9619715 Barnicki ABSTRACT This REU program, has several important objectives including a) exposing more undergraduate students - both external to MSOE and internal - to the fascinating technological opportunities made possible through Solid Freeform Fabrication, b) contributing real research results and publications in a field which vitally needs to understand and improve materials, processes and applications, c) examine opportunities in photonics, biomedicine and manufacturing and d) successful recruiting of women, minorities and disabled undergraduate students. In turn, this will significantly enhance these students' knowledge, experience, professional growth and confidence; it also is expected to be a major factor in their retention and has increased the likelihood of their going to graduate school. Undergraduate students will be recruited for both summer and academic year research, with target numbers of 3 during the academic year, growing to 8 during the summer, at least 30-40% being non-MSOE students during the summer. These students will work with other undergraduates and graduates in this vigorous and exciting Center of Excellence. To ensure the continual improvement of the REU program, a periodic evaluation effort will be carried out in two ways: a) self evaluation of project activities by the student participants in the REU program and b) evaluation by a team that will include faculty members associated with the REU projects. The project director will use these faculty researchers to ensure the success of the REU program. ***
