The University of Arizona offers a summer research experience for undergraduate students through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site. This REU site utilizes electron microscopy and other microanalytical tools as common focus of several research projects that include studies of the structure of ceramic films, sol-gels for nuclear waste encapsulation, hydrogels for artificial joints and defects in silicon-on-insulator structures. Eight undergraduate students are recruited every year for a ten-week summer research experience, with a recruitment focus on undergraduates from underrepresented groups. In addition to participating in individual research projects, REU students take a one-week course on electron microscopy and microanalysis and attend weekly research group meetings.
This REU site also emphasizes the recruitment of undergraduate students early in their college years, at the freshman and sophomore level, thus offering them a research experience before career plans are already set.
