REU Site Summer 2026 Intern

Position Summary

The Multi-disciplinary Research with FABRIC Network REU Site offers undergraduate students the chance to spend nine weeks doing hands-on, cutting-edge research in computer networks, cybersecurity, distributed systems, and emerging technologies. The program is built around FABRIC, a unique national-scale testbed that lets researchers experiment with high-speed networks, cloud computing, 5G, machine learning, and real-world science applications. Students will start with a three-week Core Phase at UNC’s Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), where they’ll learn programming essentials, systems fundamentals, networking basics, and how to use FABRIC through tutorials and guided labs. The following six weeks will be the Research Phase, where students work closely with faculty mentors on projects such as:

• Building defenses against cyberattacks using programmable networks (P4, FPGAs, DPDK)
• Using machine learning to detect network intrusions or enhance medical imaging
• Evaluating congestion control algorithms for big science data transfers
• Experimenting with federated learning and AI on distributed systems
• Designing new ways to monitor and optimize networks

In addition to research, students will participate in professional development sessions covering technical writing, research communication, time management, and career planning. A layered mentoring approach including faculty, staff, and peers ensures strong support throughout the program.

By the end of the program, students will have gained research skills, confidence in presenting their work, and lasting professional relationships. This REU is designed to prepare participants for graduate studies and careers in computing, data science, and cyberinfrastructure research. This is a hybrid program with required on-site days; housing will be provided.