Program Overview

Introduction to the Early Research Experience in E-Term (EREE) Program

The Early Research Experience in E Term (EREE) program is designed to provide an in-person, on-campus, full-time first research experience to interested current WPI undergraduate students who have not yet had an authentic research experience at the college level.

Program Overview

The Office of Undergraduate Studies will provide selected current first and second-year students an initial immersive research experience with a WPI faculty mentor. The goal of this program is to create pathways to deep and meaningful research experiences in STEM fields for undergraduate students.

Program Details

• The program is for current enrolled WPI students only.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to participate in summer research early in their academic career.
• Students receive a paid research experience ($4,500 over 10 weeks).
• Close mentoring with a faculty member and graduate mentor is provided.
• Preparation for additional research opportunities at WPI and beyond is included.
• Information and advice about future graduate research and career opportunities are offered.
• Weekly professional development workshops are part of the program.

Program Structure

• Undergraduate students do a full-time, in-person, on-campus educational research position.
• The program runs during E1 and E2 terms.
• Students attend weekly professional development workshops.
• Students will showcase their work in a presentation at the end of the summer.
• It is strongly recommended that students do not enroll in IQP, MQP, or other classes at the same time as EREE research, or hold a second day-job or summer-day-job.

Housing

• Undergraduate students are expected to secure their own housing during the summer.
• However, limited funds are available to provide a housing subsidy for need-based students.
• Requesting a housing subsidy will not affect a student's chances of being selected for the program.

Eligibility

• All current first or second-year students (or rising sophomores and rising juniors) interested in their first research experience are eligible to apply.

Selection and Matching Process

• Faculty submit a project of a size and scope that is suitable for a student's first research experience.
• Interested students browse the list of available projects and submit an application indicating three projects of interest.
• The EREE Steering Committee makes a faculty-student match.

Application Process

• Students should prepare the following before starting the application process:
  • Choose three projects of interest from the listing of Project Opportunities.
  • Write a resume.
  • Obtain an official or unofficial academic WPI transcript.
  • Agree to participate in the weekly professional development workshops and the Summer Undergraduate Research Showcase.
• Students must answer a reflection question describing three skills they can bring to a new research group and three skills they would like to learn or improve upon through a research experience.

Faculty Expectations

• Provide students with an in-person authentic research experience during the E1 and E2 terms.
• Mentor students in their academic and career goals.
• Support student's participation in professional development workshops and programming.
• Coach students through the process of presenting academic research.
• Participate in the EREE program Faculty Mentor activities, including mentor training, the Summer Undergraduate Research Showcase, and a faculty survey.

Program Schedule

• Faculty proposals are due in late January.
• Student applications are accepted from early February to early March.
• Faculty and students are notified of selections by mid-March to early May.
• The program starts with Summer Research Orientation in late May and ends with the Summer Undergraduate Research Showcase in late July.