IRES stands for International Research Experiences for Students. The NSF funds IRES sites around the world with the aims of advancing science and of exposing U.S. students to foreign research environments to train the next generation of globally-engaged scientists.
Soft matter refers to materials which can be easily deformed or shaped. Things like gels, foams, fluid suspensions, liquid crystals, and polymers are examples of soft materials. Many biological materials are soft and, therefore, there's overlap between the fields of biophysics and soft matter physics.
How long is the program?
The main component of the program is the 8-week research experience in Mexico, either in Monterrey or in León. But there is also a 10-14 day in-person training prior to departure to Mexico that will take place on the University of San Diego campus. Additionally, there will be weekly hour-long meetings (done virtually over Zoom) from March through May to help prepare participants for the summer experience. Only students who can commit to this full program will be accepted.
Current undergraduates from the University of San Diego and other primarily undergraduate schools and community colleges in the Southern California region are eligible.
Students must also be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students will need to have a passport that will allow them to travel to Mexico.
Students should also have at least an intermediate proficiency in the Spanish language.
Since the study of soft materials is an interdisciplinary field, students from a range of science majors to apply. If you are majoring in physics, biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, or engineering, we encourage you to apply.
Preference will be given to students who have completed introductory coursework in their major and who are currently taking upper division science courses. However, as long as you have a strong interest in scientific research and are interested in the cultural exchange opportunities that come with a summer spent in Mexico, you are encourage to apply.
In the application, you will need to submit a resume, an unofficial college transcript, and contact information for two references who will be able to write letters of recommendation. You will also need to upload a statement of 1-2 pages that describes (i) your interest and motivation in doing scientific research related to soft matter; (ii) any prior research experiences; (iii) your interest in living abroad in Mexico for 8 weeks; and (iv) your future career goals. Lastly, you have the option of uploading a statement of no more than 1 page that describes any challenges or obstacles you have had to overcome.
We aim to contact applicants by or before the middle of February 2025.
Participants do not need to pay to participate. Participants will be given a $6400 stipend for the summer. Additionally, housing while in San Diego for the 10-14 day training and housing while in Mexico for the full 8-weeks will be provided, free of charge to participants. Travel costs to and from Mexico will be covered. While in Mexico, participants will need to cover the costs associated with food, incidentals, and local transportation. If participants choose to take part in short trips to other cities within Mexico, they will need to cover those costs.
Participants will live together in either Monterrey or León. We will find an apartment through AirBnB or with the help of the research mentors in Mexico for the three participants in each location to live together.
Travel to and from Mexico will be covered. However, you may have to cover the costs associating with commuting from your apartment to the research labs. Click on the following links to see where the labs are on Google Maps. In Monterrey, the research labs are at CIMAV. In León, the research labs are at the University of Guanajuato at the León campus. Public transportation options are limited at both sites so participants may need to use a Uber/Lyft/taxi to get to and from the lab.
Feel free to reach our to Dr. McGorty. Find his contact information here.