Tuesday, May 26, 2026, to Friday, July 31, 2026
Applications for the 2026 AFUS-REU Now Open
Application Deadline: February 19, 2026
Overview
The Applications and Foundations of Unmanned Systems (AFUS) REU site will provide undergraduates with a comprehensive research experience in the context of unmanned systems, a rapidly growing field of scientific and technological research. Student join a mentored cohort and work on carefully scoped projects spanning unmanned aircraft system (UAS), ground robotics, verification of robotic systems, inter-robot communication strategies, and machine learning in wearable robots. Across projects, participants gain hands-on experience in experimental methods, software/hardware integration, data-driven modeling, and reproducible research practices, culminating in technical presentations and professional development that prepares them for graduate study or research careers.
Provide research experience to undergraduate students from populations that are underrepresented in computing by immersing each student in the activities and culture of a research lab.
Increase students’ understanding of computing research methodologies.
Increase students’ awareness of the broad array of computing research disciplines.
Provide students with multiple points of support from a diverse group of peers and faculty mentors.
Increase students’ understanding of the process of applying to, preparing for, and succeeding in computing doctoral programs.
Work with active, experienced research faculty on emerging, socially relevant research topics.
Receive a stipend, housing, and parking on campus.
Students are eligible to apply for funding to travel to a conference.
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
Applicant must be and remain an undergraduate student in good standing.
Applicant must plan to complete a degree program.
Students must participate in lab activities for a minimum of 40 hours per week at the REU site.
Students must attend weekly lab meetings.
Students must prepare a publishable literature survey.
Students must prepare and submit a written report of the work done.
Students must give an oral presentation on the work they performed at the REU Site.
Students may participate in Computing REU programs at NC State for a maximum of two summers.
High school graduates who have been accepted at an undergraduate institution but who have not yet started their undergraduate studies are also eligible to participate.
Visit the Application Page