Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I contact the REEV program for further information? Can I mail in the application?
A: Contact Mary Goldberg, coordinator of the REEV program, or send correspondence to (application may be printed, completed, and sent to the address below):
Mary Goldberg, M.Ed.
REEV Program
Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL)
VA Pittsburgh Health System
7180 Highland Dr.
Building 4, 151R1-H
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Q: What is needed to apply?
A: Applicants must submit application form. After submitting application form, students must submit a copy of their resume, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.
Q: Who is eligible to apply to the REEV program?
A: Applicants must have some experience in the military. If you are currently active duty, provisions may be made for you to be able to participate. We will work with participants on a case by case basis.
Q: How many people do you expect to apply and how many will you accept?
A: This is the first year of our program so we are unsure of how many applications we will receive. We will have other students completing research internships at the lab so we expect a cohort of approximately 30 participants for summer 2010.
Q: When is the deadline to apply? When will I know if I have been accepted?
A: The deadline to apply is February 15, 2010. We anticipate to start notifying candidates of their acceptance around the first week of March. However, we do not expect to have a final list of selected participants until the beginning of April. We will email every applicant of our decision at that time.
Q: I have a bachelor's degree and am interested in obtaining a graduate degree. Can I participate in REEV?
A: Absolutely! Our program is housed within the Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. We are well connected to all programs within the school (prosthetics and orthotics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physicians assistant, emergency medicine, etc.) and within the university as a whole (business, law, medicine, nursing, public health, information technology etc.).
Q: I think an Associate's Degree is for me. What do you have available for me?
A: Two year technical degrees are the fastest growing occupations and in need in many domains. We fully understand that participants are eager to get in to the work force and a two year degree may be the best option. Programs such as "Robotics Technician" at the Community College of Allegheny County are associated with our program. We will tailor your research experience to include technical skills which will help you succeed in whatever program you enter in the fall.
Q: What kind of background (or interests) is required for the REEV program?
A: No particular background is required. Some examples of past participants' academic backgrounds AND interests include: all domains of engineering, computer science, rehabilitation science, other health sciences, exercise physiology, psychology, and biology.
Q: Where will I be doing research? Where will I go everyday?
A: All REEV participants will report to the Human Engineering Research Labs, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, for the first ten weeks of the program.
Q: How are students matched with a faculty member and research?
A: Faculty members propose research projects in assistive technology design, development, and assessment. The tentative projects page contains last year's student intern profiles and projects to give you an idea of what the research projects will be like for REEV program. Project descriptions for 2010 will be listed by the end of December, 2009. At that time, applicants will have the option to rank the projects according to their interest (in the meantime, early applicants may indicate research interests in personal statement and if selected, the REEV coordinator will contact them with a list of projects). A selection committee (faculty, REEV coordinator, and grad students) then reviews the applications and chooses a participant based on their past experiences in the military, accomplishments, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Participants are matched with the project in which we feel is best related to their academic/research interests.
Q: When does the program begin and end?
A: The research portion of the program (Phase I) runs June 1st-August 6th, 2010. After that, at the beginning of Phase II we will require participants to enroll in at least two classes (however program will recommend full time classes for most participants) for in the fall semester. From there, in Phase III, participants will enroll in a formal academic program of their choice. Throughout Phase III, participants will be monitored, continue meeting with their rehabilitation counselor, and other mentors. Participants will have the option of paid temporary employment through the lab and all other benefits of enrolling in the REEV program. Please view the tentative schedule for further information.
Q: Ok, I understand the research portion (Phase I) of the program, what happens after that? What do I receive?
A: You will be all set to transition in to a college program. You'll have a fun, paid position for ten weeks which will prepare you to begin classes in the fall. If you want to transfer to a college closer to home for you, that is certainly fine. We will set you up with a colleague or alumni in your area and continue to monitor your progress. You will have a "home" in Pittsburgh and possible job opportunities if you would choose to return here or at least many contacts to use as references in the future.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: Accessible housing opportunities are available on the University of Pittsburgh's campus. For those participants who have a family or prefer not to live in the dorms, they will receive a housing allowance for the first ten weeks. After the conclusion of the ten weeks, the Veterans' Leadership Program of Southwestern Pennsylvania will identify housing for participants.