If you are interested in obtaining some research experience over the
summer, there are many opportunities at places other than at Notre Dame.
The National Science Foundation has a program called Research Experience
for Undergraduates, which provides stipend support for undergraduate
researchers. 
If you are interested in locating opportunities, I would suggest
googling "REU" or "NSF REU" or "research experience for undergraduates"
to find a list of possibilities.

-- Dr. Bill Goodwine
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
University of Notre Dame
http://controls.ame.nd.edu/~bill