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

两个NSF资助的工程研究中心（ERCs）在北卡罗来纳州州立大学，NCSU，已经合作提出了一个联合REU网站计划，提供多样化和有才华的本科生群体，从有限的或没有研究机会的机构，探索能源研究的频谱从纳米级收获到更大规模的智能电网技术的独特机会。 未来可再生电能输送和管理（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）和技术开发（安全通信，分布式电网智能，高频和高压功率转换和分布式储能设备）。先进的自供电系统集成传感器和技术（ASSIST）ERC的使命是利用纳米技术，使个人健康和个人环境之间的关联，并通过授权患者和医生管理健康和提高生活质量，以改善全球健康。与传统的雷乌斯，往往侧重于一个单一的主题，ERC合作将提供研究经验和讨论更广泛的应用能源创新。 鉴于本科生对能源研究领域的接触有限，这个REU网站将解决REU机会的需求。 这个REU网站提供的机会将有助于通过鼓励个人参与相关研究和职业，以及他们成为同龄人，家庭和社区的信息大使的能力，将国家推向一个更加知情的社会。 这个为期10周的夏季REU网站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;从纳米级的收获一直到大规模的电力管理和分配。 该目标通过四个目标实现：1）从少数民族服务机构，妇女机构和社区学院招收学生，没有STEM研究计划，2）通过与学生的经验和与导师的有意义的关系相关的项目，让学生参与研究文化，3）通过三个技能领域的活动，培养学生的成功：独立研究，系统，思维和专业技能，以及4）通过沉浸在NCSU ERC研究社区中，使学生参与超出计划。

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.