The scheduled activities are designed to engage students in engineering research and further increase interest and understanding of the wide-ranging field of fluid mechanics. The program will foster technical development and research skills, afford sufficient time to complete research assignments and provide social and educational weekend activities away from the UA campus. Throughout each week, participants will spend most of their time in the research lab, under the supervision of their matched faculty supervisor and research team.

Wednesday Morning Workshops and Seminars: During this time the REU students will meet as a group for training in various aspects of being a researcher in the field of fluid mechanics.  First, a Fundamentals of Research seminar will introduce participants to the basic aspects and required skills of being a researcher.  Topics of discussion will include defining the experimental method, lab safety, ethical conduct in reporting data, discussion of error analysis and how to formulate a research plan.  Other seminars topics will include methods to improve technical writing and giving oral presentations (Dr. Kim Campbell, College of Commerce), modern tools to complete a literature survey (staff from the Rodgers Library), graduate school application process and preparation for the GRE, and an overview of flow measurement techniques in experimental fluid mechanics (Dr. Paul Hubner, College of Engineering).

Friday Luncheon Seminars:  Every Friday their will be a short seminar or panel discussion beginning at 11 am followed by a brown-bag lunch.  Each week, faculty, graduate students, or speakers from outside the college will lead a discussion on a variety topics ranging from current research in the field of fluid mechanics to proper business etiquette in the engineering field.  Half-way through the summer, REU participants will present short mid-program progress reports to the  group.

Weekend Trips:  An overnight trip is planned to tour Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC), the most advanced and largest complex of flight simulation test facilities in the world. The center operates 58 aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels, rocket and turbine engine test cells, space environmental chambers, arc heaters, ballistic ranges and other specialized units. Twenty-seven of the center’s test units have capabilities unmatched elsewhere in the United States; 14 are unique in the world. AEDC is located three hours north of the UA campus and the trip includes a stop in Huntsville, ALto tour some of the space exhibits. A second overnight trip is planned to Atlanta, GA (3 hour drive) and the acclaimed Atlanta Aquarium and Coca-Cola Plant/Museum. One other social day trip is planned for Alabama Adventure, the nearest amusement/water park.

Student Symposium:  Students will each give presentations on their summer research the final Thursday of the program at an all day symposium. REU staff will judge the presentations for quality of research, organization and speaking manner. Students will also be expected to turn in a short technical report covering their research. Feedback will be provided to the students on their performance.

APS DFD Conference:  Students with high quality research and presentations will be encouraged to submit an abstract and present their work (oral or poster) at the fall American Physical Society Division of Fluid Mechanics conference--this year being held in San Antonio, Texas. All students who have shown a substantial effort on their project will be asked to attend the conference. Dr. Lang will sponsor all selected REU participants. A travel stipend will be available to assist with travel costs.