Winter Session
University of Notre Dame 2020-21 Winter Session Main Page
Introduction
Research is one form of scholarly engagement that you might want to pursue over the 2020-21 Winter Session, This could take at least three forms:
- Starting in-person or remote research under the supervision of a faculty member at Notre Dame. In this case, see below for opportunities. In addition to reviewing these opportunities, however, you might want to reach out to faculty members whose work interests you to see if you might be able to work with them. For more information about how to do this, visit the CUSE Starting Your Research page.
- Continuing in-person or remote research under the supervision of a faculty member at Notre Dame. In this case, connect with your faculty mentor for more information.
- Conducting remote research under the supervision of a research mentor at another institution or organization. In this case, much of the information at the CUSE Starting Your Research page will still be relevant to you.
If you hope to participate in research at Notre Dame over the winter session, housing will be available on or near campus.
It is sometimes possible to earn credit or get paid for research experiences; your faculty mentor will be able to provide more information about this.
Housing
Housing is no longer available for December research experiences. Therefore, research experiences that require student housing may begin no earlier than January 1, 2021, and must be completed by Saturday, January 30. There are minimal local apartment options available via a separate housing application. In order to receive this application, students should ask the faculty mentors with whom they will be working to send their names and email addresses to the Winter Session Planning Team at wintersession@nd.edu. Applications will be accepted for stays from 1/1 to 1/30 ($870) and they are due by December 16. Financial Aid is not available to pay for these housing charges, though students can apply for funding to support room and board through CUSE. Students should submit funding applications to CUSE as soon as possible if they wish to have a decision by December 16.
Open Research Opportunities
Social Science | Humanities/Arts | Science/Engineering
SOCIAL SCIENCE
Impact of Constructs of Race and Ethnicity on Perceptions of Discrimination in Adults
Faculty: Luis Mendez
Description: The purpose and significance of this work on identity is to explore if and how the social and psychological constructs of race and ethnicity impact perceptions of discrimination in adults over the age of 18. The current literature on this topic has very few investigations involving parents and their interactions with their children on identity. The present study proposes to measure these social and psychological constructs across the U.S. among Spanish speakers. This variable is important, since language is often a direct expression of identity and ties to race/ethnicity. Minority language adults acquire English as part and parcel of being educated in the U.S., and thus the bulk of existing research on identity development among Latinx only considers the use of English (the majority language). We argue that when Spanish is the participant’s mother tongue, and particularly given discourse contexts concerning identity, interaction and expression in Spanish may yield the most accurate responses throughout the study. In addition, young Latinx adults may serve as language brokers for their parents and via these experiences, may be exposed to other forms of discrimination as direct witnesses to their parents’ lack of English proficiency and/or “foreign accents.” Therefore, we are also interested in examining if parents' own identity and experiences of discrimination are related to their children’s experiences.
Number of students: Flexible
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Proficiency in Spanish
How to apply: Contact Luis Mendez at lmendezp@nd.edu for more information.
Data Coding for Memory Lab
Faculty: Gabriel Radvansky, Psychology
Description: Data coding.
Number of students: 6
Hours per week: 15
Student background required: Active participation in the Memory Lab.
How to apply: Contact Professor Radvansky at gradvans@nd.edu for more information.
Collecting Human EEG Data for Sleep, Stress, and Memory Lab
Faculty: Jessica Payne, Psychology
Description: The work will be primarily assisting lab personnel in the collection and analysis of sleep electroencephalography (EEG recordings). Duties will include recruiting participants to take part in studies and assisting with collecting and analyzing data.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Interest in or currently working in the Sleep, Stress & Memory Lab. Completion of Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience and/or The Sleeping Brain classes are helpful but not required.
How to apply: Contact Dr. Daniel Danis at ddenis@nd.edu for more information.
Analysis of Human EEG Data for Sleep, Stress, and Memory Lab
Faculty: Jessica Payne, Psychology
Description: In this research experience, students will assist researchers in the analysis of human electroencephalography (EEG) data. The data were obtained from experiments where participants slept in the lab after completing memory and problem solving tasks. Students will receive hands-on experience using MATLAB to view the EEG data, score the data for different stages of sleep, and perform analyses to relate sleep EEG measures to awake behavior. This experience can be completed entirely remotely starting the week of January 4th, and it is best suited for students who are interested in or already work in the Sleep, Stress, and Memory Lab.
Number of students: 10-15
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Interest in or currently working in the Sleep, Stress & Memory Lab. Completion of Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience and/or The Sleeping Brain classes are helpful but not required.
How to apply: Contact the Sleep, Stress, and Memory Lab at samlab@nd.edu for more information.
Winter Research Programme: Ireland in Europe
Faculty: Various faculty, Dublin Global Gateway & Nanovic Institute for European Studies
Description: The Dublin Global Gateway and Nanovic Institute for European Studies are offering a variety of research opportunities for undergraduates of all academic backgrounds and years with a keen interest in Ireland's role in the European Union or Irish studies in the wider European context. There are three types of opportunities to research and network with local Irish experts over the Winter Session: (1) an interdisciplinary group research project on Ireland in the EU, (2) thesis and capstone research support, and (3) an individual research project on Irish and EU museums' policies on the repatriation of culturally sensitive objects. Apply to one of the three projects via the Dublin Global Gateway page on Handshake. Research positions are advertised as "Winter Session" offerings.
Number of students; 10
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: European/EU politics; Irish studies; Museology & public history
How to apply; Visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4144841 to apply.
Europe Responds to the 2020 U.S. Election
Faculty: Clemens Sedmak, Nanovic Institute for European Studies
Description: In an effort to understand the broader implications of and responses to the 2020 presidential election in the United States, the Nanovic Institute invites interested undergraduates to participate in a research project over the 2020-21 winter session titled, ‘Europe Responds to the 2020 U.S. Election’. The goal of this project is primarily to unpack the nuanced relationship between various European nations and the United States and how those relationships will be affected by the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Student researchers will select a European country and conduct a historical analysis of that country’s relationship with the United States, students will then analyze national media coverage of the US election, political statements made by the country’s government regarding the American election, and other relevant materials to draw conclusions about the future of a that country and the United States.
Number of students: 6
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Priority given to students with academic backgrounds in political science, global affairs, history, economics, linguistics. Students should have proficiency in a European language.
How to apply: Visit https://nanovicnd.submittable.com/submit/173086/undergraduate-research-assistant-application to apply.
LEO: Analyzing Data on Changing Nature of Hospital Treatments for COVID-19 Patients over the Pandemic
Faculty: Bill Evans, Lab for Economic Opportunities
Description: LEO is looking for an undergraduate research assistant to help analyze data on the changing nature of hospital treatments for COVID-19 patients over the pandemic. The data set contains information on all COVID-19 patients discharged from a sample of 90 hospitals in the state of Indiana. The goal of the research is to document the learning curve that hospitals experienced as they moved from the early to later stages of the pandemic.
Note: The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) employs undergraduate research assistants who are passionate about their mission to identify the innovative, effective, and scalable programs and policies that help people move permanently out of poverty. LEO gives students the unique opportunity to participate in that mission by working side-by-side with Notre Dame faculty on active research projects with their social service provider partners around the country. LEO’s undergraduate interns move beyond an academic exercise by applying the analytical techniques they have learned in the classroom to real research questions.
Number of students: 2
Hours per week: Position 1: 11/30/20-12/18/20 (20 hours/week) and 1/4/20-1/29/21 (20 hours/week); Position 2: 1/4/20-1/29/21 (20 hours/week)
Student background required: Applicants should be studying economics or a related subject with strong statistical training. Applicants should have demonstrated research skills in STATA and successfully completed an undergraduate course in econometrics and multivariate regression models.
How to apply: Visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4135686 to apply.
LEO: Emergency Financial Assistance
Faculty: Various faculty in the Lab for Economic Opportunities
Description: This position will support the research operations of a LEO project about Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA). EFA provides funds to individuals who need it to stay afloat with expenses like rent or utility bills. In many cases, these funds are distributed on behalf of individuals to an appropriate third party (e.g., in the case of a rent payment, EFA would be transferred directly to a client’s landlord). This common-practice service offered by many non-profit and charitable organizations prompts two immediate questions. First, does a one-time EFA payment to a person or family in need have a meaningful, persistent effect on measures of economic security, or does it merely delay a negative outcome such as eviction or sizable debt? Second, does in-kind assistance in the form of payment to a third-party vendor more reliably help the individual avoid financial insecurity than unrestricted cash paid directly to the individual themselves? LEO will evaluate these questions through a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston Houston (CCGH), a longtime provider of EFA serving southeast Texas. Results from this study are of academic and policy interest to the issue of optimal program design. They are also of immediate practical interest to non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance to low-income individuals.
Note: The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) employs undergraduate research assistants who are passionate about their mission to identify the innovative, effective, and scalable programs and policies that help people move permanently out of poverty. LEO gives students the unique opportunity to participate in that mission by working side-by-side with Notre Dame faculty on active research projects with their social service provider partners around the country. LEO’s undergraduate interns move beyond an academic exercise by applying the analytical techniques they have learned in the classroom to real research questions.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 20
Student background required: Applicants should be studying economics or a related subject with strong statistical training. Applicants should have successfully completed an undergraduate course in econometrics and be familiar with statistical software like STATA, R, or SAS.
How to apply: Visit https://app.joinhandshake.com/jobs/4135686 to apply.
HUMANITIES/ARTS
FTT Book Project Research Assistant
Faculty: Pam Wojcik, Film, Television, and Theatre (FTT)
Description: Provide research assistance to Professor Wojcik for new book project. This will involve searching for articles and books, and also finding films with certain features and helping to figure out what archive may have them.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Experience with library research using databases.
How to apply: Contact Professor Wojcik at Pamela.Wojcik.5@nd.edu for more information.
Art and Diversity Database Research Support
Faculty: Tatiana Reinoza, Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD)
Description: This is a virtual short term research project for students interested in art and diversity. Working under the supervision of Professor Reinoza, students will provide research support for the digital humanities project titled Artura.org, a free online database of culturally diverse artworks and artists, and an open educational resource for curators, educators, scholars, and students. Projects may include writing artist biographies, object descriptions, finding interactive content, and building bibliographies.
Number of students: 5
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: AAHD majors and minors, Latino Studies majors and minors, American Studies majors and minors, Africana Studies majors and minors
How to apply: Contact Professor Reinoza at treinoza@nd.edu for more information.
SCIENCE/ENGINEERING
CEHI Undergraduate Research Opportunity
Faculty: Marie Lynn Miranda, ACMS
Description: The Children's Environmental Health Initiative (CEHI), directed by Dr. Marie Lynn Miranda, is currently hiring undergraduate research team members interested in making meaningful contributions to our diverse research team. CEHI is a research, education, and outreach program committed to fostering environments where all people can prosper. In addition to office related tasks, the position provides general support to a series of spatially-based research projects focused on health outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to develop basic research skills; and collaborate with other students, staff, and faculty researchers within our multidisciplinary research group. The opportunity will run from November 30 to January 27. A detailed work plan will be coordinated with CEHI leadership with some calendar accommodations expected for holidays, travel, etc. More information about CEHI can be found at http://cehi.nd.edu.
Number of students: 1-2
Hours per week: 15-20 desired, with additional hours possible
Student background required: We are looking for a punctual, reliable second year student with:
- excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- an ability to work in a team-based environment;
- and a demonstrated interest in environmental health.
How to apply: Interested students should send a letter of interest and a current resume to Carolina Avendano, cavendan@nd.edu.
Software Development for iLocater
Faculty: Jonathan Crass, Physics
Description: Research in astronomy uses instruments installed on telescopes to make measurements of the night sky. At Notre Dame, we are in the process of building a new instrument called iLocater for the Large Binocular Telescope, AZ, USA which will search for and study exoplanets (planets orbiting stars other than our Sun). As part of the instrument construction, we are developing software to communicate with parts of the instrument hardware. This research experience would focus on developing this software to communicate with parts of the instrument and incorporating it into the existing control system.
Number of students: Up to 3
Hours per week: At least 10
Student background required: This research will require experience of C++ and Python and students with advanced coding are strongly encouraged to apply. Work could also include expanding the instrument control which is done via a web interface and for this experience of web development would be helpful (but not required).
How to apply: Contact Professor Crass at j.crass@nd.edu for more information.
Electrical Characterization of MBE Synthesized Magnetic Quantum Materials
Faculty: Badih Assaf, Physics
Description: Our research consists in studying the electronic and optical fundamental properties of novel quantum materials with magnetic properties. We utilize molecular beam epitaxy to synthesize these materials. Electrical characterization (resistivity, Hall effect, magnetoresistance) is a necessary step that we need to perform before undertaking more advanced measurements of the fundamental physics hosted by quantum materials. The responsibilities of a student researcher will be to: (1) Perform systematic electrical characterization of materials grown and studied by other team members, (2) Maintain a database of all the experimental measurements that are performed, (3) Communicate results with other lab members. The research will be able to contribute to several different projects and will be credit as a co-author on any publication that includes their measurements.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 30
Student background required: A student from the College of Science or Engineering, who has completed two levels of Physics (Physics 1 or A, Physics 2 or B).
How to apply: Contact Professor Assaf at bassaf@nd.edu for more information.
DroneResponse Project
Faculty: Jane Cleland-Huang, Computer Science and Engineering
Description: The project will involve organizing and improving System requirements for our DroneResponse project, and creating a set of Safety Assurance Cases for Human-Drone interactions based on our existing DroneResponse system. Training will be provided. The research can be performed either for credit or for a stipend. The project could be ideal for a student considering a future career in the IT industry as a technical writer, business analyst, or project manager. The student will collaborate with other students and team members working in different roles.
Number of students: 2 for 15 hrs/week or 1 for 25 hrs/week
Hours per week: 15
Student background required: Excellent written communication skills with an interest in technical writing, safety analysis, and requirements modeling. Programming skills are not required, but applicants should be technically savvy and able to contribute to an ongoing project as a team player.
How to apply: Visit sarec.cs.nd.edu and email Professor Cleland-Huang at JaneHuang@nd.edu for more information.
Research for First-Year Engineering Program
Faculty: Victoria Goodrich, Kerry Meyers, and Andrew Bartolini, College of Engineering
Description: Research related to the experiences of first-year engineering students and engineering major selection: (1) evaluation of engineering student retention data, (2) analysis of student major choices and movement between engineering disciplines, (3) assessment of student certainty in their choices dependent on first-year course track, and (4) literature search in related fields. Data will be used in a paper for the American Society for Engineering Education Conference. A dedicated student researcher can be listed as a co-author on the paper.
Number of students: 2
Hours per week: 10
Student background required: Engineering student preferred. Sophomore or above preferred. Must be proficient in Excel data analysis and plotting.
How to apply: Contact Dr. Goodrich at v.goodrich@nd.edu for more information.
Research for Women in Engineering Program
Faculty: Kerry Meyers and Victoria Goodrich, College of Engineering)
Description: Conduct research related to the Women in Engineering Program including: (1) evaluation of engineering student retention data, (2) analysis of professional pathways for women engineering students, (3) assessment of field trip data (ski trip), and (4) literature search in related fields. We are in the process of writing a paper for the American Society for Engineering Education Conference—a student participant can be a co-author (and possibly a presenter in June, if travel is allowed then)
Number of students: 2
Hours per week: 15
Student background required: Engineering student preferred. Sophomore or above preferred. Must be proficient in Excel data analysis and plotting. Macros are a preferred but not required skill.
How to apply: Contact Dr. Meyers at kmeyers1@nd.edu for more information.
Cybersecurity Research for ROTC Cadets or Military Affiliated Students
Faculty: Paul Brenner, Center for Research Computing
Description: This Cybersecurity Research Program is funded by the Office of Naval Research. Students can work 20-40 hrs/week with an option to continue into the spring.
Number of students: 10
Hours per week: 20-40
Student background required: Must be ROTC or Military Affiliated Student (veteran or military dependent)
How to apply: Contact Dr. Brenner at paul.r.brenner@nd.edu for more information.
Cancer Research in the Zhang Lab
Faculty: Siyuan Zhang
Description: This winter research section is designed for undergraduate students who are planning to write a senior research thesis. Students will perform lab-based semi-independent cancer research projects under the guidance of graduate students or senior scientists.
Number of students: 3
Hours per week: 40
Student background required: The student needs to have prior research credit in the S. Zhang lab.
How to apply: Contact Dr. Zhang at szhang8@nd.edu for more information.
Notre Dame Turbomachinery Laboratory
Faculty: Various
Description: The Notre Dame Turbomachinery Laboratory (NDTL) is a gas turbine research and development facility supporting major industry partners in the propulsion and power industries, as well as actively branching out to newer technology areas such as hypersonic and combustion-related research. NDTL works on the leading edge of component aerodynamics, structural dynamics, instrumentation, and computational methods. The NDTL team support the transition of advanced technologies through early-stage research into the products of its customers. At NDTL, we are pushing the boundaries of turbomachinery research and exploring new frontiers of aerospace engineering.
NDTL has sponsored internships since 2015. Interns at NDTL will work with an NDTL mentor and will be assigned to a real-world project. Internships typically involve a variety of assignments and exposure to multiple projects, such as:
- Test engineering & instrumentation
- Thermal, structural, or vibrational analyses
- Collecting & analyzing data
- Technical program management experience
- Working with mechanical designers and CAD
- Working with sponsors and suppliers
- Working on small teams, on real-world projects
Number of students: 4-6
Hours per week: 40; Internships are expected to begin on December 1, 2020 and be completed by Friday, January 22. Some accommodation for individual calendars is expected.
Student background required: NDTL summer internship typical requires rising juniors or seniors with a GPA > 3.7, however for this winter program, additional applicants will be given consideration.
How to apply: Visit https://turbo.nd.edu/get-involved/ to learn more and apply.
NDnano: Polymer Electrolytes
Faculty: Jennifer Schaefer
Description: This project is investigating solid Li-ion conducting particles into single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes. This is the Schaefer’s group first work with polymer electrolytes. Students working on this project will characterize the polymer electrolytes including conductivity, swelling measurements, and optical spectroscopy. Dr. Schaefer recently submitted a proposal to NSF with Lamartine Meda (Xavier University, Louisiana) on this topic. She is also looking forward to other proposals for research in this area.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 40
Student background required: Student with background in chemical/bio-engineering, material science, chemistry is encouraged to apply. Prior lab experience is preferred.
How to apply: Contact Professor Schaefer at Jennifer.L.Schaefer.43@nd.edu for more information.
NDnano: Coupled Cellular Polarization of a Hybrid Bioelectronic Memristor Circuit
Faculty: Donny Hanjaya-Putra
Description: A fundamental question in developmental biology concerns how groups of interacting molecules and cells give rise to patterned 3D tissues with special form and function. In particular, we are interested in the process by which endothelial cells (ECs) growth and capillary tube morphogenesis is controlled by bioelectric communication during vascular networks formation. Although such complex patterns resemble field-induced diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA), purely transport or even interacting Turing/Ising lattice models have not reproduced the complex geometry and have not explained its underlying mechanism. We aim to explore this fundamental phenomenon by integrating an electronic/fluidic memory resistor (memristor) circuit with a cell colony in the presence of morphogen gradients to enhance and control electrical communication between neighboring cells and globally over the entire colony. Subsequently, we aim to implement specific range/frequency/memory feedback loops to autonomously direct morphogenesis patterning at all scales—local branching and global tiling of different tissues. Overall, the proposed research will address the fundamental phenomenon of morphogenesis and investigates the possibility of directing it by coupling cellular and electrical memristors autonomously.
Student will synthesize and characterize biomaterials, as well as memristor circuit for in vitro morphogenesis evaluation using stem cells. Student is expected to maintain stem cell culture, study cell-materials/circuits interactions using microscopy, spectroscopy, and molecular biology techniques.
The proposed study has been submitted as a white paper to DEPSCoR Biotronics. This research experience will help us collect preliminary data that will increase the impact of our proposal for the full proposal submission in January 2021.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 40
Student background required: Students with background in mechanical engineering, chemical/bio-engineering, electrical engineering, material science, and/or biochemistry are encouraged to apply. Prior lab experience is preferred.
How to apply: Contact Professor Hanjaya-Putra at dputra1@nd.edu for more information.
NDnano: Winter Session Undergraduate Research Experience in Neurophotonics
Faculty: Thomas O'Sullivan
Description: In the past 25 years, noninvasive optical imaging of the human brain has been established as a valuable research tool in virtually all areas of basic and clinical human neuroscience: neurophysiology, development/behavioral/cognitive neuroscience, and neurology. However, due to fundamental physical constraints, most neurophotonics imaging only captures a small portion of optical contrast indicative of brain physiology (i.e. slow hemodynamic changes), especially when designed for portability. This lack of specificity and accuracy prevents neurophotonics from achieving its long-anticipated potential, e.g. robust brain-computer interfaces, clinical-grade diagnostics for acute brain injury and neural disorders, and as a tool for elucidating complex processes such as human neurovascular coupling. In this research, we are developing advanced wearable neurophotonic systems with unprecedented depth sensitivity and accuracy based upon frequency domain diffuse optical spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy for improving understanding of the human brain in real-world environments. These techniques could solve a long-standing limitation for neuroscience: understanding how the brain functions in real world, naturalistic environments. With these new tools, cognitive neuroscientists could break free of artificial, laboratory-constrained paradigms that can bias brain activity, limit studies of mobility, and prevent a full understanding of how the brain handles complex real-world scenarios and interacts with its environment. Students working on this project will be designing optoelectronic or embedded hardware systems, developing computational algorithms, and performing laboratory evaluation and validation experiments using tissue-simulating phantoms made of silicone.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 40
Student background required: Undergraduate Electrical Engineers with experience in biophotonics research.
How to apply: Contact Professor O'Sullivan at tosullivan@nd.edu for more information.
NDnano: Superparamagnetic Nanobeads and Nanomembrane for Virus Isolation and Detection
Faculty: Hsueh-Chia Chang
Description: Sensitive respiratory virus screening requires rapid, high-yield and high-sensitivity isolation and identification of virus from saliva or swap samples. We are developing a Nanomembrane that can selectively filter the virus from the samples within 15 minutes. The extracted viruses can then be captured by superparamagnetic beads of the same size as the virus that are functionalized with antibodies specific to the virus surface antigen. The captured virus are lysed to release their RNA cargo such that a PCR test can be conducted. This mixed antigen-PCR test would provide much higher sensitivity and selectivity than any current test. We will test the technology with lentivirus in our lab but plan to work with Mike Pfrender to improve the current on-campus Surveillance Saliva test effort. Possible improvements include significant testing capacity increase to enable daily pooled mask screening for an entire UG lab or dormitory.
Number of students: 1
Hours per week: 40
Student background required: Student with background in chemical/bio-engineering, biochemistry, or chemistry is encouraged to apply. Prior lab experience is preferred.
How to apply: Contact Professor Chang at hchang@nd.edu for more information.