REU Site for Interdisciplinary Materials Research

Southern Illinois University At Carbondale, Carbondale IL

Investigators

Abstract

This award, jointly funded by the Division of Materials Research and Chemistry a the National Science Foundation, supports the continuation of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. The REU Site program supports 14 undergraduates for 10 weeks each summer during 2009 to 2011. Participating REU students work on interdisciplinary projects in materials research with close guidance from faculty mentors in Chemistry, Physics and/or Engineering departments. The interdisciplinary environment encourages the REU students to think about their respective projects in broad terms and to consider applications of their research to new technologies and issues relating to manufacturing of new devices. REU students have the opportunity to present their research to a diverse audience across disciplines during the program and at the end-of-program poster presentation as well as in regional and national conferences. Opportunities to network with peers, faculty mentors, and other scientists and engineers are provided through evening and week-end social and cultural activities included in the program. Students are recruited nationally, with particular emphasis on students from groups underrepresented in science and engineering, as well as socio-economically disadvantaged and first-generation college students. The goals of the REU site include: 1) creating a positive image of science and engineering as a career choice; 2) providing a nurturing research environment; 3) improving the participants' communication skills; 4) teaching basic research tools (including modern instrumentation); 5) fostering collaborative research; and 6) increasing the number of domestic students, especially those from underrepresented groups, who choose careers in science and engineering.