The Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program is a one-semester position that provides students with the opportunity to gain experience doing economic research.
Students whose applications are accepted will be matched with a faculty member. Each REU member is expected to work closely with the faculty member on one or more projects to be determined by the faculty member. Typically, these research activities will involve some data manipulation. Hence, experience in statistics, econometrics, Excel, and knowledge of statistical software or a computer language are very helpful.
Expectations:
Funding is available for up to seven positions per semester and compensation will be $1,250 per student. Recipients, in addition to working closely with faculty, are required to write a three-page single-spaced report of the research experience. These reports will be due the last week of the semester. Reports will be emailed to Pam Dutko (prd138@psu.edu). Final paychecks will not be approved until the report is submitted.
Students are expected to submit 125 hours of research during the semester with a minimum threshold of 100 hours per student.
Application and Selection:
Criteria:
- To be eligible, students must have at least a 3.5 grade-point average, overall and in their major.
- Be an economics major or a business/math major with an economics minor.
- Other disciplines may be considered on an exception basis, but they must demonstrate a significant level of interest in and knowledge of economics.
- Must be at least a sophomore.
- Cannot be graduating in the semester during which the position is to be held.
- Prior recipients are eligible for a second research experience in the program, subject to these same conditions.
Deadlines:
- Students with a 3.5 grade-point average will receive an email stating that the application process is active, and we are accepting applications for the program.
- Applications will be due by the last day of final exams for positions in the following semester.
The application materials should consist of a cover letter addressed to the REU Selection Committee, indicating the student’s motivation for seeking the position, along with a resume and an unofficial transcript. Interested students should submit the application packet to Pam Dutko, Academic Program Coordinator in Economics via email (prd138@psu.edu).
Minority students are encouraged to apply. Screening will begin as applications are received, and the positions will be filled soon after the application deadline: students are usually notified in the first couple of weeks of the semester. Any inquiries about the positions should be directed to Sung Jae Jun (suj14@psu.edu).
“I participated in the REU program during my junior year in the spring semester of 2022. I learned a lot about data collection, organization, and project management. My main research focus and work was entered around global tariffs. One of the biggest benefits of this program is the experience you gain and ability to include it in your résumé. Almost every employer I interviewed with during my job search was interested in my experience, and I think it ultimately helped me get hired to my dream job!”
—Maren Hapeman
Class of Summer 2024
“I really enjoyed participating in the REU program. It gave me an opportunity to apply the skills I learned in my classes to real-world situations. It also was great exposure to research, working with professors, and presenting my work. My experience helped me learn more about what I am interested in and opened up my post-graduation opportunities.”
—Katelyn Davis
Class of Summer 2024
“My research experience with Dr. Mikhailova has been an enriching and rewarding journey. Throughout the program, I gained valuable skills in data analysis and visualization. I also learned about the importance of geographical location and its impact on economic activity. This experience has sparked my interest in spatial economics, and I am excited to explore this field further in my future studies.”
—Xiaoyu Qiu
Class of Summer 2024