RUA Research Exchange @ Caltech
Visit another RUA campus to learn a new lab technique, present your research, start a new research collaboration, explore another campus and build your network. Apply for a research exchange!
Who?
Advanced graduate students and postdocs (Caltech & JPL) in Math, Physical, Computer, & Environmental Sciences, and Engineering.
NSF Funding can be used to support participants from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, as defined by NSF. This includes participants that are US citizens, Nationals or permanent residents who identify as Black/African American, Latine/Hispanic/Chicano, Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Additional funding sources are available from those who do not identify as members of those populations.
What?
Funding for a visit of up to a week with a research group at another RUA campus.
Where?
One of 8 other RUA institutions - Georgia Tech, Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Michigan, UT Austin and University of Washington.
When?
Apply at any time. Participants usually apply 3 - 6 months before they hope to go on their exchange visit.
Why?
Participants can use the research exchange visit for a number of purposes. Most commonly participants use their visit to explore a new campus, start a research collaboration, learn a new lab technique and build their professional network.
How?
To start, think about who you would want to visit on a RUA campus. Though it is not required, you may want to reach out to the researcher to see if they are interested and able to host a research exchange visit. On the application, you will be asked to indicate up to 4 researcher you are interested in visiting. Once you've decided who you would like to visit, apply using the link below.
If you're considering a research exchange, you want want to attend one of the quarterly orientation sessions. You're welcome to attend before or after you apply. The session is hosted by the RUA Research Exchange team and often includes a previous research exchange participant. The orientation session is a great opportunity to ask questions about the experience from someone who has been there before. Please contact researchexchange@caltech.edu if you're interested in attending a session.
The RUA Research Exchange was a pivotal moment in my graduate experience. Travelling to another university broadened my scientific horizons and convinced me to take the next step and apply for postdoctoral positions. I highly recommend that under-represented grads apply for a RUA Research Exchange, both to strengthen the network of minority scientists across the country and to further their own careers.
