RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FOR UNDERGRADUATES (REU)

Department of Atmospheric Sciences

Research Experience in Alpine Meteorology (REALM)

The Research Experience in ALpine Meteorology (REALM) will rely on the natural scientific laboratory, provided by the nearby Wasatch Mountains and adjacent urban areas, to enhance student awareness of societal challenges, such as water availability and air quality, that require understanding the influence of alpine terrain on weather and climate processes.

The Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Utah is the leading program for weather and climate education and research in the Intermountain West and is recognized internationally for its expertise in atmospheric studies related to mountain environments, including: measurement, analysis and prediction of orographic precipitation; fire weather applications; and air quality

Objectives

The objectives for REALM are to:

Engage students in full-time active research
Provide professional development opportunities for students and mentors
Motivate students towards STEM careers by constructing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive cohort experience that includes exposing them through site visits to employment opportunities in the weather, water, and climate enterprise
Improve students’ science literacy and oral and written communication skills

Learning Environment

To create an inclusive and supportive environment, each participant will interact with a mentoring team that includes:

A faculty advisor, required to complete training on practices for successful mentoring, who will propose a research topic relevant to the interests and skills of undergraduate students
A student peer mentor from within the cohort
STEM subject matter mentors that provide enhanced targeted training and feedback regarding writing, public speaking, computer programming, and field work and safety
The REALM Mentorship Council that will meet bi-monthly with all REU students to encourage their educational and professional development

SUMMER 2025 REALM

Apply starting:

December 1, 2024

Deadline (midnight):

February 1, 2025

If you have any questions, please contact Maria Garcia at mag10@utah.edu

APPLICATION

Application Process:

Complete the form
Upload official transcripts
Submit one reference for the letter of recommendation

APPLY HERE!

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REALM has been designed to welcome and support underrepresented students from a variety of backgrounds in a highly inclusive environment. Applications from minority serving and 2-year institutions are strongly encouraged.

Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) Partnership

In addition to supporting REALM, the University of Utah is committed to encouraging collaboration between REU communities on campus. This partnership is facilitated by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) that promotes undergraduate student-faculty collaborative research and creative works in all disciplines throughout the University of Utah campus.