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网站：可持续未来的聚合物创新技术部分：建议的RU网站的研究目标是开发可持续的聚合物材料开发方法，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，这些项目涉及材料可持续性的复杂、跨学科方面，包括可再生资源的聚合物合成、具有更高性能和寿命的材料、提高自然资源利用率的材料、减少能源的聚合物工艺以及可生物降解材料，同时获得评估新材料开发对环境影响的工具。这项研究分为四个主要方面：(1)保护和扩展自然资源的材料；(2)使用生物原材料设计的零废物材料；(3)为更安全和更有保障的未来而设计的材料；以及(4)在运行条件下改进的材料。该计划包括为被选为REU参与者的主要导师的研究生提供全面的培训计划。非技术部分：该计划将主要从地区四年制和社区大学招收REU参与者，这些学院的本科生研究机会很少。在这一区域联盟的早期筹资期间，大约50%的参与者是女性，大约30%是代表不足的少数族裔。未来的招聘将继续推动STEM企业更广泛的参与。将在校园内为参与者提供食宿，并已拨出资金支持参与者前往现场。一名专家评估员将使用已知可提供有关REU现场有效性的有意义信息的工具来评估该计划，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%的参与者随后进入研究生或专业学习。

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.