REU Site at Kent State University: Liquid Crystals and Advanced Materials

肯特州立大学的Torsten Hegmann教授、Michael J. Ruggen教授及其同事在肯特州立大学主持了REU网站：液晶和先进材料。该研究中心位于肯特州立大学（KSU）的化学和生物化学系以及液晶研究所（LCI）。该网站由NSF数学和物理科学理事会的化学部和材料研究部的REU网站计划资助。支持的研究项目带来了来自两个和四年制机构，包括主要为有色人种学生服务的机构，从全国各地到KSU的学生与KSU学生的本地队列互动的多元化群体。导师与这些学生密切合作，因为他们追求涉及先进材料的科学发现，从液晶化学和软凝聚态物理学到生物和纳米材料。学生参与科学过程的各个方面，从项目的设计和执行到研究结果的解释和传播，所有这些都在合作和学院的氛围中进行。早期参与研究经验已被确定为学生参与科学的重要组成部分。提供独特的第一次研究经验是这个REU计划的核心，对参与学生的职业生涯产生持久的影响。除了接触到多学科的研究文化，这种经验创造了新的友谊，网络和愿望，将持续很长一段时间后，夏季研究经验完成。在整个课程中对本科生进行有效的指导和综合方法将促进关键研究技能的发展并促进职业前景。导师受益于通过这些新科学家的参与提高科学生产力，参与的本科生享受更大的长期影响，因为他们演变成自己独特的追求。

Professors Torsten Hegmann, Michael J. Tubergen, and colleagues at Kent State University host the REU Site at Kent State University: Liquid Crystals and Advanced Materials. The Site is co-located in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry as well as the Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) at Kent State University (KSU). This site is funded by the REU Site Programs of the Division of Chemistry and the Division of Materials Research, both in the NSF Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. The research projects supported bring a diverse group of students from two and four year institutions, including institutions serving primarily students of color, from various parts of the country to KSU to interact with a local cohort of KSU students. Mentors work closely with these students as they pursue scientific discovery involving advanced materials from liquid crystal chemistry and soft condensed matter physics to bio- and nanomaterials. The students participate in all aspects of the scientific process, from design and execution of their project to interpretation and dissemination of research results, all in a cooperative and collegial atmosphere.Early participation in a research experience has been identified as an important component of student engagement in science. The provision of a unique first research experience is at the heart of this REU program with a lasting impact on the career of the participating students. Aside from exposure to a multidisciplinary research culture, this experience creates new friendships, networks, and aspirations that will endure long after the summer research experiences are completed. Effective mentoring of the undergraduate students throughout this program and an integrative approach will foster the development of critical research skills and advance career prospects. Mentors benefit from the enhanced science productivity through the participation of these new scientists, and the participating undergraduates enjoy a still larger long-term impact as they evolve into their own distinct pursuits.