Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University establishes a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site, its theme is adhesives and adhesion science. Eight undergraduate students are recruited every year nationwide for an eleven-week summer research experience, with specific recruitment efforts at historically black colleges and universities in the Southeast. Undergraduate students participate in science and engineering research projects that include testing of adhesive bond durability and of its fracture strength, synthesis and characterization of dendrimers, and characterization of waterborne epoxy resins. In addition, REU participants attend a weekly seminar on oral and written communication skills and several social activities.
The interdisciplinary nature of the subject area provides students with a realistic exposure to research on complex problems where several lines of attack involving different scientific and engineering disciplines can bring greater understanding of key issues and more rapid progress toward their solution.