REU Site: Chemical Research Using X-Ray Characterization (CRUX)

该REU场地授予位于田纳西州默弗里斯伯勒的中田纳西州立大学，支持在2020-2022年夏季对8名学生进行为期9周的培训。该项目由化学和材料研究部资助，招收本科生参与以x射线表征方法为中心的研究项目。x射线晶体学是一种用于鉴定晶体的原子和分子结构的技术。x射线与分子中的原子相互作用时改变方向。通过测量这些“衍射”x射线光束的角度和强度，研究人员绘制出晶体中分子的三维图像。在教师导师的指导下进行研究时，参与者在每周两次的活动中进行互动，包括技术研讨会，专业发展，社交活动和实地考察。最终，CRUX REU网站推进化学研究，同时为研究生院或STEM职业的不同参与者群体做好准备。参与者从事基础化学研究项目，需要合成新材料并使用分析工具（包括x射线衍射方法）对其进行表征。参与者研究的材料包括具有生物活性的有机杂环；非贵金属有机金属催化剂；阳离子交换形成新的半导体纳米晶体；具有硼簇核的高极性液晶；Clp蛋白及其复合物。该网站强调招募代表性不足的少数族裔学生，并加强STEM劳动力的多样性。相关的讲习班以x射线数据分析的理论基础和实践方面为特色。学生还将学习技术、数据分析、职业发展和科学沟通技巧。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This REU site award to Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro, TN, supports the training of 8 students for 9 weeks during the summers of 2020-2022. This program, funded by the Divisions of Chemistry and Materials Research, engages undergraduate participants in research projects centered around X-ray characterization methods. X-ray crystallography is a technique that is used to identifying the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal. The X-rays change direction on interacting with the atoms in the molecules. By measuring the angles and intensities of these "diffracted" x-ray beams, the researchers produce three-dimensional pictures of the molecules in the crystal. While performing research under the guidance of faculty-mentors, participants interact during twice weekly activities that include technical workshops, professional development, social events, and field trips. Ultimately, the CRUX REU site advances chemical research while preparing a diverse group of participants for graduate school or STEM careers. Participants pursue fundamental chemical research projects requiring synthesis of new materials and their characterization with analytical tools, including X-ray diffraction methods. Participants study materials including organic heterocycles with biological activity; non-precious metal organometallic catalysts; new semiconductor nanocrystals formed upon cation exchange; highly polar liquid crystals with boron cluster cores; and Clp proteins and their complexes. This site places an emphasis on recruiting underrepresented minority students and enhancing diversity in the STEM workforce. The associated workshops feature the theoretical basis for and practical aspects of X-ray data analysis. Students also learn technical, data analysis, career-building and scientific communication skills.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.