The Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) between the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez (UPRM) and the University of Wisconsin (UW) Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Nanostructured Interfaces (MRSEC) and the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center on Templated Synthesis and Assembly at the Nanoscale (NSEC) broadens the participation of underrepresented groups in STEM at all levels. This partnership capitalizes on past and current synergistic research and education collaborations between UPRM and the UW. An essential aspect of this project is the combination of experiment and theory to elucidate and design novel functional materials at the nanoscale. Four interdisciplinary research teams focus on the development and characterization of novel materials and processes for innovative applications, such as beta-peptides and poly-beta-peptides, engineered nanoparticles, liquid crystals, and multifunctional nanoporous materials. The applications for this research include development of antimicrobial agents, minimizing the potential deleterious effects of engineered nanoparticles on the environment, development of solid-like liquid crystalline elastomers and gels for chemical and biological sensing and cell-culture applications, and development of nanostructured materials for chemical transformation of sustainable biological feedstocks into fuels and specialty chemicals.
Educational and outreach efforts expose K-12 audiences to state-of-the-art materials science through the use of the Science on Wheels Educational Center (SONWEC), and incorporates creative and proven college-level programs. A demonstrated mentoring program for newly hired faculty is utilized which enhances the retention and success rate of underrepresented minority groups and women engaged at the faculty level. And with the large number of Hispanic and female undergraduate students in attendance at UPRM, this partnership further increases the incorporation of Hispanics and women in the workforce pipeline leading to advanced degrees in areas related to Materials Science and Engineering and Nanotechnology, consequently significantly broadening participation and building a diverse community of materials researchers. This strategic partnership expands and strengthens UPRM?s educational and outreach innovations to a much broader audience in the US reaching beyond Wisconsin and Puerto Rico.
