Scientific advancement in Environmental Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Engineering, and Geosciences require comprehensive multidisciplinary education and research at the cutting edge of science and technology. The requested program at the University of Missouri-Columbia addresses the related critical need for human resources by providing PhD level education to five NSF Trainees in the multidisciplinary investigation of Particulate Systems, both natural and engineered. NSF Trainees will be recruited through vigorous advertising throughout the nation. MU has a history of successful recruiting and nurturing of talented undergraduate students (~70; a major portion of whom are from groups underrepresented in science and engineering) through the NSF-REU in Particulate Systems Engineering program. The requested Traineeships will allow significant opportunities to the brightest of these students, as well as others to be recruited for the awards. The program will provide Trainees with a challenging yet supportive environment. Students will receive both the MS and PhD degrees from the participating academic disciplines in engineering and the sciences, and the program faculty will carefully plan and monitor the students' teaching and research development. Curricula for the GRA Trainees will include classes in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, particulate systems, atmospheric dynamics, atomic and molecular physics and chemistry, computational chemistry and climatology. Experimental research will focus on characterizations and measurements of particle-vapor (gas) and particle-particle interactions, dry and wet disposition of particles and gases, trace gas emissions and transformations, and radiative properties of particles. Theoretical and computationally intensive projects will focus on sulfur chemistry, particle dynamics and general circulation models. The education and training of students emphasize integrated approaches to complex environmental problems. Professional development opportunities for the Trainees will include internships at the national laboratories and industrial research centers in the U.S., and possibly at prestigious universities/institutions in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and Russia that conducts relevant particulate systems investigations. The University of Missouri system educational mission charges MU with special responsibilities for graduate education. The College of Engineering specifically has made major investments in infrastructure (new building, renovations, equipment, computing). The project faculty are dedicated to the success of the program, and funding will lead to truly unique, interdisciplinary opportunities for the Trainees.
