An NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)

1. Center for Emergent Materials The Ohio State University http://cem.osu.edu Learning about the Graduate Student Experience Chris P. Hammel, Ohio State University Research Foundation, DMR 0820414 This spring CEM piloted a new Research Bridge Program for students at Columbus State Community College. Two students, Casey Branson and David Kopechek spent their spring break working in Johnston-Halperin’s research laboratory with CEM Fellow Howard Yu as their research mentor. The students learned about organic spintronics and studied the “Deposition and characterization of cysteamine self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)”. In this one-week program, the students participated in authentic laboratory research, attended group meetings and relevant seminars, and went on laboratory tours of other CEM laboratories. The two students concluded the week by presenting their research results to the CEM community. The goals of this program included exposing the students to research to increase their comfort level in hopes that they will seek out research opportunities when they transfer to a four year institution. This program also endeavors to make the students competitive for future REU programs. Casey Branson has been accepted into the 2012 CEM Summer REU program. CSCC Students Casey Branson and David Kopecheck discussing research with CEM graduate student Richelle Teeling-Smith (top left) and CEM Post Doc Vidya Bhallamudi (lower left). Casey Branson presents her research results to CEM researchers (upper right). Michelle McCombs, Andrew Heckler & Katharine Flores An NSF Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) Supported under Award Number DMR-0820414