Visiting Scholar Program

Founded in 1836, the U.Va Engineering School is the third oldest engineering school in a public university in the United States, UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a strong, dynamic research program in the midst of one of the best comprehensive universities in the world.

The faculty and students of the ROMAC laboratory welcome international scholars and researchers to visit the ROMAC labs for joint research and collaboration in selected fields. Appointments are typically for one year; however, they may vary in length. The application process can be long, therefore we recommend beginning one year prior to your proposed arrival.

No funding is offered to visiting scholars. All expenses; transportation, housing, cost of daily living, etc, must be provided by personal funds, scholarships, or home institution support. Please refer to the US government website regarding the J-1 visa program. In addition, the University of Virginia has a standard application process that we assist you with: information can be found on the UVA International Students and Scholars Program website.

To begin the process, please contact us with your letter of inquiry, including your research area of interest, what skills you bring to the collaboration, and what goals you intend to achieve from working in our laboratory. In addition, please include the start and end date of the requested term of appointment and a  copy of your current CV.

Our faculty will review your request; if there is mutual benefit and a position available, we will send you a letter of invitation. Following the letter of invitation, the application process will begin with an email from the ROMAC assistant, Lori Mohr Pedersen, with a list of the necessary documents, as well helpful links that will make your transition to Charlottesville and the University of Virginia easier. She will be your contact throughout the J-1 Visa application process, as well as your contact for all the administrative needs throughout your appointment with ROMAC.