About REM: EMProject
The vision of the NSF Exploring Microelectronics Using Project-Based Learning (REM: EMProject) is to offer a diverse cohort of high school and community college educators, community college students, and Rice University undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in hands-on and mentored microelectronics-focused research projects in the NanoFab cleanroom.
Program Breakdown
The REM: EMProject offers a microelectronics research experience for high school and community college educators, community college students, and Rice undergraduates. Participants engage in a hands-on research internship within the Rice NanoFabrication Facility cleanroom, gaining experience with semiconductor industry tools and working alongside research mentors. The program incorporates the Entering Mentoring curriculum, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of microelectronics technology.
Educators will develop curriculum-aligned lesson plans in the fall semester based on their project , present at the Research Symposium for Teachers, and implement their lessons at a spring R-STEM Academy workshop.
Community college and undergraduate students gain practical lab experience while expanding their expertise in high-demand microelectronics technologies.
2025–2026 REM: EMProject*
Applications close: April 12, 2025 (no applications submitted after this date will be considered)
All forms are due by the application deadline.
*This program is contingent upon funding.
*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.
- High School & Community College Educators
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Program Overview
The REM: EMProject is designed for high school and community college educators to engage in cutting-edge microelectronics research and integrate it into their teaching. Participants gain hands-on experience through six-week research projects in the Rice NanoFabrication Facility cleanroom, working with semiconductor industry tools. Beyond the summer internship, a structured year-long mentorship program provides ongoing support and professional development.Benefits
- Hands-on research experience in microelectronics
- Professional development and Entering Mentoring training
- Curriculum-aligned lesson plan creation with potential for publication
- Research presentation opportunities
- Stipends up to $8,000Eligibility & Application
- Open to Houston-area high school and community college educators
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
- Applications close: April 12, 2025 (all supporting documents due)
- Selected applicants will be notified by May 2025
- Space is limited, and selection for an interview does not guarantee placement.
Apply HereSchool Year Training (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026)
Three 3-hour evening workshops on engineering design and lesson development:
- September 3, 2025
- October 1, 2025
- November 5, 2025Participant Expectations:
- Share research findings at an R-STEM professional development program
- Co-lead a Saturday R-STEM Academy for at least 30 students (February 2026)
- Submit developed lesson plans for peer review (March 2026)Summer Training (June - July 2025)
- Orientation: June 5-6, 2025
- Research Internship: June 9 - July 18, 2025
- Laboratory safety and NanoFab Cleanroom training
- Work with assigned research mentors on a project
- Entering Mentoring training
- Research Symposium for Teachers: July 22, 2025 - Community College & Rice University Undergraduate Students
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Program Overview
The REM: EMProject offers community college and Rice undergraduate students hands-on research experience in microelectronics at the Rice NanoFab cleanroom. Participants will expand their knowledge in microelectronics, develop problem-solving skills, and gain research experience through a six-week internship guided by research mentors. The program also includes structured mentorship based on the Entering Mentoring curriculum.Program Structure
- Orientation (June 2025) – 2-day introduction to microelectronics, NanoFab cleanroom safety, and general lab procedures.
- Research Internship (June - July 2025) – Work on an independent research project under the guidance of a mentor.
- Weekly Cohort Meetings – Discuss research experiences, projects, and mentorship training.
- Research Presentation – Participants will present findings and participate in professional development activities.Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of April. Space is limited, and selection for an interview does not guarantee placement.
Program Benefits:
- $6,000 in stipends.
- Six weeks of hands-on research at Rice University.
- Free economy parking at Rice University.
- Networking opportunities with researchers.
- Training in scientific presentation and poster development.Participant Expectations:
- Full-time commitment (40 hours/week) for six weeks.
- Document summer hours and submit timesheets.
- Complete and present a research poster.
- Submit all assignments and coursework on time.Eligibility & Application
- Open to undergraduate and community college students in the Houston area (preference for STEM majors).
- Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident (due to funding requirements).
- Application Deadline: April 12, 2025Apply here
Required documents:
- Unofficial transcript
- Personal statement (max 1 page)
- Two letters of recommendation (one from a STEM professor) - Program Flyers
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Please see the REM: EMProject flyers below.
REM: EMProject Program Administration
If you have any questions about REM: EMProject, you can contact the program lead.
Isaias Cerda
Associate Director for Science Education & English Language Learners
713-348-3197 | ic19@rice.edu
*Program times, dates, locations, and compensation subject to change before the first day of the program.
**Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident to apply.
This program is contingent upon funding.
