Targeted Infusion Project: Development of an Interdisciplinary Materials Research and Education Laboratory (IMREL) at Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville NC

Investigators

Abstract

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue STEM graduate programs and/or careers. Fayetteville State University will implement a project entitled: Development of an Interdisciplinary Materials Research and Education Laboratory. Materials Science is an interdisciplinary field, studying materials synthesis and fabrication, processing, structures, properties and applications. The project seeks to have an impact on over 500 undergraduate students through curricular improvements, improvements to the research and education infrastructure, faculty engagement, and opportunities for students to participate in research. The goals of this project are to (1) develop an interdisciplinary materials research and education laboratory at to infuse materials science education into the curricula and to enhance undergraduate students' participation in this field; (2) enhance the institution's research and education infrastructure through laboratory equipment modernization; (3) promote faculty engagement in research through interdisciplinary collaborations; and (4) increase student enrollment and graduation in chemistry and physics. The Materials Laboratory will allow faculty and students to engage in research including X-ray radiation detection using scintillator nanowires by a novel electron microscopy method, and ultraviolet and infrared radiation detections using composition- and size-controllable nanowires.