Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy (WESEP) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

About the Program Iowa State University offers an intensive 10-week on-campus research program in Wind Energy Science, Engineering, and Policy (WESEP) for undergraduate students. Ten fellowships are sponsored each year by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Students will work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams with faculty and graduate students to receive training and get hands-on research experience in areas that address critical, long-term national needs in wind energy-related areas.

The program pays for on-campus housing and a meal plan for students accepted into this program. Students also will receive up to $600 of travel expenses to and from Ames and a $5,000 stipend. Outside of the research experience, social events with other REU students at Iowa State also will be available.

Program Timeline

Program Dates: May 28 – August 3, 2013

• Application Deadline: Applications must be received by March 8 to guarantee consideration.

• Notifications of acceptance begins: April 1, 2013 Program Highlights One-on-one mentoring: Each student is assigned a faculty mentor for weekly meetings and a member of the research team who will serve as a daily contact person.

Immersive research experience: Each student will participate in an individual research project within the faculty-led team. Research projects will focus on one of four areas: wind energy resource characterization and aerodynamic loads; wind energy conversion systems and grid operations; manufacturing, construction, and supply chain; or reliability and turbine health monitoring.

Core training: Students will attend short-course on wind energy science, engineering, and policy topics led by faculty and senior researchers, as well as participate in workshops with faculty, to provide a broad knowledge base in wind energy science, engineering, and policy.