ARISE with ERIP
Up to $7,800 in scholarships
Freshman, sophomore, and community college transfer students from rural high schools or military connected families at KU can earn money while learning new skills with the ERIP (Early Research Incubator Program).
Hands on experience lasting year-round
Students will be placed in one of three courses of study, focusing on math and physics, computer science and cybersecurity, or AI, AAT and hypersonics. In each one-week course, students will live on campus with their cohort, working closely together with faculty and staff in classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory work. Through these relationships, students will build strong foundations in the basics while applying their new understanding to more advanced research. ERIP students will come away with not just scholarship funds, but a firmer grasp of the fundamental building blocks that enable their research – and experience in how to apply those concepts to real-world problems.
These experiences will continue into the Fall and Spring semesters, with specialized training seminars provided throughout the year. Students will be awarded $3,000 for the summer session ( To take place prior to the Fall Semester) and provided housing during the sessions. Each participant is expected to participate in their chosen research activity throughout the school year 10 hours per week with a scholarship of $2,400 per semester.
What is ARISE?
ERIP is part of project ARISE (Applied Research and Innovation Scholarship for Engineering Student), which intends to create a pipeline of young people pursuing careers in Aerospace, Computer and Electrical Engineering by engaging rural, military-connected, and community college transfer students from Kansas in exploration, inquiry, and research opportunities.
Aerospace
Go hypersonic in pursuing aerospace! Study guidance, navigation and control systems with top researchers in advanced aerospace technologies. Get hands-on experience in modeling and simulation of hypersonic vehicles.
Computer Science and Cybersecurity
Uncrewed aerial systems (also known as UASs or drones) are the next frontier of tech. Through ERIP, students will build software to check UAS sensors, conduct experiments on software supply chains, simulate sensor attacks, and write code that secures software in new ways.
Artificial Intelligence
The world is abuzz about AI. As part of ERIP, students will find opportunities to develop AI algorithms and systems to compete in autonomous racing competitions (e.g., F1Tenth Grand Prix competitions), capable AI models for robotics and industrial applications, and efficient on-device AI inference/learning capabilities for intelligent cars and UASs.
Electrical Engineering
CReSIS is a world-class science center for remote sensing and integrated systems. ERIP students will have the opportunity to test remote sensing equipment and work on radar design and system integration.
Photonics & Laser Applications
The interaction between laser beam and matter is fundamental to various technologies, especially in emerging innovations. Students studying photonics and lasers will be engineering laser beams to trap material and study their interaction. We will use our findings to build smart sensor protection for Aerospace Technologies.
Nationally competitive training and support
ERIP offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a laboratory setting early on in your college career. Our training approach not only teaches students how to do research but how to apply their skills through cross-disciplinary research.
Industry experience right from the start
ERIP is a unique opportunity to get real-world professional development with some of the top researchers in the nation. Work with KU and University of Tennessee Space Institute scientists and get ready for internships at KU/ UTSI campuses, industrial partners like Honeywell, and national labs like NASA.ARISE Faculty
ARISE/KU Director
Dr. Keshmiri's research focuses on the intelligence and evolution of Adaptive Controllers for UASs.
Dr. Drew Davidson
Dr. Davidson's research area is cybersecurity with a focus on autonomous devices, supply chain security, and mobile security.
Dr. Carl Leuschen
Dr. Leuschen' s areas of expertise includes radar system design and development, remote sensing, and planetary radar sounding.
Dr. Shima Fardad
Dr. Fardad's research interests include Optics and Photonics
Dr. Heechul Yun
Dr. Yun's research focus build safe and secure real-time computing system infrastructure (OS, architecture, and middleware) for intelligent cyber-physical systems.
