Expectations and Opportunities

Why would an undergraduate student want to participate in IMMERSE?

IMMERSE pays you as an undergraduate researcher while you are still in school. IMMERSE will provide you with training and experience that you will not get in any class, including how to work in a team, how to prepare and give technical presentations, and how to carry out an independent research project. After participating in IMMERSE, you will be much more attractive to graduate schools and employers than someone who was not involved in undergraduate research activities. IMMERSE faculty can provide letters of recommendation and references and the technical publications you will be a part of will set you apart from other applicants.

When should students apply?

We are looking for students who are completing their second year of undergraduate study. The diagram below shows how a typical student would move through the IMMERSE program. After working the summer following their second year, many students continue to do research during their third academic year. Later, many students also choose to participate in IMMERSE for a second summer, especially those who plan on continuing to graduate school.



Is participating in IMMERSE better than getting an internship?

Honestly, that can depend on what your future goals and aspirations are. If graduate school figures into your plans, IMMERSE will be very valuable in getting you into graduate school and giving you a head start in terms of performing research. Many IMMERSE students can also continue working throughout the academic school year because they are familiar with their faculty mentors. If you are convinced you want to participate in an internship, IMMERSE can also help. After your first summer, you will participate in a symposium where you will meet representatives from companies like MICRON. This is a great opportunity to get internship offers for the following summer.

What is expected of students chosen for the IMMERSE program?

IMMERSE is a very unique opportunity. It is rare to find a program willing to pay and train students after their second academic year to perform real research tasks. Because of the time and monetary investment we will be making in you, we expect a certain commitment in return. First, we expect you to fully participate in all of the IMMERSE meetings and activities and to work diligently on your research project. Secondly, we expect that after your first summer in IMMERSE you will either return to participate in a second summer as an experienced student mentor or will seek out an internship in the microelectronics area.

Can I take classes during the spring and summer semesters and still participate in IMMERSE?

Many beginning IMMERSE students will take classes during the spring semester. However, we would expect you to work at least 20 hours in the IMMERSE program during that semester. During the summer semester, we would expect you to work at least 30 hours in the IMMERSE program, with 40 hours being preferable.