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Program Overview  |  Program Projects  |  Program Details  |  Program Application

Program Overview

  • Apply your knowledge
  • Increase your research and professional competence
  • Engage in substantive research
  • Collaborate with talented faculty, science and engineering research professionals, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates
  • Build networks with women science and engineering mentors and peers
  • Serve as a role model for incoming first-year female students
  • Enhance your professional portfolio and resume
 

RISE participants
RISE participants use a LEGO Mindstorms kit, a LEGO micro- computer, and Robolab software to build a robotic vehicle and instruct it how to navigate its environment.

Program Description

Krystle McClain and Dr. Patricia Mead
Krystle McClain, 2002 RISE Scholar with RISE Advisory Board member, Dr. Patricia Mead, National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Mead provided an inspiring Welcome Address at our Welcome Luncheon! Krystle wrote about her RISE experience in College Park Magazine!
      

 

Experience the creativity of the research process, contribute to exciting discoveries, and gain valuable experience through RISE, coordinated by the Women in Engineering Program.

Undergraduate RISE Scholars function as integral members of a team-based research project coordinated by a female faculty member in the
Clark School of Engineering.

RISE is open to students majoring in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or physical science enrolled in any U.S. college or university, including the University of Maryland. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Each RISE Scholar receives a $4,500 stipend plus a $300 allowance for meals while on-campus. Funding is available to all Scholars to defray transportation costs. Scholars will be provided with on campus housing.



      

Aimiende Negbenebor RISE Scholar Aimiende Negbenebor in teamwork training conducted by
Lockheed-Martin

Teams conduct research for 10 weeks during the summer. Each team consists of four Scholars, one advanced Undergraduate Fellow (optional), one Graduate Fellow, and one Faculty Mentor. The advanced members of the team provide supervision, guidance and direction to the Scholars, who are expected to take initiative in fulfilling job responsibilities, completing work assignments, solving problems that arise (such as equipment breaking down), and finding answers to questions (by library research or contacting other research labs, etc.)

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RISE Scholars are trained in team skills, project organization, and research competencies vital to successful collaboration in science and engineering. The RISE program further addresses issues of concern to women in science and engineering fields as well as provides information about preparing for graduate school and careers in academia.

Research Symosium
RISE Team Sarah Recktenwall-Work and Niloo Ghaemi presenting at the Research Symosium

 

Through the research experience, RISE Scholars also participate in selected activities of the
RISE First Year Summer Experience, a ten day orientation program for incoming first-year female students in the Clark School of Engineering and the College of Computer, Mathematical and Physical Sciences. Participation in this program provides an important link in the continuum of mentorship for women in science and engineering.




      

RISE Symposium RISE Team Nadia Bhatti, Lisa Pann, Jackie Kinney, and Erin Evans presenting at the Research Symposium

The concluding event of the summer is the RISE Research Symposium where research teams present posters and reports on their team activities and research results.

Eligible RISE Scholars are provided assistance in pursuing additional funding from University of Maryland sources in order to continue conducting research during the academic year.

Program Goals

  • To introduce RISE Scholars to women mentors and role models
  • To support RISE Scholars’ achievement in their undergraduate studies in science and engineering fields by applying their academic learning to real-world problems
  • To encourage RISE Scholars to pursue graduate degrees and careers in science and engineering
  • To provide high-quality opportunities for RISE Scholars to enhance their research knowledge, skill, and ability
  • To equip RISE Scholars with advanced training in team skills, project management, and research competencies
  • To strengthen and support RISE Scholars’ professional development

Benefits

Click here to view RISE alumnae success stories!

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Program Projects

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Program Details

Room, Board and Transportation
The RISE program will provide RISE Scholars with housing*. For students who do not wish to reside in the designated RISE housing, securing housing is the responsibility of the applicant although we do provide assistance in locating appropriate housing. Options include university apartment complexes and area sublets. Those who reside outside the University of Maryland area should contact RISE for additional information regarding housing.

Funding is also available to defray transportation costs. Requests for assistance must be made at the time of application.

*To receive housing, students must reside in the location designated for RISE Scholars.

Eligibility
Students majoring in any engineering, physical science, mathematics, or computer science discipline are strongly encouraged to apply. Students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of postsecondary coursework (or equivalent) at any college or university, including the University of Maryland, are eligible. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. RISE is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

Criteria for selecting RISE Scholars

  • Academic achievement
  • Capacity to actively participate in a research team
  • The fit between research projects and student’s skills and research/career interests
  • Contribution of skills that complement the skills of others on the research team
  • Commitment to supporting women in engineering, mathematics, computer and physical sciences
  • Interest in peer mentorship
  • Interest in continuing studies in graduate or professional school

Sponsors

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Program Application

2006 Important Dates

NOTICE: This program is pending funding renewal.

Application Process

Applications must be received by _______________.

  1. Review the descriptions of 2006 Summer Research Projects and rank your choices.
  2. Complete the on-line 2006 application.
  3. Include official transcripts from each institution plus current coursework, if not indicated.
  4. Include two personal statements, "Program Interest & Career Goals" and "Support for Women in Technical Fields".

       A.  Program Interest & Career Goals (two page maximum): Describe your interest in
            the RISE Scholar internship, indicating how your participation will help further your
            academic and career goals. Include an explanation of your interest/experience in the
            three projects you identified above. This is an opportunity for you to present your
            experiences, extracurricular activities, strengths, and specific skills.

       B.  Support for Women in Technical Fields (one page maximum): Describe your
            commitment to supporting women in engineering, mathematics, and computer and
            physical sciences.
  5. Submit request for travel assistance funds and indicate if you will require housing through the RISE program (Limited funding is available to assist students with travel. Please provide a detailed estimate of your travel expenses to and from the University of Maryland).
  6. Download form and collect two letters of recommendation  (pdf) from professional or academic references ( Click here to download Adobe Reader ) One reference must be from a science, engineering, or mathematics reference (see application).
  7. After completing the on-line application, send the remaining information to:

RISE Summer Research Teams
Women in Engineering Program
1134G Glenn L. Martin Hall
College Park MD 20742

For Additional Information Contact

Paige E. Smith, Ph.D.
Director, Women in Engineering Program
(301) 405-3931
pesmith@umd.edu

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