The Biomedical Engineering Department and Center for Biomedical Informatics at Wake Forest School of Medicine will offer several summer research opportunities in 2020 focusing on Imaging and Mechanics-based Projects on Accidental Cases of Trauma (IMPACT) and other biomedical engineering and informatics topics. Students selected for this Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program will receive a stipend and on-campus housing. The research internships will be offered between May 25 and August 1, 2020.
Research Project Highlights
Exciting biomedical engineering projects are offered on topics including:
- Injury prediction model development
- Military, sports and spaceflight safety
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Biomechanical characterization of injury mechanisms
- Diagnostics and therapies for cancer patients
- Biomedical informatics
Learn more and read the research project descriptions (PDF).
How to Apply
The Wake Forest Biomedical Engineering and Informatics summer program admits up to 40 students each summer who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Undergraduate students from all institutions (Wake Forest University students are eligible)
- Students in good academic standing — U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and U.S. permanent residents
Underrepresented students from colleges with limited research opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
- Submit an application online.
- Upload your resume and cover letter.
The application period for the Summer 2020 REU is closed. Please check back in Fall 2020 to apply for Summer 2021 REU internships.
Applications will be accepted up until the deadline on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
|
Perry Asibey-Bonsu |
Shri Krishna Basude |
| Mia Bonini University of Portland Mechanical Engineering – Junior Mentor: Ashley Weaver, PhD |
Juliette Caffrey Roger Williams University Biomedical Engineering – Junior Mentor: Scott Gayzik, PhD |
| Ethan Evans Davidson College Informatics – Mentor: Brian Wells, MD, PhD |
Kevin Fleischmann Wake Forest University Biomedical Engineering – Freshman Mentor: Scott Gayzik, PhD |
| Lizette Galarza Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering – Sophomore Mentor: Scott Gayzik, PhD |
Tony Gwyn Winston-Salem State University Informatics – Mentor: Umit Topaloglu, PhD |
| Benjamin Heidebrecht Virginia Tech Systems Biology - Junior Mentor: Brian Ostasiewski |
Jordan Hemmen Virginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering - Junior Mentors: Joel Stitzel PhD / Jill Urban PhD |
| Megan Keech Clemson University Bioengineering – Sophomore Mentor: Lacey McNally, PhD |
Virginia Lawson UNC Charlotte Informatics – Mentor: Franck Diaz, PhD |
| Kevin Liao Mississippi State Computer Engineering - Freshman Mentor: TJ Colvin, MS |
Samyuktha Nandhakumar UNC Charlotte Informatics – Mentor: Brian Wells, MD, PhD |
| Adhithya Narayanan UNC Charlotte Informatics – Mentor: Umit Topaloglu PhD |
Emma Northrup Binghamton University Biomedical Engineering – Junior Mentors: Joel Stitzel PhD / Jill Urban PhD |
| Tanner Payne Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Biomedical Engineering – Sophomore Mentors: Joel Stitzel PhD / Jill Urban PhD |
Sridevi Perumal Rutgers University Biomedical Engineering – Junior Mentor: Umit Topaloglu, PhD |
| Suraj Rajendran Georgia Tech Biomedical Engineering - Sophomore Mentor: Dr. Umit Topaloglu, PhD |
Ben Rauenbuehler University of Iowa – Sophomore Informatics – Sophomore Mentor: Eric Kirkendall, MD, PhD |
| Aiden Sherry Methodist University Systems Engineering - Sophomore Mentor: Philip Brown, PhD |
Shannon Taylor Lehigh University Bioengineering - Junior Mentor: Ashley Weaver, PhD |
| Karl Thomas Williams College Chemistry – Junior Mentor: Lacey McNally |
Mitchell Topaloglu Wake Forest University Informatics- Mentor: Brian Ostasiewski |
| Charlotte Van Houtven Wake Forest University Biomechanics – Sophomore Mentor: Philip Brown, PhD |
Enes Yazgan UC Santa Cruz Informatics – Mentor: Khalid Niazi, PhD |
Housing provided:
Deacon Place
Long Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Rooms are reserved by Biomedical Engineering Department and rooming information is sent once applications have been selected.
- Check-In will be held between 9 am and 5 pm at Deacon Place on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day). Upon check-in, Interns will receive keys, a scan card and parking pass for Deacon Place. Information regarding the apartment complex and amenities will be provided in each apartment (including how to connect to WiFi, where to take out trash, etc.).
- There are in-unit laundry facilities provided, which are not coin operated.
- Parking will be provided at Deacon Place.
- A shuttle service will be available and will offer scheduled travel between Deacon Place and the Innovation Quarter.
Are letters of recommendation or transcripts required?
You do NOT have to upload letter(s) of recommendation or transcripts unless you wish.
What is the minimum GPA for acceptance?
Recommended minimum GPA is 3.0
When will I be notified of acceptance?
Decisions start mid-March and will continue until all interns have been selected. Selection usually continues through April.
What are the dates of the program?
The dates for the program will be between May 25 and August 1, 2020
What are the program requirements?
- Orientation
- 10 weeks of research
- Professional development seminars/training/workshops
- Oral presentation (PowerPoint symposium)
What are the program objectives?
- To introduce students to the field of biomedical engineering and broaden their knowledge
- To educate students about the societal implications of their research
- To cultivate mentoring relationships between the interns and the graduate student and faculty mentors
- To provide research experiences that will promote independent problem-solving skills
Will I do collaborative or individual work?
There will be opportunities for both collaborative and individual work.
Do I need prior experience in the project research field?
No prior experience is required, but encouraged (consult project descriptions).
May I also take summer classes?
We prefer for our students not to take summer courses so they can concentrate on the internship.
If I’ve already interned at Wake’s BME program, may I apply again?
Yes, you may apply even if you’ve previously been through the program.
If I cannot stay for the entire duration of the program, may I still apply?
We prefer for our students to commit to the entire internship, but please indicate days you’d be unavailable on the application.
Do I need to bring a car?
We recommend bringing a vehicle; however, carpooling with other student is also possible and there is a shuttle service from the housing to the research labs. Past students have found having a car or carpooling advantageous.
I am bringing a car. Do I need to purchase a parking permit?
No. Parking permits will be provided.
Are there any observed holidays during the summer?
Yes, Memorial Day and July 4 are observed holidays.
What type of housing is provided?
Shared apartment-style housing will be provided on the campus of Wake Forest University.
Are travel expenses covered?
No, travel expenses are not paid by the program.
How much will I be paid?
You will be paid a $5,000 stipend.
What should I wear?
A business casual dress code is recommended.
How many students typically apply?
More than 700 students applied to the program in 2019
- The Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, often called PTI for short, the closest airport to the Wake Forest Biomedical Engineering Department located at Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem, is about a 30-minute drive.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is about a 90-minute drive to Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem.
- Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) is about a two-hour drive to Innovation Quarter.
- There are shuttles to and from GSO, CLT and RDU to Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem, as well as ride share services.