The National Science Foundation funded an REU in Bioengineering at Saint Louis University, BE@SLU, with the goal of improving student persistence in engineering by providing early undergraduate students with a challenging research experience along with program activities specifically designed to broaden participants’ views of bioengineering as a career. Retention and persistence in engineering are major issues within higher education that have long-term economic implications. The program was aimed at early career students with limited experience but with high interest in the bioengineering field; a scenario that offers the opportunity to create a positive, life impacting experience.

The targeted student population were early career undergraduates with the primary focus being on the recruitment of six rising sophomores and two peer mentors. The students were matched with faculty mentors who sponsored the 9-week research project and also served as career role models. The faculty mentors were committed to integrating teaching and research and were selected from a broad area of bioengineering areas.

Student projects from the program can be seen on the links provided below.

Highlights of BE@SLU included:

1. •A competitive stipend for the 9 week program; peer mentors received additional funds
   

2. •Housing on campus and a food subsidy
   

3. •Travel stipends for out of town students; additional funds were available to travel to national conferences
   

4. •Research project, seminars, presentations, career development, and social activities
   

5. ➡- view schedule from 2009    - view schedule from 2010    - view schedule from 2011
   

6. •Variety of project mentors and research areas in bioengineering
   

7. ➡- view projects from 2009    - view projects from 2010        - view projects from 2011
   

We are not currently accepting applications for this program.