What do you ASPIRE to be?

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The mission of HERL is to continuously improve the mobility and function of people with disabilities through advanced engineering in clinical research and medical rehabilitation. The ASPIRE REU program is designed to promote greater involvement and understanding of Rehabilitation Engineering and assistive technology – while fostering an understanding of the problems faced by individuals with disabilities.  This results in a greater ability to apply engineering principles to improve the quality of life, which promotes a higher degree of inclusiveness and greater functionality for people with disabilities.

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Rehabilitation engineering employs a systematic approach to the design, modification, customization and/or fabrication of assistive technology for persons with disabilities. ASPIRE research efforts in rehabilitation engineering are focused on identifying and addressing problems critical to achieving and maintaining the highest possible level of function in areas related to mobility, communications, sensory (e.g., hearing, tactile, vision), and cognition and in activities associated with employment, independent living, and education. Each ASPIRE participant will work directly with HERL faculty and graduate students to help transform the lives of individuals with disabilities. The ASPIRE program provides an exemplary mentoring and resourceful environment that enables undergraduate students to transition from dependent to independent thinkers, develop a sense of excitement about entering an engineering or technical field, and be well prepared for their future careers.

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ASPIRE provides:

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Seminars and workshops to augment the research experience

$4,750 stipend

Housing is provided at no-cost to ASPIRE participants.

• No particular background is required. Some examples of past participants' academic backgrounds include: all domains of engineering, computer science, rehabilitation science, exercise physiology, psychology, and biology. Most previous participants had GPAs greater than 3.0.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at the time of the REU. Seniors who will graduate before/during the summer of 2024 are not eligible to apply.
• Minorities, women, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply