REU Site: SUNFEST - Summer Undergraduate Research in Sensor Technologies

University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

This three year renewal Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program, SUNFEST: Summer Undergraduate Research in Sensor Technologies, at the University of Pennsylvania, will offer a diverse cohort of undergraduate students the opportunity to work on research projects involving sensor technologies with the goal to develop new materials and devices. By working on a meaningful research project of their own in a dynamic and supportive environment, students will contribute to academically-based discovery that will lead to better devices and systems for medical, robotics, communications, environmental, energy, agricultural and surveillance applications. Each of these projects deals with a scientifically important topic for advancing the understanding of a specific sensor phenomenon that have "real-life" applications. An important focus of this REU will be to extend these research experiences to students at small, four-year colleges where research experiences are less abundant and to engage students who come from groups traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering, including first generation, low income, underrepresented minority students and women. Over 10 summer weeks, the University of Pennsylvania will host 10 undergraduate students who will be involved in high quality, cutting-edge research projects related to sensor technology. Research projects will include sensor phenomena, materials, nano- and micro-fabricated sensors, sensing using quantum systems and sensor applications in medicine, agriculture and robotics. To foster students' development as future researchers, they will participate in weekly group meetings and seminars in their labs. In addition, the REU offers professional development activities for the student participants, include workshops on writing proposals and technical reports, responsible conduct of research, applying to graduate school, and effective oral presentations. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.