This proposal requests funding to support ten (10) undergraduate students per year, for five consecutive years, to attend a ten-week summer research site in the area of environmentally benign chemical processes and products. This REU site will complement a research and education initiative launched recently by SUN'Y-Buffalo's Department of Chemical Engineering, in which high-impact developments from chemical engineering science will be channeled into a significant regional and national advancement of waste minimization for pollution prevention. The proposed program encompasses recruitment of traditionally underrepresented student talent, novel research experience in environmental technology, a lecture series on ethics in research, interdisciplinary interaction with regional waste management and environmental remediation activities, and significant industrial cooperation. The program is strengthened by dedicated advising and assessment of students' careers in research. The Department of Chemical Engineering will provide 10% matching support in the form of travel monies for the research experience participants.
