University of Wisconsin-Madison NSEC: Templated Synthesis and Assembly at the Nanoscale

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison NSEC: Templated Synthesis and Assembly at the Nanoscale Research Experience for Undergraduates in Nanotechnology J.W. Moore, A. Greenberg The NSF supported Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) at the University of Wisconsin –Madison established the Research Experience for Undergraduates program in 2006 to provide nanotechnology focused research experiences for over 30 students from around the US and Puerto Rico, 80% of these students from underrepresented groups. Students in program spend 10 weeks engaged in cutting edge research in the labs of UW-Madison NSEC faculty. Through day to day interaction with NSEC graduate students and faculty the REU students gain valuable experience learning state of the art research techniques. During their stay REUs are provided additional professional development activities to help prepare them to pursue advanced degrees in science in engineering. The summer ends with a center wide poster session for the REU students to present their work in a public forum. Approximately 85% of REU alumni are currently pursuing advanced degrees in science and engineering.   Primary Strategic Outcome Goal: Learning: Cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive science and engineering workforce, and expand the scientific literacy of all citizens. Secondary Strategic Outcome Goals: How does this highlight address the strategic outcome goal(s) as described in the NSF Strategic Plan 2006-2011? Discovery – The REU in Nanotechnology is poised to help answer fundamental science engineering questions in the area of nanotechnology through research experiences. NSF Award Number 0832760 PI: Paul Nealey University of Wisconsin – Madison