The multi-institutional Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) based at Stanford University offers research experiences for undergraduate students through a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site. The MRSEC involves, in addition to Stanford, the University of California-Davis and IBM-Almaden Research Center. Fifteen undergraduate students are recruited nationwide for a ten week summer research program. Students' research projects focus on polymer interfaces and macromolecular assemblies. In addition, students attend weekly seminars and social activities.
This REU Site, with an emphasis on recruiting undergraduate students from two-year and four-year institutions, provides research opportunities to students who might not have such opportunities at their home institution. Undergraduate participants are exposed to both academic and industrial research environments.