REU Site:From the body to the grid: Joint ERC REU explores energy from nano-scale harvesting to smart grid technology

两个由美国国家科学基金会资助的工程研究中心（ERCs）在北卡罗莱纳州立大学（NCSU）合作，共同提出了一个联合REU站点计划，为来自研究机会有限或没有研究机会的机构的不同和有才华的本科生提供独特的机会，探索从纳米尺度收集到更大规模智能电网技术的能源研究光谱。未来可再生电力能源输送和管理（FREEDM）系统ERC专注于基础研究（系统理论、先进存储和后硅功率器件）和使能技术开发（安全通信、分布式电网智能、高频和高压功率转换以及分布式储能设备）。先进的集成传感器和技术自供电系统（ASSIST） ERC的使命是利用纳米技术，通过建立个人健康和个人环境之间的相关性，以及通过赋予患者和医生管理健康和提高生活质量的能力，来改善全球健康。与传统的reu通常专注于单一主题不同，ERC合作将为能源创新的广泛应用提供研究经验和讨论。鉴于大学生接触能源研究领域的机会有限，这个REU网站将满足REU机会的需求。通过鼓励个人参与相关研究和职业，以及他们成为向同龄人、家庭和社区传播这些信息的大使的能力，这个REU网站提供的机会将有助于推动国家成为一个更加知情的社会。这个为期10周的夏季REU现场计划的目标是通过研究生学习，增加和扩大代表性不足的学生在STEM领域的参与，重点是能源；从纳米级的采集一直到大规模的电源管理和分配。该目标通过四个目标来实现：1)从少数族裔服务机构、女性机构和没有STEM研究项目的社区学院招募学生；2)通过与学生经验相关的项目和与导师有意义的关系，让学生参与研究文化；3)通过三个技能领域的活动，让学生为成功做好准备：独立研究，系统，思考和专业技能，以及4)通过沉浸在NCSU ERC研究社区中，维持学生在课程之外的参与度。

Two NSF-funded Engineering Research Centers (ERCs) at North Carolina State University, NCSU, have partnered together to propose a joint REU Site program to provide diverse and talented cohorts of undergraduates, from institutions with limited or no research opportunities, the unique opportunity to explore the spectrum of energy research from nano-scale harvesting to the larger scale smart grid technologies. The Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Systems ERC is focused on fundamental research (system theory, advanced storage, and post-silicon power devices) and enabling technology development (secured communication, distributed grid intelligence, high-frequency and high-voltage power conversion, and distributed energy storage devices). The mission of the Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) ERC is to use nanotechnology to improve global health by enabling a correlation between personal health and personal environment, and by empowering patients and doctors to manage wellness and improve quality of life. Unlike traditional REUs that often focus on a singular topic this ERC collaboration will provide research experiences and discussions on broader applications of energy innovations. Given the limited exposure of undergraduates to the field of energy research, this REU site will address a need in REU opportunities. The opportunity that this REU Site presents will help move the nation to a more informed society through both the encouragement of individuals to participate in related research and careers, and their ability to become ambassadors of this information to their peers, families, and communities. The goal of this 10-week summer REU Site program is to increase and broaden participation of underrepresented students in STEM fields through graduate studies, with an emphasis on energy; from nano-scale harvesting all the way to large-scale power management and distribution. The goal is met through four objectives: 1) RECRUIT students from minority-serving institutions, women's institutions, and community colleges without STEM research programs, 2) ENGAGE students in the culture of research via projects that are relevant to students' experiences and meaningful relationships with mentors, 3) PREPARE students for success through activities in three skills areas: Independent Research, Systems, Thinking, and Professional Skills, and 4) SUSTAIN student engagement beyond the program through immersions with the NCSU ERC research community.