The proposed multi-site REU aims at providing an interdisciplinary and transformative experience to advance projects focused on the synthesis, characterization, or application of DES. This will be accomplished through a unique and decentralized program that includes mentoring from the most active researchers in the field. Along with the transformative scientific experience, students will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of their own projects while learning from the outcomes of their peers. To accomplish these goals, participants will get access to the following activities (not applicable for 2025):
By 04/15 | Participants receive their official project assignment and are introduced to their mentors (by Zoom). Mentors send 3 papers relevant to their project. Participants register in Concur, BuyWays, and Canvas (pre-REU activities). |
By 05/01 | Travel arrangements (flights, housing, meals, etc.) completed and communicated with participants. Emergency contact information on file. |
Lab Safety and Hazardous waste training complete (certificate on record) | |
REU Mentor Workshop (including Safe Working Environments) | |
Before departure | On-line course “Introduction to Research” completed |
Registration in BuyWays (system to receive stipends) completed | |
05/25 | Travel/Arrival (airport shuttles, move in, etc.) |
Mon 05/26 | Formal check-in, introduction to research team, orientation and tours (each at their locations). Administrative details (e.g. lab access), lunch with mentors, and beginning of the research |
By Wed 05/28 | First payment to students (includes 1/3 stipend, meal allowance, and incidental travel expenses) |
Mon 06/02 | 5MP-1 (students introduce themselves, their teams, and present 3 slides with the goals of their projects and the expected outcomes, followed by Q&A) |
Mon 06/09 | Workshop #1: What can possibly go wrong? How to prevent and react in a lab accident. |
Mon 06/16 | Workshop #2: NMR, Dr. Leah Casabianca |
Mon 06/23 | Workshop #3: Careers in Chemistry: Round Table with an REU alumni, a grad student, a tenure-track faculty, a teaching faculty, and a professional from industry. |
Mon 06/30 | 5MP-2 (students present 3 slides with a partial report of their research, followed by Q&A) |
By Wed 07/02 | Second payment to students (includes 1/3 stipend) |
Mon 07/07 | Workshop #4: Understanding electrochemistry, Dr. Carlos Garcia |
Fri 07/11 | REU Ask Me Anything: participants meet over zoom for an informal conversation with mentors and PI about professional development (icebreaker: love language test) |
Mon 07/14 | Workshop #5: From aware to champion |
Mon 07/21 | Workshop #6: Analytical Instrumentation: Mass Spec (Dr. Rakesh Sachdeva) and XRD (Dr. Collin McMillen) |
Fri 07/25 | REU Peer-check in: Participants meet over zoom to discuss “How to prepare a good poster” and share tips for a successful final presentation |
Fri 08/01 | Program Evaluation, Exit Interviews, etc. |
Sat 08/02 | Program Checkout |
TBD | REU Reunion at the ACS Meeting (in person) |
