19 participate in MRSEC CMI summer research projects
This summer, U-M’s MRSEC, the Center for Materials Innovation (CMI), hosted 10 undergraduates in their Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and nine high school students in their Research Experience for Youth (REY) programs, both of which are designed to integrate research and education while focusing on attracting and retaining a diverse body of next-generation materials researchers.
REU participants spent 10 weeks and REY participants spent seven weeks performing materials science research. Research projects focused on Semiconductors & 2D Materials or Sustainable Polymers. Weekly Development Moments were held to enhance their research experiences. CMI REU & REY participants concluded their 2024 Summer Research Experiences with two major events, the MRSEC Affiliates’ Day (July 31) and a joint Summer Research Symposium (August 1).
The CMI MRSEC Affiliates' Day on July 31 was an all-day event for all CMI community members to meet and interface with relevant and interested industrial partners. Participants presented posters on their research to the CMI community and the industry partners listed below.
The Summer Research Symposium on August 1 showcased the outstanding work accomplished by the students throughout their summer research experience. Participants presented lightning talks and posters on their research. The programs below participated in the symposium.
- CELL-MET REU: an Engineering Research Center in Cellular Metamaterials supported by NSF Award no. 1647837
- CMI MRSEC REU and REY: the Center for Materials Innovation supported by NSF Award no. 2309029
- Electric Vehicle Center (EVC) Research Experience supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)
- NSF EFRI REM (Research Experiences and Mentoring) on Distributed Manufacturing of Personalized Medicine supported by NSF Award no. 2029139
- NSF REU M-SHORE: Michigan Semiconductor Hands-On Research Experience, supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) Award no. 2244040 and by the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC)
"This research expiremence gave me confidence in my abilities to think logically, solve problems, and effectively communicate findings," commented an REY participant. "Along with this, I made bonds that will last a lifetime with the other participants and lab members. The experience solidified my plans to pursue a career related to STEM and attend higher level education in the future."
For more information about CMI Research Experiences, please visit https://mrsec.umich.edu/education/.