NSF REU SDN Student Fellowships

The Center for Internet Augmented Research and Assessment (CIARA) at Florida International University’s Modesto Maidique Campus is recruiting two undergraduate computer science and/or engineering students to participate in projects developing and operating Software Defined Networks (SDN) to support research and education between the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. The fellowships are funded under Award Abstract # 2029283, IRNC: Core Improvement: Americas-Africa Lightpaths Express and Protect (AmLight-ExP) and Award Abstract # 2029278, IRNC: Core Improvement: AtlanticWave-SDX: A Distributed Experimental SDX Supporting Research, Experimental Deployments, and Interoperability Testing on Global Scales

This National Science Foundation (NSF) Funded Undergraduate Fellowship pays a stipend over the annual appointment. A stipend is paid when project deliverables are met. This is a Temporary Grant-Funded fellowship.

*Student participants in REU projects must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.

Synopsis of Program:

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.

Responsibilities Include:

• Participating in activities to enhance the SDN network architecture of the AmLight-ExP network and Open Exchange Points (OXP) supporting research and education between the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
• Participating in the development and testing of network applications.
• Generating network telemetry from programmable network switches, and to assist with processing and interpreting the telemetry data.
• Participating in the development and testing of Closed-Loop Orchestration software components.
• Assisting with technical documentation for use internally and for dissemination to communities of interest on the use of SDN networks.
• Developing scripts and tools that would help the operation of a production SDN Network.

Qualifications:

Current Undergraduate students in computer science, engineering, or networking-related curriculum. One to two years of College or equivalent work experience in the areas of a computer or network operations including:

• Basic software development skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills
• JavaScript and/or Python is a plus
• GPA 3.0 or higher
• Team player

Hours

M-F, 9am – 5 pm (20 hours/week) schedules tailored to the student’s curriculum and class requirements.

Stipend

The stipend is based on milestones or deliverables within the time frame agreed with the project leaders. Usually, there are 8 milestones in total. Each milestone pays $1,000.00 after completion (estimated duration of 40-60 hours), depending on the student’s dedication and skill levels.

* Please note the fellowship does not provide travel, lodging or per diem. 

How to apply

• A completed applicant information form submitted online here: Application form
• A 1-2 page statement of interest and intent, uploaded with the applicant information form. Explain what you have been studying/ researching in your academic program
• A Curriculum Vitae (1-2 pages)
• A letter of recommendation from your advisor emailed to vchergar@fiu.edu