REU Site: Integrating Hearing and Deaf Students in Undergraduate Chemical Research

这一奖项来自化学系(CHE)，支持詹姆斯·麦迪逊大学丹尼尔·M·唐尼领导的本科生研究体验(REU)网站。该网站支持的研究项目涉及化学的广泛领域。本科生将从地区学院和大学以及詹姆斯·麦迪逊大学招募到该网站。该网站将包括来自其他高等教育机构的两名外部导师以及高中教师和高中生的参与。该网站的独特之处在于，它汇集了各级聋人/重听人研究人员(学生和教师)。此外，研究生们有机会向一大群聋人/重听的中学生讲授化学，他们参加了JMU校园的夏令营。该网站将在为期十周的计划中，每年夏天支持8名本科生，此外还支持一些客座教师和高中教师。研究人员将进行的项目示例包括：(1)新型两亲分子的合成和研究；(2)使用金属氧化物纳米粒子催化剂进行固态分解动力学的研究；(3)对痕量有毒重金属的鱼耳石分析以及在天然水中寻找内分泌干扰化合物的研究；(4)灵敏、准确的温室气体传感器的开发；(5)核苷酸结合蛋白的光谱学研究；(6)生物分子系统中界面电子转移的研究。除了在暑期进行研究外，参加这个项目的学生还将参加一些专业发展活动，包括科学交流培训。青年科学家需要接触现代研究方法和工具，作为他们培训的一部分。这个REU网站旨在为没有重大研究经验的学生提供机会，在这个以本科生为主的机构中，在敬业的教师指导下进行化学科学的尖端研究。在这个地点参与研究的不同学生群体将为进一步学习化学科学和研究生院做好充分准备，最终将成为该国技术劳动力的一部分。这个REU网站的一个独特之处是聋人学生和教职员工与听力大多数人的紧密结合。参与该网站的学生将学习如何有效地向这两个群体传播科学，并将鼓励聋人/重听学生进入STEM地区或继续在STEM地区学习。

This award from the Division of Chemistry (CHE) supports a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site led by Daniel M. Downey at James Madison University. The research projects supported in this site are in a wide range of areas of chemistry. Undergraduates will be recruited to this site from regional colleges and universities as well as James Madison University. The site will include participation from two outside mentors from other higher education institutions, as well as high school teachers and high school students. The site is unique in that it integrates deaf/hard of hearing researchers at every level (students and instructors). In addition, research students have the opportunity to teach chemistry to a large group of deaf/hard of hearing middle school youngsters taking part in a summer camp on the JMU campus. The site will support eight undergraduate research students per summer in a ten week program, in addition to supporting a number of visiting faculty and high-school teachers. A sample of the projects that researchers will work on include: (1) the synthesis and study of the supramolecular aggregation of novel amphiphiles; (2) the study of the solid state decomposition kinetics using metal-oxide nanoparticle catalysts; (3) the analysis of fish otoliths for trace amounts of toxic heavy metals as well as a study looking for endocrine disrupting compounds in natural waters; (4) the development of sensitive and accurate greenhouse gas sensors; (5) spectroscopic studies of nucleotide binding proteins and (6) the study of interfacial electron transfer in biomolecular systems. In addition to conducting research during the summer, the students participating in this program will participate in a number of professional development activities, including training in scientific communication.Young scientists need exposure to modern research methods and tools as part of their training. This REU site aims to provide students without significant research experience a chance to conduct cutting-edge research in the chemical sciences with dedicated faculty mentors at this predominantly undergraduate institution. The diverse student cohort participating in research at this site will be well-prepared for further study in the chemical sciences, and graduate school, with eventual employment as part of the country's technical workforce. A unique feature of this REU site is the intensive integration of deaf students and faculty with the hearing majority. Students participating in this site will learn to communicate science effectively to both groups, and deaf/hard of hearing students will be encouraged to enter or continue study in STEM areas.