Rice University is now accepting applications for the 2012
NanoJapan:
International Research Experience for Undergraduates
program.
Generously supported by an NSF Partnerships for International
Research
& Education (NSF-PIRE) grant, the program seeks to cultivate
interest
in nanotechnology among young U.S. undergraduate students,
especially
those from underrepresented groups, and encourages such students
to
pursue graduate study and academic research in the
physical
sciences.Recognized as a model for international education
programs
for science and engineering students, NanoJapan will provide
U.S.
undergraduates with structured research opportunities in
Japanese
university laboratories with Japanese mentors focused on the study
of
THz dynamics of nanostructures.
The program includes:
1. Pre-Departure Orientation at Rice
University
2. Three week Orientation Program in Tokyo that includes
Introductory
Japanese Language Classes, Introduction to Japanese Society
& Culture
Seminar, and an Introduction to Nanoscale Science and THz
Dynamics
Seminar
3. Nanotechnology Research Internship: Eight and a
half week research
internship with leading nanotechnology laboratories in
Japan.
Potential research host universities include Keio University,
the
University of Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Chiba
University,
Kyoto University, Osaka University, Osaka Institute of
Technology,
Shinshu University, Tohoku University and Hokkaido
University.
4. Re-Entry Program: Includes the communication skills and
career
developments seminars and the presentation of a research poster at
the
Rice Quantum Institute’s Summer Research Colloquium.
To be
eligible to apply for the NanoJapan International Research
Experience for
Undergraduates (IREU) program you must be:
– Currently enrolled as a
degree-seeking undergraduate student at a US
institution of higher
education;
– A U.S. citizen or permanent resident;
– Currently in your
freshman or sophomore year;
– In good academic standing and not currently
under any academic
suspension or other disciplinary action at your home
university;
– Able to express a demonstrated interest in the field
of
nanotechnology as it relates to THz dynamics of nanostructures
All
eligible students with a strong interest in the field of
physics-related
nanotechnology research and desire to study in Japan
are encouraged to apply.
Women, underrepresented groups, and students
from schools with limited
research opportunities are particularly
encouraged to apply. Community
college students who plan to
matriculate to a four-year university and major
in physics or
engineering are also strongly encouraged to apply. No prior
Japanese
language experience is required, though applicants should be able
to
express a demonstrated interest in the study of Japanese
language
and/or culture.
Benefits: Selected participants will receive
international airfare to
Japan (departing from Houston), a $4,500 stipend to
be used towards
living costs while abroad, and program, some meals, and
lodging costs
related to the Pre-Departure Orientation, Orientation Program
in
Tokyo, Mid-Program Meeting in Kyoto, and Re-Entry Program at Rice.
In
lieu of a program fee, students will be responsible for enrollment in
a
one-credit research course through the Rice Summer School and
payment of all
applicable tuition and fees.
Online applications must be submitted by
January 27, 2012 and two
letters of recommendation must be received by
February 1, 2012. For
more information on the NanoJapan program and to access
the online
application please see http://nanojapan.rice.edu. For questions
please
email nanojapan@rice.edu or
call (713) 348-6362.
A copy of our program flier is also available for
download at
http://nanojapan.rice.edu/nr_newsletter.shtml.
—
Sarah Phillips
Manager, TeraNano PIRE Education & International
Initiatives
Rice University
6100 Main St., ECE – MS 366
Houston, TX
77005
Phone: (713) 348-6362
Fax: (713) 348-5686
sphillips@rice.edu
http://nanojapan.rice.edu
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/NanoJapan