REU: Summer Undergraduate Chemistry Research at James Madison University: A Regional Site That Includes Deaf Participants

James Madison University, Harrisonburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

The Chemistry Division award supports a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site at James Madison University for the summers of 2004-2006. Daniel M. Downey is the site director and Gina M. MacDonald is the co-PI. This site will provide research experiences for eight undergraduate students, two high school teachers, two high school students and one non-JMU faculty mentor for 10 weeks each summer. This REU-RET program provides special opportunties, supporting personnel and infrastructure for participation by hearing disabled students. It will target recruitment of students from smaller schools in the mid-Atlantic and Shenandoah region, women and other historically under-represented groups. Research opportunities will be available in a variety of chemistry sub-disciplines including analytical, biochemistry, synthesis, materials science, spectroscopy and other specialities. Weekly meetings will cover instrument training, safety, technical writing, library skills and research seminars from REU students and outside visitors. Each student will present orally or in a formal poster session his/her work at the end of the summer. Assessment will be carried out with surveys and faculty evaluation.