REU/RET Site: Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

The University of Arizona continues operating a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site. The REU Site utilizes electron microscopy, optical characterization and other microanalytical tools as common thread in several research projects on materials synthesis and processing. Eight undergraduate students are recruited every year for a ten-week summer research experience, with a recruitment focus on undergraduates from underrepresented groups. In addition to participating in individual research projects, REU students take a one-week course on electron microscopy or optical characterization, attend a workshop on ethics in research, and participate in group social activities. The REU Site includes a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) component. Eight teachers are recruited every year for a six-week summer research experience. The REU Site also has an international component by which two returning undergraduates and two returning teachers spend four weeks in one of the laboratories at the Thailand National Science and Technology Development Agency. Teachers that go to Thailand spend two more weeks in the RET experience than those who stay in the US. Undergraduates and teachers participate in one of four collaborative research projects between US and Thai senior investigators.