International Research Experience in Africa

IRES 2008: International Research Experience in Africa

University of Florida's Rinker School of Building Construction (http://www.bcn.ufl.edu) is pleased to invite applications into its National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsored International Research Experience in Africa. The program will support 5 students to undertake 10 weeks of high quality research in sustainable construction within the African context. Students will be selected based on a competitive application process. Interested students should prepare an application package adhering to the guidelines provided below by March 7^th 2008. Successful applicants will be notified by March 14^th 2008.

Research Focus

The theme of this program is "A Global Perspective on Engineering Sustainable Building Systems." Students will research sustainable systems based on knowledge gained about the local context through research collaboration with a host institution and then collectively design, engineer, and construct an 80m² building unit that demonstrates use of these approaches. The students will focus on different building elements which will be integrated in the demonstration unit. The key elements identified for the research are: water supply (reclaiming and recycling), thermal comfort as it relates to passive heating and cooling, and materials for the building envelope. In addition, the students will also investigate the broader issues around engineering sustainable building systems and the requirements for support from social and economic networks.

Financial Support

The program will cover the expenses associated with the International Research Experience. This includes round trip airfare to Africa, accommodation, ground transportation in the host country, and supplies. Students will also receive a $2000 stipend.

Requirements and Conditions

• Eligibility is limited to students who are currently enrolled in a full-time degree program in the US and will be graduating no earlier than Fall 2008.
• Students are prohibited from receiving both credit and salary for any single research activity. This does not, however, preclude students from using their research findings to receive credit in the following academic year.
• Students are expected to participate in all organized program activities throughout the summer including a pre-departure orientation in April 2008, provide a final report on their project and also publish their findings as a journal paper. Each student will also be expected to present the results of their research to selected audiences upon their return to the US.

Application Process

Students should prepare a package which includes the following information:

· Applicant information (name, major, expected graduation date, institution, e-mail);

· Brief (500 word max.) statement of your research topic and long term professional plans;

· Resume or summary of relevant experience;

· Contact details for two faculty members willing to provide references;

· Copy of your transcript.

Applications should be submitted by email with "IRES 2008" in the subject line to obonyo@ufl.edu or rries@ufl.edu on or before 5.00pm on March 7^th 2008. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

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Todd H. Leedy, Ph.D.
Associate Director and Lecturer
Center for African Studies
University of Florida

tel. 352.392.2183
fax 352.392.2435

P.O. Box 115560
427 Grinter Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-5560