Overview of Applying
Prior to applying to the REU program, applicants must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility requirements.
A completed application package will include:
1. Applicant information and demographics
2. Unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended. A screenshot of a transcript is acceptable.*
3. 500-word essay
4. Letters of reference from two professional individuals (uploaded by the professionals, not by the student applicant)
*Official transcripts are not needed when submitting the initial application. Applicants who are selected for participation will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the program start. Official transcripts must be sent from all undergraduate institutions directly to the University of Miami.
Applications will be prepared using a Qualtrics website managed by the University of Miami. Detailed instructions are provided in the next section.
Procedure for Applicants
Follow the steps below to prepare your application. Do not click the application link until the last step. The application window for rolling admissions for the Summer 2025 program will be open from September 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible since applicants will be admitted continuously on a rolling basis beginning in early February.
If you have questions, first refer to the FAQ page. If your question is not addressed there, email Dr. James Giancaspro (jwgiancaspro@miami.edu). In the subject line, specify “CIRR REU Program | Your first and last name”. Do not email the application file or any attachments; all responses must be submitted online by following the process below.
1. Verify that you satisfy every eligibility requirement.
2. Review the available CIRR REU research projects for the upcoming summer. You will be able to select up to 3 projects, ranked in order of preference.
3. Download the sample application. Read it and prepare your responses in a separate document. You will later paste your responses into the application website. Do not email the application file; all responses must be submitted online.
4. Obtain unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended, and combine them into a single PDF file no larger than 25 MB. Remove any password protection. Name the file: “Your last name - UG Transcripts.PDF”. For example, name it: Smith – UG Transcripts.PDF
5. Write a ~500-word essay. Use standard letter size (8.5×11 inches) with 1” margins on all sides, single-spaced paragraphs, page numbers, 12-point Times New Roman font, and your name in the footer of each page. The essay should address the following items:
a. Your motivation to pursue research in coastal resilience
b. How the CIRR REU program aligns (fits) with your career goals
c. Examples of your ability to work in a team environment
d. Prior research opportunities, publications, presentations, etc. (if applicable)
6. Save the essay as a PDF file no larger than 10 MB. Name the file: “Your last name - CIRR REU Essay.PDF” For example, name it: Smith – CIRR REU Essay.PDF
7. (Optional) Prepare a 1-page resumé and save it as a PDF file no larger than 10 MB. Name the file: “Your last name - Resume.PDF”. For example, name it: Smith – Resume.PDF
8. Ask at least two professional individuals to provide letters of reference for you. Obtain their name, title, name of company or university, phone number, and email address; university faculty must use an email address with an edu suffix. This information will be needed in your application. The CIRR REU program administrators will contact them for the reference letters. Friends, parents, family members, et al. are unacceptable to serve as professional references.
9. Verify that the previous steps are fully completed and the PDF files are named properly and ready for upload. Once you submit your application (in the next step), you will not be able to return later to edit the application.
10. Click here to prepare and submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email after your submission. Do not email your application documents.
If you are selected for the CIRR REU program, you will be notified to have your official transcripts sent directly from your institution’s Registrar to the address below. We cannot accept official transcripts sent by a student, even if in a sealed envelope.
Drs. Giancaspro and/or Ghahremaninezhad
CIRR REU Program Administrators
University of Miami
Dept. of Civil and Architectural Engineering
1251 Memorial Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146-0630
