Faculty members from two National Science Foundation Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) 2D materials research programs are teaming up to offer an EFRI Research and Mentoring program. Our program will further the research aims of our EFRIs while contributing to broadening participation of underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The 2D Materials REM program will provide research mentorship opportunities for first and second year students currently at any Penn State campus who pursue coursework at University Park during Fall and Spring 2018. The program will begin with a ten-week summer program in the summer of 2017 and be followed by two semesters of continued research, mentoring, and professional development activities in the 2017-18 academic year.
The initial summer program will include elements common to many Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites, but the longer program duration will allow students to achieve more significant research results and will provide an ongoing formal network of support and mentoring for students, along with activities that continue to enhance their professional development and outlook. Applications from disabled students, veterans enrolled at Penn State, female students and students who are members of other historically underrepresented groups in science and engineering are strongly encouraged.
Eligible Penn State undergraduate students will be:
- a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident,
- a Penn State student at any campus with a GPA of at least a 3.0,
- pursuing coursework at the University Park campus starting no later than Fall 2018,
- majoring in or considering majoring in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline,
- a first or second year undergraduate student, and
- interested in working in a cutting-edge 2D materials research laboratory.
- Research projects will involve the synthesis, processing and characterization of transition metal chalcogenides, which are an intriguing class of materials that crystallize as two-dimensional sheets of atoms. The unique layered structure of these materials presents many challenges to realize their potential applications in electronics, photonics and related technologies, e.g. flexible electronics, energy harvesting, and catalysis.
Program Dates:
Summer Program: May 29, 2018 to August 3, 2018
Academic Year Program: August 20, 2018 to April 26, 2019
If you have any questions about the program please email us.