SusChEM: REU Site: Polymer Innovation for a Sustainable Future

ID: 1359239 PI: Savin， Daniel ORG：南密西西比大学标题：SusChEM: REU站点：可持续未来的聚合物创新技术部分：提议的REU站点的研究目标是开发可持续的方法来开发聚合物材料，以满足关键的社会需求。本科生研究人员将从事基础研究项目，涵盖材料可持续性的复杂、跨学科方面，包括可再生材料的聚合物合成、增强性能和寿命的材料、提高自然资源利用率的材料、减少能源的聚合物工艺和可生物降解材料，同时获得评估新材料开发对环境影响的工具。该研究分为四个主要方向：(1)保护和扩展自然资源的材料，(2)使用生物基原材料为零浪费设计的材料，(3)更安全，更有保障的未来的材料替代，以及(4)在操作条件下改进的材料。该计划包括对研究生的全面培训计划，这些研究生被选为REU参与者的主要导师。非技术部分：该计划将主要从地区四年制大学和社区大学招募REU参与者，这些大学的本科研究机会很少。在此REU的早期资助期内，大约50%的参与者是女性，大约30%是代表性不足的少数民族。未来的招聘将继续促进STEM企业的广泛参与。学校将为参与者提供住宿和膳食，并拨出资金支持参与者前往现场的旅行。专家评估人员将使用已知的仪器来评估该计划，以提供有关REU站点有效性的有意义的信息，该计划将对计划参与者进行系统的跟踪。根据过去REU经验的数据，大约90%的参与者随后参加研究生或专业学习。

ID: 1359239 PI: Savin, Daniel ORG: University of Southern MississippiTitle: SusChEM: REU Site: Polymer Innovation for a Sustainable FutureTECHNICAL PART: The research objective of the proposed REU site is to develop sustainable approaches to polymer materials development to meet critical societal needs. Undergraduate student researchers will be engaged in fundamental research projects that span the complex, interdisciplinary facets of materials sustainability, including polymer synthesis from renewable sources, materials with enhanced properties and lifetime, materials to improve utilization of natural resources, reduced energy polymer processes, and biodegradable materials, while gaining the tools to assess the environmental impact of new material development. The research is organized in four major thrusts: (1) Materials for the Preservation and Extension of Natural Resources, (2) Materials Designed for Zero Waste Using Biobased Raw Materials, (3) Materials Replacement for a Safer and more Secure Future, and (4) Improved Materials during Operating Conditions. The program includes a thorough training program for the graduate students who are selected as primary mentors of the REU participants.NON-TECHNICAL PART: The program will recruit REU participants primarily from regional four-year and community colleges where opportunities for undergraduate research are scarce. Approximately 50% of the participants have been female during earlier funding periods for this REU, and approximately 30% were underrepresented minorities. Future recruiting will continue to promote broadening participation in the STEM enterprises. Housing and meals will be provided on campus for the participants, and funds have been allocated to support participants' travel to the Site. An expert evaluator will evaluate the program using instruments known to provide meaningful information about REU Site effectiveness, and the program will conduct systematic follow-up with program participants. Based on data from past REU experience, approximately 90% of participants subsequently enroll in graduate or professional study.