INTEGRATE

An NSF Research Traineeship Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Integrating Robots into the Future of Work

What is INTEGRATE?

INTEGRATE, short for “Integrating Robots into the Future of Work,” is a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship (NRT) program developed to provide a unique academic environment to enrich the training of graduate students in STEM disciplines, including computer science, engineering, psychology, and economics, to address fundamental research challenges in realizing the integration of robots into the future of work at the micro, systems, and macro scales.

The program will achieve these goals through five key components and innovations:

1. A flexible, personalized curriculum that combines core STEM training with coursework from complementary human-centered disciplines in the form of concentrations such as Labor, Policy, Organization, and Interaction.

2. Hands-on, immersive, and mentored research experiences through apprenticeship-based industry-sponsored team research projects on real-world problems, called “Expeditions”.

3. Opportunities for professional development through internships and secondments at a network of partner industrial and academic organizations.

4. The forming of an INTEGRATE Research Community through colloquium, an annual “INTEGRATE Week” event, and significant online presence and activity.

5. Continuous and rigorous assessment of program effectiveness in training, research productivity, and real-world relevance and impact toward program refinement.

Who Can be Involved?

If you are a graduate student (MS or PhD) in computer science, psychology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or economics, you can apply to INTEGRATE.  U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to receive fellowship funding, but all students admitted to the INTEGRATE program will receive the following benefits:

  1. Funding provided for conference travel
  2. Professional training opportunities
  3. Research infrastructure (such as equipment, facilities)
  4. Graduate certificate degree (minor) in addition to your program degree
  5. Internships, industrial connections, networking opportunities
  6. Dedicated office space at the Wisconsin Institute of Discovery

If you would like to learn more about the program, contact program coordinator, Kristie Schultz (kkschultz5@wisc.edu)

How do I apply?

The INTEGRATE traineeships are open to trainees who will work with INTEGRATE trainers. The traineeships must take place at UW-Madison.

INTEGRATE
Wisconsin Institute of Discovery
330 N. Orchard
UW-Madison
Madison, WI 53706

You may apply by following the procedures in the checklist below.

  • Be admitted to a graduate program at UW-Madison in computer science, engineering, psychology or economics.
  • Find a Trainer.
  • Two letters of recommendation, sent directly to Kristie Schultz (kkschultz5@wisc.edu).  Letters used for admissions are acceptable.
  • The Advisor must submit the linked Nomination Form which will also request the following information
    • Curriculum Vitae of nominee, including his/her work/research experience
    • Include Undergraduate and, if applicable, Graduate Transcripts (copies); GRE scores (if taken); copy of Graduate School Application
    • One page statement of motivation by responding to the following prompts:
      • What are some challenges with regards to automation, robotics, technology?
      • How does your educational background and career objectives make you a good candidate for this program?