IGERT: Atomic and Molecular Imaging of Interfaces/Defects in Electronic, Spintronic, and Organic/Inorganic Materials

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Interfaces and defects have played the most important roles in determining the performance of modern electronics. The rapid progress of nanoscience and technology further amplifies the critical roles of interfaces/defects since, in nanostructures, the volume ratio of interfaces and defects grows significantly with the size reduction. This IGERT proposal establishes an interdisciplinary doctoral training program on Atomic and Molecular Imaging of Interfaces/defects in Nanostructured Materials. This program integrates nanostructure fabrications, atomic scale characterizations, and materials theory into a comprehensive education and research training program for graduate students, including six different departments in the colleges of Natural Sciences and Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. The underlying research goal is to obtain atomic level understanding of how interfaces and defects impact the local electronic structure and functionality of nanoscale electronic, spintronic, and organic/inorganic materials, and how they impact the performance of devices based on these materials. Students trained in this research program will be provided great breadth in their perspectives toward solving important scientific problems, a key and necessary characteristic for the future generation of leaders in nanoscience and technology. The key education and training features include development of a nanoscience and technology core curriculum with a seamless transition to interdisciplinary research programs. Career development opportunities for students will be provided through internships at high-tech industry and national labs. The community educational outreach program is aimed at enhancing nanoscience education at all levels, from pre-K to high school. In addition, by partnering with the International Center for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials (ICNAM) at the University of Texas, this program is aimed at increasing the participation of under-representated groups, especially Hispanic students, in graduate education. IGERT is an NSF-wide program intended to meet the challenges of educating U.S. Ph.D. scientists and engineers with the interdisciplinary background, deep knowledge in a chosen discipline, and the technical, professional, and personal skills needed for the career demands of the future. The program is intended to catalyze a cultural change in graduate education by establishing innovative new models for graduate education and training in a fertile environment for collaborative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.