Summer Programs Seek Participants

Published on February 7, 2020

**Karina Vielma, EdD**
NHERI Education and Community Outreach (ECO)
Research Fellow and Educational Specialist
University of Texas, San Antonio

The Education and Community Outreach (ECO) Committee has been hard at work preparing for the 2020 NHERI Summer Institute and the NHERI Research Experiences (REU) for Undergraduates Summer Program.

The ECO Committee members reviewed pre- and post-assessment data from the 2019 events and strategically incorporated lessons learned into next years programs. ECO representatives also reviewed the Summer Institute and REU online applications and are currently reviewing schedules and curriculum.

These two educational initiatives bring together all NHERI facilities to connect undergraduates and early career scholars to the vast resources within this multi-hazard research network. The ECO Committee representatives collaborate to strategically bring the best outreach programs possible.

NHERI RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES

This summer from May 2020 through August 2020, we will host 2-3 undergraduate researchers at each of the ten NHERI sites.

Students will participate in meaningful research projects alongside an experienced faculty mentor. NHERI REU students who complete the program will travel to the University of Washington to present their research projects and posters at the REU Research Symposium on August 3-4, 2020. They will tour the RAPID facility and learn more about reconnaissance efforts post-natural hazard events.

The NHERI REU application (https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/reu/) is currently open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. We encourage all students interested in mitigating the effects of natural hazards to apply!

The application deadline has been extended until February 12, 2020 at midnight. The most successful recruitment tool has been direct contact from faculty with potential student researchers. If you are a faculty member and know an undergraduate student that you believe will benefit from participating in this summer research experience, encourage her/him to apply to the program. Your recommendation will make a big difference!

NHERI SUMMER INSTITUTE

During the summer of 2020, we will also host 20 early career faculty and scholars at the fourth annual NHERI Summer Institute at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Downtown Campus.

The event brings together young scholars to learn more about the NHERI resources, network with others interested in future collaborations, and acquire information about the National Science Foundation (NSF) proposal development.

The event, which takes place June 29-July 1, will highlight successful CAREER and NSF awardees who will share their experiences of going through the proposal process that successfully resulted in obtaining funding for their research work.

Applications for the 2020 NHERI Summer Institute will open in March, 2020. Applications for early career travel awards to the 2020 NHERI Summer Institute are open now until March 31, 2020. All are welcome to attend. Find details here: https://www.designsafe-ci.org/learning-center/summer-institute/.

Applications are open to early career faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and rising doctoral scholars interested in learning more about collaborative opportunities within the NHERI network as well as acquiring knowledge about the NSF proposal process.

The NCO-ECO takes pride in the educational outreach programs that incorporate research and best practices to create a multi-hazards engineering and research platform for young, rising scholars. Join us this summer for another great program!