REU Site: Applications of Microscopy and Microanalysis to Multidisciplinary Research

Portland State University, Portland OR

Investigators

Abstract

Portland State University continues operation of a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site. Ten undergraduates and five undergraduates are recruited every year for an eight-week and one-academic semester research experience, respectively. Recruitment is nationwide, with an emphasis on students from community colleges in the greater Portland area and from four-year colleges where few research opportunities exist. The REU Site offers a variety of interdisciplinary research projects that emphasize materials characterization. As such, REU participants learn the use of major research instruments such as electron microscopes. Other student activities include a workshop on laboratory safety, database searching and computer tools; a short course on the application of microscopy and microanalysis; and a research symposium where students present the results of their work.