Virginia Tech (VT) and the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TUD) are offering a National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates. This year's cohort will involve nine undergraduate students from across the USA: Seven students will travel to Germany, and two students will travel to Virginia to participate in 8 weeks of automotive research during Summer 2012. The students will receive stipends of at least $4,000 plus free room, board, and travel.

Language Skills: The research will take place using English. German language skill, while desirable, will not be required. To the extent German language training is available and desired by the individual REU students, the REU student will be given time off with pay to pursue German language training on a part-time basis. The cost of tuition and/or fees for this optional training will be the responsibility of the REU student.

Academic Credit: The REU students will have the option to earn up to six (6) semester credit hours of ME 4994 Undergraduate Research from Virginia Tech for their REU research at VT or TUD. ME 4994 counts as technical elective credits for VT BSME students. The cost of tuition and/or fees for this optional academic credit will be the responsibility of the REU student.