REU Site in Chemistry at the University of Connecticut

该奖项来自化学系（CHE），支持康涅狄格大学克里斯蒂安·布鲁克纳（Christian Brueckner）领导的本科生研究经验（REU）网站。该网站支持的研究项目涉及化学的广泛领域。该网站将从缺乏本科生研究机会的地区学院和大学招募本科生。该网站将继续与中央康涅狄格州立大学的学生和教师进行富有成效的合作。该网站每年夏天将为8名本科生提供为期10周的研究项目。研究人员将从事的项目样本包括：(1)基于蛋白质（细菌视紫红质及其变体）的光伏器件的合成和研究；(2)感兴趣的吡咯修饰卟啉的合成；(3)形状记忆高分子材料的合成与研究；(4)化学应用生物催化纳米材料的开发；(5)类胡萝卜素在光合过程中的多种作用和机制的研究；(6)研究将生物质转化为有用的燃料和化学品。除了在夏季进行研究外，参加该计划的学生还将参加一些专业发展活动，包括科学伦理和交流方面的培训。作为培训的一部分，年轻科学家需要接触现代研究方法和工具。该REU网站旨在为没有重要研究经验的学生提供在这所主要大学的专门教师导师指导下进行化学科学前沿研究的机会。在这里参与研究的不同学生群体将为在化学科学和研究生院的进一步学习做好充分准备，并最终成为该国技术劳动力的一部分。

This award from the Division of Chemistry (CHE) supports a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site led by Christian Brueckner at the University of Connecticut. The research projects supported in this site are in a wide range of areas of chemistry. Undergraduates will be recruited to this site from regional colleges and universities that lack opportunities for undergraduate research. The site will continue a fruitful collaboration with students and faculty from Central Connecticut State University. The site will support eight undergraduate research students per summer in a ten week program. A sample of the projects that researchers will work on include: (1) the synthesis and study of protein-based (bacteriorhodopsin and variants) photovoltaic devices; (2) the synthesis of interesting pyrrole-modified porphyrins; (3) the synthesis and study of shape-memory polymer materials; (4) the development of biocatalytic nanomaterials for chemical applications; (5) the study of the many roles and mechanisms of carotenoids in photosynthetic processes; and (6) the study of the conversion of biomass into useful fuels and chemicals. In addition to conducting research during the summer, the students participating in this program will participate in a number of professional development activities, including training in scientific ethics and communication.Young scientists need exposure to modern research methods and tools as part of their training. This REU site aims to provide students without significant research experience a chance to conduct cutting-edge research in the chemical sciences with dedicated faculty mentors at this major university. The diverse student cohort participating in research at this site will be well-prepared for further study in the chemical sciences, and graduate school, with eventual employment as part of the country's technical workforce.