The Nakatani RIES Fellowship for U.S. Students connects undergraduates with the best of engineering & science research in Japan through a 13-week, summer research internship program that is open to freshman and sophomore students. The program seeks to cultivate an interest in engineering & science research among young U.S. undergraduate students. The program serves as a catalyst for U.S. students who are 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. 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.

* Pre-Departure Orientation at Rice University (2 days)
* Three-week Language & Cultural Orientation in Japan

* 45 hours of intensive Japanese language study
* Introduction to Science & Engineering Research Seminars
* Introduction to Japanese Society & Culture Seminars

* Nine-week Research Internship at a Japanese university or research institution
* Mid-Program Meeting in July (3 - 4 days)
* Re-Entry Program and Final Poster Presentation at Rice University (3 days)
* 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
sudents must:

* Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is at least 18 years old;
* Be a currently-enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate student in good academic standing at a U.S. institution of higher education;
* Be majoring in a science or engineering field;
* Be in their freshman or sophomore year of undergraduate study at the time of application;
* Have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or above;
* Be able to express a demonstrated interest in international engineering & science research, particularly with Japan;
* Be able to express a demonstrated interested in future graduate study in a science & engineering field.

Women, underrepresented groups, and students from schools with limited research opportunities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: Online applications and two letters of
recommendation must be submitted by January 12, 2017 at midnight in your local time zone. For questions, please contact nakatani-ries@rice.edu.