The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (SPSPE) has been awarded an NSF grant of $367,012 to continue their work in providing undergraduate students with the opportunity to carry out research in the areas of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. The REU program is led by Prof. Abraham Joy and will build on the leadership of Prof. Mesfin Tsige, who led the REU program for the past seven years.
REU provides a holistic research experience for undergraduates. Activities include the dissemination of the foundational aspects of polymer science and engineering, followed by an immersive experience in cutting-edge research in the field. Students participating in the program come from universities across the nation, representing the diversity of the student talent pool.
The core mission of the program is to broaden research participation, with particular emphasis on students from primarily undergraduate institutions and historically underrepresented populations including women, minorities and students with disabilities.
Students participate in leading-edge research in polymer chemistry, polymer physics, polymer processing and macromolecular bioscience. These projects span the spectrum from sustainable materials, energy materials, high-performance materials and biomaterials. The REU students partake in activities such as visits to local industries and government laboratories to broaden their perspectives on research outside of the academic environment.
The REU site engages with experts to provide their insight to students through panel discussions on topics ranging from research to career avenues and soft-skills development. The diverse portfolio of the REU program at UA prepares undergraduate participants for graduate school or for entering the workforce.
Since the REU site at The University of Akron was launched in 2004, this program has engaged over 270 students in the fundamentals of polymer science and polymer engineering research and has resulted in over 60 peer-reviewed publications.