelligence to autonomously and efficiently fly to perform missions too “dull, dirty, or dangerous” for manned aircraft. Besides military applications there is a growing number of civil applications such as search and rescue, firefighting, or pipeline surveillance/inspection.

The REU students will in a first phase contribute to autonomously fly six to twelve UAVs in a limited air space to fulfill different kinds of missions.

Goals of the REU Site:

• Increase the number of future professionals in the areas of unmanned flight.
• Develop students' ability to apply computer and information-based technologies to real-world problems
• Stimulate enrollment in graduate studies through the involvement of students in scientific investigations under the mentorship of research faculty.
• Promote collaborative ties between the student's institution and Auburn University faculty, staff, and students and to provide a basis for future cooperative studies.

Benefits of the Intern Program:

• Up to $7,528 in compensation (see application for details)
• Intern interact with active and experienced research faculty.
• Gain real-world experience in a high-tech field, and be able to work with high-caliber information technology, science, and engineering professionals.

All housing arrangements are paid for and scheduled by the Program Director.

Requirements of the Intern Program:

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States (no exception).
• Applicant must be and remain an undergraduate student in good standing.
• Applicant must plan to complete a degree program.
• Interns must live in campus housing -- arranged by the REU site program manager.
• Interns must attend weekly seminars and programs.
• Interns must work a minimum of 36 hours per week at the REU site.
• Interns must prepare and submit a written report of the work done.
• Interns must give an oral presentation of work performed at the REU Site.
• Interns must design a web page describing their project and their experience.
• Interns must complete an exit interview.
• Interns must assist in further recruitments at their respective school.

Remember, once you have accepted an offer from the program, you are obligated to complete the summer internship (all 8 weeks) program and meet the program requirements.