Education » Undergraduate » WaterPURE
The WaterCAMPWS Program for Undergraduate Research and Education (WaterPURE) is a four-year program designed to give undergraduates the greatest depth of experience in water purity research. The intent of the program is to prepare students for graduate level research in science and engineering fields related to the area of water quality. Most WaterPURE participants will not have had previous research experience. WaterCAMPWS research is highly interdisciplinary and currently focuses in biology, chemistry, civil and environmental engineering, geology, materials science, mechanical sciences, physics, and virology. Students in these and other fields play valuable roles in advancing the science of water quality. Students in this program are eligible for up to 4 years of funding contingent on academic and research progress. The first WaterPURE cohort began in September, 2006. Participants have the opportunity to showcase their progress through presentations and research papers of publishable quality.
Year 1: Students attend professional development sessions intended to enhance presentation and writing skills. Students also engage in luncheons with prominent researchers, and participate in basic professional and academic workshops, and attend other WaterCAMPWS student activities. Students are fully integrated into research groups by the spring semester.
Years 2 and 3: The sophomore and junior years will consist of intense laboratory experiences within existing WaterCAMPWS research groups coupled with basic and intermediate professional and academic workshops. During the summer between junior and senior years, students will be offered a summer appointment where they will continue their research at one of the WaterCAMPWS partner institutions.
Year 4: Students will complete a research paper of publishable quality. Students shall also participate in advanced workshops in preparation for graduate school and will be expected to present their work at a professional conference.
Program Benefits
- Receive up to 7,500 dollars annually depending on programmatic level and achievement
- Are eligible for course credit (independent study)
- Have the opportunity to attend The WaterCAMPWS annual symposium held each spring
- Produce a research paper of publishable quality
- Are guided through their research by a faculty advisor and a graduate student mentor
- Engage in top-level research with leaders in the field of potable water
- Have the opportunity to engage in summer research at WaterCAMPWS partner institutions
- Are eligible to apply for fellowships for graduate study with WaterCAMPWS
WaterPURE Application
The WaterPURE application deadline is September 7, 2009. WaterPURE candidates shall receive notification of their application status by September 14, 2009. (Students from traditionally underrepresented groups in science and engineering are encouraged to apply.)
Download WaterPURE Application
Program Contact Information
WaterPURE Program - WaterCAMPWS
2129 MEL, MC-244
1206 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
E-MAIL: watercampws.uiuc.edu
FAX: (217) 333-2633
