9710265 Devereux This program creates a new two-year MasterOs Program in the field of materials science at the University of Connecticut. Three existing groups collaborate in the program: the Institute of Materials Science (IMS) Associates Program, the Connecticut State Technology Extension Program (CONN/STEP), and the U. Conn. Materials Science Department. This program exposes first year students to industrial activities and related business and finance issues. The students travel with CONN/STEP field engineers to industrial sites to experience industrial problems and their solutions. In their second year the students research an industrial problem that has educational value as well as industrial impact. They write a thesis and a final report on the Masters Program. Through this approach the Masters Program provides the students with a combination of industrial perspective, problem solving skills, teamwork and pertinent business issues related to management and finance. This education grant is funded through the MPS Office of Multidisciplinary Activities and the Division of Materials Research. %%% This grant promotes novel opportunities for students to prepare for academic, industrial, government and non- traditional roles (such as communication, business, leadership, ethics, mentoring) and assists in integration of research and training with curricula. ***
