The GRASP Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is proud to be operating a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site entitled Perception, Planning, Mobility, and Interaction for Next Generation Robotics. This REU Site opened in 2012 and is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Overview

The goal of this REU Site is to give eight motivated engineering and computer science students significant experience in cutting-edge robotics research every summer. Our paid ten-week program provides a well-structured environment where:

• REU students will learn fundamental skills in engineering and mathematics needed to engage in multidisciplinary robotics research
• REU students will have substantial opportunities to apply this newly gained knowledge in ongoing research projects in the GRASP Laboratory
• REU students will learn to search the scientific literature, practice digesting technical papers, gain skills in effective technical paper writing and oral presentations, and learn about the process of graduate school selection and application.

Mentored Research Projects

This research experience will be enhanced through a carefully mentored approach to team-based research. Each student will work with one or more GRASP faculty members and a post-doctoral or graduate student mentor on a current research project in robotics. Projects will span the range of topics being researched in the GRASP Lab and will be fine-tuned to match the interests and backgrounds of the selected students. REU students will also interact with many of the other faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and undergraduates working in the GRASP Lab.

Student Support

• Stipend: Each student will be paid a stipend of $5,000 for the 10-week program.
• Dates: In 2012, the program will run from Friday, June 1, through Saturday, August 11. Participants should plan to be in Philadelphia for this entire period.
• Travel: Each student will be able to request up to $750 in reimbursement for travel to and from Philadelphia for the program or to a conference to present their research.
• Housing: Each student enrolled in the program will be housed free of charge on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. The provided housing is within walking distance of the GRASP Lab. There is a residential component to the program, so participants may not opt out of the housing to live elsewhere.
• Dining: Participants will receive partial support for their dining expenses for the duration of the summer.
• Research Competition: A prize of $250 will be awarded to the best REU research project, judged by experts in a public research symposium.
• Activities: The entire GRASP REU class will be supported by experienced Penn faculty and staff. The Site has a social program component, as well as planned visits to local robotics research facilities.

Participation

We welcome applications from undergraduate students who are US citizens and permanent residents. We are particularly interested in applicants who come from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (low-income, ethnic and racial minorities, first generation college students, and women). See the Apply section of this website for more details on student eligibility and a link to the application.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CNS-1156366. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

To apply, visit http://reu.grasp.upenn.edu/index.php?n=Main.Apply

Stipend Volunteers are sought for the Chesapeake Conservation Corps

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is proud to announce that applicants are being sought for the Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program.  The purpose of the Corps is 1) to enable stipend volunteers to work with host organizations and communities throughout Maryland to implement on-the-ground restoration and energy conservation projects, and 2) to provide leadership and training opportunities for young adults pursuing environmental and conservation careers.  Corps volunteers will work on projects in the realms of environmental restoration, energy conservation, agriculture and forestry, and environmental education.

Applications for CORPS VOLUNTEERS, ages 18-25, are currently being solicited throughout Maryland, with a deadline of May 14, 2012.  Successful Corps Volunteer applicants will be matched with Host Organizations by the end of June, with the one-year service term to begin in late August, 2012. Potential Host Organization placement sites occur throughout Maryland.

Be the Change You Wish To See in the World!

Apply to become an AmeriCorps VISTA

with UMBC’s Service-Learning Program!

Through partnership with the Maryland-Washington, DC Campus Compact (MDCCC), the AmeriCorps VISTA position will provide leadership in the design and implementation of the Service-Learning & School-Family Connections MDCCC-VISTA project and will serve as the liaison between UMBC and its school partner.  The MDCCC-VISTA will meet with teachers and administrators to devise a plan for increasing student engagement in the Homework Club and will create surveys and assessments to ensure that data is measured on a regular basis.  The Information Workshops for parents will address the school’s commitment to provide school-family support.  The MDCCC-VISTA will meet with school administrators and parents to create a curriculum plan for the sessions that she or he will also implement and facilitate; surveys and other assessments will be created to ensure that data from sessions is assessed.  The MDCCC-VISTA will also recruit UMBC students to participate in service-learning activities that leverage the resources of the campus to meet the volunteer needs of local community programs.   

What is AmeriCorps VISTA?

• AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. 
• VISTA members serve as full-time volunteers, organizing and implementing programs that build the capacity of organizations while making resources available to communities in need.

What are the benefits of serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA?

• The VISTA member will receive health insurance, a travel allowance (for work-related meetings and events), and a taxable living allowance of approximately $13,000 for their year of service.
• After successfully completing the service year, the VISTA will be eligible to receive either $1,200 in cash or an AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,550 that can be used toward the repayment of student loans or school tuition.  

What are the eligibility requirements to be a VISTA?

• A Bachelor’s Degree and driver’s license is required by the start of the VISTA year.
• Commitment to provide one year of full-time service (8/15/12-8/14/13).  
• Desire to work on-campus and with a local school partner to combat poverty.

How can I apply?

• Complete the enclosed Intent to Apply Form and email it to Clare Greene (clare6@umbc.edu) in the Service-Learning Program at The Shriver Center at UMBC.  Only emailed submissions will be accepted.  Eligible applicants will be contacted for an interview.
• For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit: http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/choose/vista.asp.

ALL INTENT TO APPLY FORMS MUST BE EMAILED TO clare6@umbc.edu

By 5pm on Friday, April 27^th, 2012.