RSEC: Polymer Chemistry Research in Western Massachusetts

马萨诸塞州大学阿默斯特分校的聚合物科学与工程系由化学系、本科教育系和MPS多学科活动办公室在“化学教育工作者研究站点”(RSEC)计划下提供支持。首席调查员，。除了托马斯·麦卡锡，阿默斯特学院的桑德拉·伯克特、芒特霍利奥克学院的陈伟和史密斯学院的凯特·奎尼也加入了这一行列。这个马萨诸塞州西部的RSEC将整合他们的研究努力。计划的研究主题是(1)均相催化剂的合理均相，(2)聚合物材料的分子印迹，(3)控制润湿性和生物相容性的表面修饰，(4)通过化学和形貌控制蛋白质的吸附。为了扩大RSEC，该计划将把重点放在当地其他9所两年制和四年制院校上。这个RSEC的目标之一是通过在所有级别的现有课程中加入聚合物和材料化学，并开发一门为期一学期的聚合物化学课程，包括笔记和教师指南，增加参与机构的本科生化学专业的数量。这些合作的核心是一系列的休假，以及针对四所核心机构的教职员工和本科生的暑期研究约会。这个RSEC将由一名主任和一个由每个参与机构的代表组成的咨询委员会管理。此外，还将设立一个执行顾问委员会，由各机构的行政人员和外部聚合物研究专家组成。化学教育工作者的研究地点将参与的两年制学院、学士学位学院和硕士大学的教员与地理区域内研究型大学的教员聚集在一起，目的是为所有参与者增加研究和教育机会。学术和研究机构提供了大量机会，个人可以同时承担研究人员、教育工作者和学生的责任，所有人都可以参与共同努力，为教育注入发现的兴奋，并通过多样化的学习视角丰富研究。像马萨诸塞大学阿默斯特分校这样的RSEC提供了向更广泛的社区传播研究的知识、技能、实践和道德的机制，包括那些来自代表不足的群体的社区；帮助参与机构制定可行、可持续的研究计划；并让参与机构的教职员工和学生与更广泛的教职员工和学生接触。

The Polymer Science and Engineering Department of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Umass) is supported by the Chemistry Division, the Division of Undergraduate Education, and the MPS Office of Multidisciplinary Activities under the "Research Sites for Educators in Chemistry" (RSEC) program. The Prinicipal Investigator,. Thomas McCarthy is joined by Sandra Burkett of Amherst College, Wei Chen of Mount Holyoke College, and Kate Queeney of Smith College. This Western Massachusetts RSEC will integrate their research efforts. The planned research themes are (1) rational heterogenation of homogeneous catalyst, (2) molecular imprinting of polymeric materials, (3) surface modification to control wettability and biocompatibility, and (4) control of protein adsorption through chemistry and topography. To expand the RSEC, the program will focus its attention on nine other two- and four-year institutions in the local area. One of the goals of this RSEC is to increase the number of undergraduate chemistry majors at the participating institutions by injecting polymer and materials chemistry into existing courses at all levels, and by developing a one-semester course in polymer chemistry complete with notes and instructor's guide. Central to the formation of these collaborations is a series sabbaticals, and summer research appointments for faculty and undergraduate students at the four core institutions. This RSEC will be managed by a Director and an Advisory Board made up of representatives from each participating institution. There will also be an Executive Advisory Board made up of administrators from the institutions and outside experts in polymer research.Research Sites for Educators in Chemistry bring together the faculty of participating two-year colleges, baccalaureate colleges, and master's universities with faculty at research universities within a geographic region, for the purpose of enhancing the research and educational opportunities for all participants. Academic and research institutions provide abundant opportunities where individuals may concurrently assume responsibilities as researchers, educators, and students, and where all can engage in joint efforts that infuse education with the excitement of discovery and enrich research through the diversity of learning perspectives. RSECs such as this one at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst provide mechanisms for disseminating the knowledge, skill, practices and ethics of research to a broader community, including those from underrepresented groups; assist in developing viable, sustainable research programs at participating institutions; and involve faculty and students at the participating institutions with a broader cross-section of faculty and students.