REU Site: Summer Research Program in Materials Science and Nanotechnology

University Of New Orleans, New Orleans LA

Investigators

Abstract

This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site supports students recruited primarily from nine cooperating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Research focuses on materials science and nanomaterials. By recruiting at HBCUs, the project involves students that are 1) from underrepresented groups and 2) attending a primarily undergraduate institution with limited research opportunities. Enrichment activities complement the research activities and provide important training on research related topics. An ethics component is also included. The project includes a Research Experiences for Teachers component for two secondary science teachers per year. Participating teachers work in research labs alongside undergraduate students and participate in enrichment programs. Teachers attend a graduate course training them to incorporate research concepts into their teaching. Following summer participation, teachers introduce into their classrooms at least one new nanoscale science or materials science teaching module. All participants present an end-of-summer poster on their research, and support is included for REU participants to present their research results at a national science conference.