REU Site: Research Experience for Undergraduates at Western Washington University

Western Washington University, Bellingham WA

Investigators

Abstract

This award from the Division of Chemistry (CHE) and the Division of Materials Research (DMR) supports a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site led by Timothy B. Clark at Western Washington University. The research projects supported in this site are in areas of materials chemistry, synthetic chemistry and biochemistry. Undergraduates will be recruited to this site from Primarily Undergraduate Institutions and community colleges that lack infrastructure to support undergraduate research. The site will support ten students per summer in a ten week program. A sample of the projects that undergraduates will work on include: (1) the study of the copper-catalyzed diboration of carbonyl compounds; (2) the study of small-molecule activation via hydrogen bond donors/acceptors; (3) the investigation of oriented fluorophore tandem waveguide luminescent solar concentrators for solar energy conversion; (4) the investigation of nanostructures for ultrasensitive chemical sensing; (5) the investigation of polymerizable ionic liquids for light-emitting electrochemical cells and (6) the structural studies of coagulation factor VIII. In addition to conducting research during the summer, the students participating in this program will participate in a number of professional development activities, including a discussion of the responsible conduct of research, mentoring in scientific writing, and preparation for graduate study in the chemical sciences. Young scientists need exposure to modern research methods and tools as part of their training. This REU site aims to provide cutting-edge research training in the chemical sciences, with a strong emphasis on environmental science. The research projects are in diverse areas of chemistry, many of which will have an impact in areas of national need. The diverse student cohort participating in research at this site will be well-prepared for graduate school, and eventual employment as part of the country's technical workforce.