About US

The AERIM program was set up in the department of mechanical engineering at Oakland University (OU) to provide meaningful, hands-on, paid 10-week summer research experiences to undergraduate engineering students from across the United States. Student participants work in teams on automotive and energy-related research projects in mechanical engineering with a special emphasis on technologies that aim to improve efficiencies of internal combustion engines, automotive manufacturing processes, automotive materials, alternative propulsion systems and lubrication and wear. The goal of this program is to engage participants in rewarding research experiences that excite and motivate them to pursue careers in scientific and engineering research. In particular, one of the goals of this REU site is to address the nationwide problem of the under-representation of women and minorities in the sciences, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and more specifically in the field of mechanical engineering.

Program Benefits

Participants in this 10-week summer research program receive the following benefits:

  • A $5,000 stipend for full participation in the 10-week REU program.
  • On-campus housing at no extra cost to those students requiring it.
  • A travel allowance of up to $450 to cover the costs of traveling to Oakland University. The amount will be based on the actual cost of transportation
  • Funds are also available to cover the travel costs of participants to a research conference.
  • A small weekly meal allowance
  • Please note that students cannot be working or taking classes during the 10 weeks of the program.

Activities

A number of additional activities are planned during the course of the program. A few examples are listed below:

  • Industrial site and research lab tours
  • Formal and informal interactions with working engineers, faculty and industry mentors
  • Activities meant to enhance students' communication skills
  • Seminars on topics related to emerging automotive and energy technologies
  • Information about graduate school
  • Conferences and professional activities (such as attending the Annual SAE Young Automotive Professionals Conference)
  • Outreach activities to K-12 students
  • Leisure activities