National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates in Digital Accessibility

College of Innovation & Technology

Research Experience for Undergraduates in Digital Accessibility

The University of Michigan-Flint National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates in Digital Accessibility creates opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research projects related to digital accessibility, defined as the area of designing and developing software and technology in such a way that it can be accessed by all users, regardless of their physical and cognitive disabilities. The site will enable the direct training of students with and without disabilities in a collaborative environment. This will expose students without disabilities to the challenges faced by students and people with disabilities in both learning and using existing technologies. Conversely, students with disabilities will have the opportunity to learn how to interact and collaborate with students without disabilities, therefore preparing them for future graduate studies.

This site will build on the experience of many mentors who have worked with undergraduate students in their research to cover three themes:

1. Accessible Software Requirements Engineering and Design
2. Accessible Software Development
3. Accessible Software Testing and Maintenance

The proposed activities will include understanding the research literature, formulating and refining research questions, performing empirical studies, and designing novel technologies and prototypes. In addition to conducting research, students will participate in other professional development activities, including field trips, professional seminars, invited speaker series, career guidance, and graduate school preparation. The faculty and industry mentors will encourage the students to disseminate their research findings through presenting and publishing in peer-reviewed venues. Multiple students from previous editions of this REU site have been successful in publication, including receiving Best Paper Honorable Mention Awards at CHI and CSCW.

Apply

Application window: November 9, 2025 – March 9, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

• Students in computing-related disciplines such as Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centered Design, Information Systems, Data Science, AI, Software Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics, who want to know how computing techniques in their own disciplines can help people with disabilities.
• Students in social science and human-oriented disciplines, such as Psychology and Sociology, who want to know how their knowledge of human behavior can be applied to technology design.
• Students interested in interdisciplinary research around accessible software design, development, and user experience

Eligibility/Must-haves

1. Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident (required)
2. Still be an undergraduate student at an accredited institution in the fall semester following this summer program
3. Completed at least 15 college credits before the start of the program

Nice-to-haves

• GPA of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0