FAQ
Applications will only be accepted electronically.
The entire application package must be complete and received by 5pm MST on March 1, 2027.
What are the minimum requirements for acceptance to the program?
Upon successful completion of your online application, we will send instructions and the reference form to your professors. Make sure you follow up with your references to ensure timely submission.
How can my professor submit the recommendation forms?
Upon successful completion of your online application, we will send instructions and the reference form to your professors. Make sure you follow up with your references to ensure timely submission.
How do I know that my application package is complete?
You should receive a confirmation email of your submission and you should follow up with your references. If you sent separate documentation please contact us at cdb-reu@utep.edu.
Is there someone I can contact regarding questions about my application and the program?
The program begins May 25 and ends July 31, 2027. Students are expected to arrive in El Paso on Tuesday, May 25 and depart on Saturday, July 31, 2027.
What will I have to do if I am accepted to the program?
Activities of your research experience will include:
- Actively participate in research program for 40+ hours per week. Time between the field and lab will vary depending on mentor and guidelines of how your time will be spent on research objectives will be defined by your mentor.
- Present project results at the end-of-summer symposium.
- Attend workshops and seminars.
- Complete all safety and laboratory training requirements.
What financial support will I receive?
All program participants will receive approximately $7,000 for the 10-week program and a sustenance stipend. Students coming from outside El Paso will be provided accommodations in shared apartments and travel expenses up to $600. Note: some meals and snacks will be provided on symposium and workshop days, but you will be expected to support your own daily expenses for food, recreation, etc.
Can you tell me a little bit about UTEP and El Paso?
Absolutely! The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a doctoral, minority-serving (~80% Hispanic – reflecting the local population), research-intensive university located on the U.S. border with Mexico. Currently, we serve more than 25,000 students, and our mission is to provide both access and excellence, supporting the education and development of our community. In fact, UTEP’s goal is to become the first national research university with a 21st century student demographic. El Paso is home to approximately 800,000 residents; combined with our sister city of Ciudad Juárez in Mexico (pop. ~1.2 million), we are the largest bi-national metroplex in the world. Research efforts at UTEP focus on border relevant issues, in line with our commitment to improving the health and well-being of people in this region. UTEP is home to the Sun Bowl and the UTEP Miners, led by our mascot, Paydirt Pete. Come visit us - we’d love to show you around! You can also visit our website: www.utep.edu.
Where can I find more information about UTEP and the El Paso Region?
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number DBI-1950810.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
