The College of Engineering's Summer Undergraduate Program in Engineering Research (SUPER) allows international students and UNT faculty to transcend cultures and time-zones to work on challenging engineering research projects.

This spring, the program supported 17 students from Chulalongkorn University and Mahidol University in Thailand. Students conducted research at Discovery Park -- UNT's 300-acre research park -- for eight weeks. At the end of their visit, students shared their SUPER experience in a report and presentation with their home university, says Kuruvilla John, associate dean of research and graduate studies in the college.

"SUPER continues to attract top students from internationally ranked engineering schools in Thailand and Mexico to UNT," John says. "The program allows students to learn from our highly qualified faculty experts while using our state-of-the-art research facilities."

SUPER is a competitive program, requiring students to have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher in their engineering discipline and a strong research interest in areas relevant to computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical and energy engineering, or materials science and engineering at UNT. Many of them are considering graduate school at UNT, John says.

"This shows that UNT is a go-to destination for top students from around the world," he says.

Taweekiat Trongwongsa, a junior computer engineering major at Chulalongkorn University, says the program is a great way to expand his knowledge and learn about American culture. He wants to work in the area of computer security. At UNT, he conducted research with Hassan Takabi, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, investigating clone profile attacks.

"I hope to pursue my graduate education in the U.S.," Trongwongsa says, "and make greater contributions in my own country and the world."