The Nakatani Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of the application cycle for the 2016 Nakatani RIES: Research & International Experience Program for U.S. Students! Nakatani RIES connects undergraduates with the best of science & engineering research in Japan and the U.S. and is open to undergraduate science & engineering students who are attending U.S. universities.
U.S. Fellows can apply to spend up to 12 weeks in Japan in summer and Japanese Fellows can apply to spend up to eight weeks in the U.S. from August – September. While abroad, fellows participate in language, cultural, and communication training and conduct a hands-on research internship in a leading science or engineering research host laboratory. The program serves as a catalyst for U.S. & Japanese students interested in future graduate study and research and contributes to the development of a generation of globally-engaged scientists & engineers who have the technical and culture skills to contribute to vibrant international research collaborations in the future.
The Nakatani RIES Program is organized by the Nakatani Foundation and is implemented by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Rice University. Nakatani RIES is modeled off of Rice University’s award-winning 2006 – 2015 NanoJapan: International Research Experience for Undergraduates Program which provided 144 U.S. undergraduates with a transformative research & cultural experience in Japan.
Nakatani RIES Fellowship for U.S. Students
Website: http://nakatani-ries.rice.edu/
Application Deadline: February 1, 2016
The Nakatani RIES Fellowship for U.S. Students is a 12-week, summer research internship in science & engineering that is open to freshman and sophomore engineering students from universities nationwide. This summer program seeks to cultivate interest in science & engineering research among young U.S. undergraduate students, especially those from underrepresented groups, and encourages such students to pursue future graduate study. Up to 14 students will be selected to participate annually.
The Nakatani RIES Fellowship for U.S. Students program will include the following program components. Opportunities will also be provided for engagement with RIES Fellows from Japan via shared in-person workshops and networking and opportunities for virtual engagement via online webinars and e-mentorship.
- Pre-Departure Orientation at Rice University
- Introduction to Science & Engineering Research in Japan Seminar
- Japanese Language & Culture Orientation in Tokyo
- Research Internship in a leading science or engineering research host lab at a Japanese university or research institution
- Mid-Program Meeting
- Re-Entry Program at Rice University
- Enrollment in Rice University Summer School for 3 credits of Engineering Research (ELEC 490)
- Alumni Follow-on Project
Eligibility: To be eligible to apply for the Nakatani RIES Fellowship for U.S. Students must be:
- Be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing
- Be attending a U.S. institution of higher education
- Be in their freshman (first year) or sophomore (second year) of undergraduate study
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0
- Be able to express a demonstrated interest in international science & engineering research and future graduate study in your field
Women, underrepresented groups, and students from schools with limited research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply. Community college students who plan to matriculate to a four-year university and major in science or engineering are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits: The Nakatani Foundation provides funding for most U.S. student costs including summer school tuition for 3 research credits, international health insurance for duration of time in Japan, domestic airfare to/from Houston, international airfare to/from Japan, all lodging costs, a meal/living costs stipend, seminar and Japanese language course fees during the orientation program in Tokyo, and travel costs in Japan to/from the research internship and Mid-Program Meeting.
Student Costs: Costs that students will pay individually include passport and visa fees (if required), immunizations (if required), books, Japanese cell phone rental and usage, living costs above the provided meal/living cost stipend, independent travel/sight-seeing in Japan, and personal expenses.
Application Deadline: Online applications must be submitted by February 1, 2016 and two letters of recommendation must be received by February 5.
We look forward to receiving applications from interested freshman and sophomore science & engineering students from universities nationwide! For questions please email nakatani-ries@rice.edu or call +1 (832) 420-2751.
