The CA-REU program is designed to be an exciting and rewarding experience for students.
Students conduct meaningful research, author publication-quality manuscripts, and present their work at regional and national conferences. Students from the Summer 2017 won first place in the student poster presentation at both the Southern Criminal Justice Association and Western Association of Criminal Justice conferences!
Students also have the opportunity to work in personalized settings with experienced faculty, build their professional networks, and collaborate with the most talented students from across the country. Finally, students can take advantage of the exciting opportunities that Charlotte, North Carolina has to offer, from sports, entertainment, and recreation.
Take a look at what a few of our past students have said.
Summer 2018 Cohort
- “The REU program really help me to learn new tool/ software when it comes to the analysis of the data, as well as explore a different areas of research compared with what I have done before. The professors at the program had so much experience to offer when it comes to research and they will try to give all they can to make sure this experience is unique and you get as much out this problem as is possible. Also this program wasn’t just all about work, but to created network and enjoy the time free with the other students.” (Ivette Jimenez, California State University, San Bernardino, Class of 2018)
- “I really enjoyed how we got to live and work with people from all over the United States. In the mornings, we would attend sessions and do research together and in the evenings we would cook together and watch movies. It was the perfect balance of work and play and I learned so much about different cultures.” (Jahmina Ollison, UNC Charlotte, Class of 2019)
- “I am incredibly thankful for the Research Experience for Undergraduates program at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. This program advanced my knowledge with research in ways unforeseeable. Further, this program opened doors for me at my current university. I believe I would have not acquired these positions, nor excelled at them, if it were not for the opportunities I was given during my experience with the team at UNCC.” (Joey Jennings, Winthrop University, Class of 2019)
- “Through this program, I was able to obtain research experience as an undergrad that I would not have had the opportunity to do at my home institution. This program gave me hands-on research experience that incorporates criminal justice and analytics, two areas I have sought to combine in my academic career. This experience has broadened my research skills, narrowed my focus of my criminal justice career direction, and provided an enriching academic and cultural experience.” (Hannah Huffman, Weber State University, Class of 2019)
- “The mentors provided us with exceptional opportunities to learn analysis software like R and weren’t afraid to teach us more advanced statistics concepts/analysis tools. This material was more rigorous than the majority of my undergraduate coursework but since the mentors are all such gifted educators, it was easy to absorb all the information and really enjoyable.” (Cornelius Johnson, Ohio State University, Class of 2020)
Summer 2017 Cohort
- “I was able to get real-life (as compared to classroom) experience with programs like R/R Studio and GIS. Also, unlike most undergraduate research, the NSF REU allows students to almost entirely dictate their own methodology rather than follow preexisting instructions from a PI. This exposure to computer programs and experience with research design significantly improve my resume and marketability for graduate school and future work.” (Emma Jardas, University of Wisconsin, Class of 2019)
- “I would tell another student this program is extremely unique and they should definitely try to partake in it. This program allows students to learn quantitative skills, do research, network, travel, get paid, and most importantly it provides an internship environment where you are not completing mediocre and monotonous tasks. Most internships provide a few aspects of what you want out of your internship experience, this research program goes above and beyond those expectations.” (Max Hsu, University at Albany, Class of 2018)
- “The REU program really allowed me to broaden my research skills. While the new skills that I learned and real research experience that I gained through the program can help me better complete future research projects assigned in college classes, the new skills and experience also can help me be more qualified for jobs that I am interested in. The topics of the research projects are very interesting and the faculty who are mentors on the projects are very helpful and great to work with.” (Sarah Moses, UNC Charlotte, Class of 2017)
- “The program benefited me academically by giving my academic career direction. Before attending the REU program I was unsure of where I wanted to take my degree in Criminology. The REU program helped me narrow my focus in relation to concentration and minors. Professionally, the REU program allowed me to gain skills that I would not have the opportunity to learn anywhere else, which allowed to me to build my greatly resume.” (Taylor Dauer, George Mason University, Class of 2020)
- “This program isn’t just all work. There are a couple of field trips as well as many group activities that the advisors help organize to make it more enjoyable as well as help you bond and network with the other students. Additionally, there are some weekly enrichment sessions that involve all of the students from other summer research groups at UNCC, giving you the chance to network with people from other fields as well as learn more about the work that they’re doing.” (Mohamad Aboufoul, UNC Charlotte, Class of 2018)
- “Get to know the professors. They have so much to offer, from sharing their experiences working in the field to recommendations of things to do in Charlotte. They will do everything to make this program the best it can be for you and want to support you short-term and long-term. Aside from all that, they’re just really cool people and a blast to spend time with.” (Sophie Jensen, Seattle University, Class of 2019)
- “The program also helped me to learn more about different types of research and the procedures that are followed at the commencement of a research project through the finished product. I was able to be surrounded by young individuals that were interested in learning how to do research that was worthy of being published by an academic journal.” (Kelsie Wiltse, UNC Charlotte, Class of 2018)
- “I would tell another student to definitely apply! Even if you don’t know if research is what you want to pursue, it is a great opportunity to network with professionals and work on your research skills.” (Darius Santana, University at Albany, Class of 2018)