The National Research Council, Department of Education, and National Science Foundation have all identified training in chemistry as an area of national concern. According to the American Chemistry Council, the nation?s chemical industry is responsible for more than 880,000 American jobs, makes 37 million American jobs possible (27% of all U.S. employment), and is among the nation?s largest exporters (10% of all exports). In keeping with the nation?s interests in creating a highly trained workforce that reflects the growing diversity of the U.S. population, the NSF REU program in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) will enroll visiting undergraduate students in an immersive summer research experience and thereby equip them with tools and encouragement to embark on graduate studies in the laboratory sciences. The program will build on previous successes in enrolling substantial numbers of women and underrepresented minority students. Each summer (2009-2011), ten undergraduate participants will work with a faculty advisor and their research group on a significant research problem. The program also includes team-building activities, regular group meetings, a seminar/workshop series on ethics, presentation skills, graduate opportunities, research frontiers, etc; two research symposia; and field trips to industrial and government laboratories. These provide a perspective of chemical research in a scholarly, entrepreneurial, economic, and ethical framework. Research initiatives in the School have attracted major funding from federal agencies and industry. The School?s research portfolio includes a broad set of initiatives (e.g., solar cells, biofuels, disease prevention) in areas which will contribute to the well-being of this nation and its people.

Project Report

The National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates(NSF-REU) program in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) hosted 37 full-time undergraduate students in chemical research activities under the supervision of members of the faculty for ten weeks in the summers of 2009-2012. Participants conducted research in an area of mutual interest to the student and faculty member. Participants included US citizens and permanent residents of the US who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the chemical sciences but who have limited prior research experience. In addition to conducting research, students participated in team-building, a seminar/workshop series (ethics, presentation skills, graduate opportunities, research frontiers), research symposia, and field trips to industrial and government laboratories. These professional development activities acquainted participants with a broad array of projects, provided them with the opportunity to enhance their presentation skills, and provided a perspective of chemical research in a scholarly, entrepreneurial, economic, and ethical framework. The School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Georgia Tech has a strong record of educating a diverse cadre of students. This NSF-REU program hosted significant numbers of female (49%) and underrepresented minority (47%) students as well as >80% of students from primarily undergraduate institutions (non-PhD granting institutions). Students completed a technical report and oral presentation upon completion of the program. This REU program supported the research initiatives of the School which attracts funding from federal agencies and industry and results in publications in the scientific literature (many with undergraduate researchers, as co-authors). The program was designed to encourage undergraduate students to pursue graduate education in the chemical sciences. Approximately 75% of participants expressed an interest in pursuing graduate education in science upon completion of the program. The NSF-REU program provided a breadth of chemical training for a new generation of scientists which supports the future well-being (health, wealth, and security) of the US and its people.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Chemistry (CHE)
Application #
0851780
Program Officer
Charles D. Pibel
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2009-06-15
Budget End
2013-05-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$257,250
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgia Tech Research Corporation
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30332