The specific objectives for the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program are to:
- Provide undergraduate students, especially from underrepresented groups and veterans, an opportunity to experience the excitement of research and discovery, and to work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
- Enable students to develop scientific and research skills, and to hone their oral and written scientific communication skills, all of which are valuable for careers in science.
- Help students to evaluate the impact of their research and how to communicate that importance to a general audience, including K-8 students in a high-needs public school.
- Guide students through the application process for major national and international fellowships, and to help them begin the process of applying for such awards.