NSF DREEM
Beginnings: Democratizing Research and Experiential Education for Microelectronics
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until spaces are filled. For best consideration, apply by October 21, 2024
The DREEM program is an 8-month experiential learning program for second-year Montgomery College and College of Southern Maryland students in Electrical Engineering to provide critical technical skills and career-advancing opportunities that includes: a focused 2-week practical workshop on targeted design and research skills, a semester-long hands-on research project with University of Maryland, College Park faculty to develop laboratory skills, and a summer internship with industrial partners. With a focus on emerging technologies such as cleanroom manufacturing of biosensors, smart instrumentation electronics, neuromorphic signal processing, and machine learning circuits, this program emphasizes hands-on experiences for the next generation of designers and careers in microelectronics.
Program Requirements
- Must be able to work in the U.S. and must be able to provide a social security number
to the college.
- Must be enrolled at MC as a degree-seeking student. Students pursuing a degree at
another institution are not eligible.
Academic load for Spring term:- 6 credits minimum for U.S. Citizen/Permanent resident
- 12 credit minimum for international students
- Consecutive participation in all three phases of the cohort experience is expected
(winter workshop, semester internship, summer internship). The program is structured
as a cohort experience and the three phases are not independent of each other in a
given year.
- Participants may be placed in laboratories, including semiconductor cleanrooms, which
contain high voltage equipment and/or hazardous materials. Participants must complete
all required training, follow laboratory protocols and abide by professional standards
of conduct that apply to the field of semiconductors and microelectronics.
- Priority will be given to Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering majors. Progress towards completion of required ENEE courses will be considered as part of the application process.
| Program phases | Description | Location | Commitment | Stipend* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Winter Workshop |
Pre-internship training workshop | ECE Department, UMCP | Two weeks during the winter break in January 2025 | $20/hour Travel and parking at UMCP reimbursed |
| Phase 2: Spring internships |
Undergraduate research internship with ECE Faculty at UMCP | Partially flexible (time/location) On-site meetings with mentors at UMCP |
10-15 hours/week Weekly meetings with UMCP and local MC mentors Participation in poster session at end of Spring semester |
$20/hour Travel and parking at UMCP reimbursed |
| Phase 3: Summer internship |
Industry Internship | DMV area | 40 hours/week Participation in final presentation at end of internship |
Determined by company |
Apply Here
Application Instructions
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until spaces are filled. For best consideration, apply by October 21, 2024
- Check that you meet the eligibility requirements and can satisfy the program commitments
- Prepare your resume
- Prepare your personal statement
- Obtain your unofficial transcripts
- Request two or three professional references
- Complete the application formnew window
- Email DREEM@montgomerycollege.edu to confirm that you have submitted your application.
- Monitor your MC email for messages from DREEM@montgomerycollege.edu for follow-up steps.
Guidelines
- You may create your resume (2 pages max) using the following template
- Save it as LastName-FirstName-Resume (Word or PDF)
) .- Provide your name, M#, email address
- In the personal statement, you may discuss:
- Why did you choose your major?
- What did you enjoy most in your classes? Why?
- What projects have you done that showcase your skills?
- Are you interested in working in the area of microelectronics? Why?
- Are you a first generation college student?
- What challenges have you had to overcome?
- Are you working while attending MC? How many hours per week do you work during the semester, summer, winter? What do you do?
- What are your long term goals? Where would you like to be in five years, ten years?
- Maximum length: 650 words
- Please do not disclose any confidential information in your personal statement. The personal statements will be shared with collaborating partners outside Montgomery College.
- Save it as LastName-FirstName-PersonalStatement (Word or PDF)
- Download an unofficial transcript from MyMCnew window. Save it as LastName-FirstName-MC-Transcript
- If applicable, obtain unofficial transcripts from any other school that you attended since high school that includes coursework related to Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering. Save these as LastName-FirstName-SchoolName-Transcript
- Email two or three recommenders to request that they fill in a recommendation form.
Provide them with the link to this set of guidelines. At least two must be Montgomery
College STEM faculty or staff members, who are familiar with your work (other than
Dr. Palmyra Catravas or Dr. Lan Xiang).
- The recommender will be asked to fill out a short form and to consider
- Your relevant technical skills
- Your potential to grow in professional skills in microelectronics
- Your interpersonal skills
- Your respect for critical guidelines, such as laboratory safety procedures
- To avoid a delay in the processing of your application, you may optionally email DREEM@montgomerycollege.edu before the application deadline of October 21, 2024 with the names and emails of two or three recommenders so that they can be sent the
recommendation link earlier. The recommendations must be received by October 28, 2024
for best consideration.
- If your recommenders have any questions, they may send an email to DREEM@montgomerycollege.edu
To view more information about DREEM, and cohort 2024 information, visit UMD DREEM websitenew window