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UNC Research Experience for Undergraduate Students

Left: researchers examine a piece of computer hardware; Right: the 2023 REU cohort smiles for a group photo

 

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a research experience for undergraduates (REU) program in the summer of 2025. Students accepted into the program will come to UNC for the summer and conduct research in the areas of hardware and system security under the guidance of UNC faculty and industry researchers.

We invite undergraduate students with an interest in research to apply. No prior research experience is required. Students from all majors are eligible to apply, however we seek students who are majoring in or otherwise have a background in computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering.

This program is a part of UNC Computer Science’s broadening participation in computing plan. To learn more about broadening participation in computing, please visit bpcnet.org.

Dates

The in-person program runs from June through July.

The application will open spring semester of the REU year.

What to Expect

Students will spend eight weeks in Chapel Hill working closely with UNC faculty, graduate students, and industry researchers. During the day, students will gain experience working on research in systems security, hardware security, and privacy; attend talks by industry researchers and developers; and meet regularly with their research mentors.

There is no cost to participants for this program. UNC will arrange for and finance housing during the allotted 8-week program. Participants will also receive a program stipend and funding for travel to and from Chapel Hill. Details will be shared when offers are extended.

Please note that specific research areas may change as personnel are finalized.

Eligibility

  • U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • At least 18 years of age
  • All majors welcome, with preference to computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering majors

Application

The application will include two separate forms:

1. Two or more written responses, a resume/CV, and a transcript. The written responses should be between 150 and 300 words. The transcript can be unofficial, though we reserve the right to request an official transcript later.

2. A letter of recommendation. This letter of recommendation should be from a college or university instructor, professor, or academic advisor or from an employer, mentor, or supervisor who knows you and your work, and can comment on your potential for success in a challenging academic environment. This individual should be able to speak to your accomplishments, but also your critical thinking skills, experience collaborating, and ability to learn independently.

Ready to apply?

The application is not yet open for 2025. If you are interested in the summer 2025 REU program, please fill out this interest form to be notified when the application opens.

Questions

If you have questions about the program, please email reu@cs.unc.edu.