You must click on the following link to apply: Applications will be accepted starting 12.18.20
*Given the current state of affairs on the national and local levels, HERL is planning to offer ASPIRE in a remote format for summer 2021. Please revisit this page periodically for any changes to program format/status.
ASPIRE Program dates: May 17, 2021 – July 22, 2021
What do you ASPIRE to be? The mission of HERL is to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation. The ASPIRE REU program is designed to promote greater involvement and understanding of Rehabilitation Engineering and assistive technology – while fostering an understanding of the problems faced by individuals with disabilities. This results in a greater ability to apply engineering principles to improve the quality of life, which promotes a higher degree of inclusiveness and greater functionality for people with disabilities.
Rehabilitation engineering employs a systematic approach to the design, modification, customization and/or fabrication of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. ASPIRE research efforts in rehabilitation engineering are focused on identifying and addressing problems critical to achieving and maintaining the highest possible level of function in areas related to mobility, communications, sensory (e.g., hearing, tactile, vision), and cognition and in activities associated with employment, independent living, and education. Each ASPIRE participant will work directly with HERL faculty and graduate students to help transform the lives of individuals with disabilities. The ASPIRE program provides exemplary mentoring and resources that enable undergraduate students to transition from dependent to independent thinkers, develop a sense of excitement about entering an engineering or technical field, and be well prepared for their future careers.
ASPIRE provides:
- Seminars and workshops to augment the research experience
- $4,750 stipend
- Housing* (*housing will be offered only if the University of Pittsburgh authorizes the use of campus housing for the summer 2021, otherwise, program will be offered in remote format)
Eligibility:
- Undergraduate students majoring in science, engineering, math, and computer science
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Minorities, women, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply
2021 Project List (additional projects will be added in January 2021)