This is a Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site grant. The award permits undergraduate students to participate in a research program in the materials field under the supervision of faculty members actively engaged in research. This program has strong participation by women and minority undergraduate students from institutions primarily in the Southeastern United States. Funding for up to twelve students is provided. Students spend ten weeks in the summer involved in group meetings and individual research with faculty members at North Carolina State University. Progress is discussed in the meetings, and results are presented in a seminar series during the last week. Students elect to work on research with individual professors on one of the following topics: super-resolution optical spectroscopies, molecular beam epitaxial growth of cadmium telluride, fundamental physics of atomic collisions, x-ray absorption spectroscopy of amorphous semiconductors, studies of supernova remnants, thin films and interfaces of semiconductors, theoretical studies of the properties of solids. It is possible for students who can accommodate the schedule and afford the time to continue their individual research beyond the ten week period using supplemental funding by the institution or the faculty researchers by mutual arrangement. The program enhances current research activities as well as adding to the number of scientifically trained individuals. It is hoped that this hands-on experience will serve as a stimulus to attract and retain highly-gifted students into careers in teaching and research.
