9619821 Warder ABSTRACT The purpose of this project is to provide research experiences in bioengineering for 12 undergraduate students at The University of Memphis (UM). At least half of the students will be selected from institutions other than UM, with several recruited from HCBU institutions such as Tennessee State, Rust College (Mississippi), and Clafin College (South Carolina), and other undergraduate schools in the State. Each student will undertake a specific research project, and a faculty advisor (participating in the REU program) will work with the student to develop his/her research skills. An essential element of the program will be its emphasis on professional development of the students (e.g., paper writing and technical presentations). The purpose is to infuse bright undergraduate students with an enthusiasm towards graduate level education and research careers. The University of Memphis has made substantial institutional commitments to the program. These include waiver of tuition and fees for the student participants, waiver of all overhead costs, and stipends for two minority students (in addition to those supported by the NSF funds). ***
