Targeted Infusion Project: Innovating the Research Educational Experiences in Johnson C. Smith University's lower/upper level Chemistry Courses

历史黑人学院和大学本科项目(HBCU-UP)通过有针对性的灌输项目，支持基于证据的创新模式和方法的开发、实施和研究，以改善HBCU本科生的准备和成功，使他们能够攻读STEM研究生课程和/或职业。约翰逊C.史密斯大学将在自然科学与数学系的课程中开发和实施聚合物化学课程和研究机会。接触聚合物科学和广泛使用的表征仪器将使本科生更好地为在一个就业和创业机会很多，但少数族裔代表性较低的领域就业和研究生学习做好准备。该计划的总体目标是设计一门以合成和天然聚合物的合成、表征和应用为中心的高级研究课程。具体的项目目标包括1)开发聚合物科学研究课程，通过学生主导、教师建议的研究项目向学生介绍聚合物科学；2)通过参与项目规划与当地聚合物产业建立合作；3)实施热分析证书计划，以提高JCSU学生作为技术人员/科学家的就业能力。最重要的是，该项目将提高该机构的研究能力，从而为学生提供更多参与积极研究项目的机会。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) through Targeted Infusion Projects supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue STEM graduate programs and/or careers. Johnson C. Smith University will develop and implement polymer chemistry courses and research opportunities into the curriculum of the Department of Natural Sciences & Mathematics. Exposure to polymer science and widely used characterization instrumentation will better prepare undergraduates to pursue employment and graduate studies in an area that has strong employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, but has low representation of minorities. The overall goal of the program is to design an upper level research course centered on the synthesis, characterization and application of synthetic and natural polymers. Specific project objectives include 1) the development of a Research in Polymer Science course that will introduce students to polymer science through student-led, faculty-advised research projects, 2) establish collaborations with local polymer-based industries through participation in project programming and 3) implement a Thermal Analysis Certificate program to increase the employability of JCSU students as technicians/scientists. Most importantly, this project will increase the institution's research capacity, thus providing additional opportunities for students to participate in active research projects.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.