NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates in

“Novel Materials and Processing in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering”

sponsored by:
the National Science Foundation (NSF-REU) and the Department of Defense (DoD-ASSURE)

The Departments of Chemical Engineering, Bio-Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago are pleased to announce their Summer Research Fellowship Program for 2007. Twelve fellowships are sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and the Department of Defense (DoD) ASSURE (Awards to Stimulate and Support Undergraduate Research Experiences) programs. Summer fellows will have the opportunity to conduct research in Novel Materials and Processing in chemical and biomedical engineering in an academic setting. This program welcomes students in Science and Engineering.

The location of UIC in the heart of Chicago offers a particularly advantageous situation for engineering and science students because of the enormous amount of chemical industry and medical institutions in the Chicago area. UIC is the only public engineering school in the city. The UIC Engineering Departments have grown rapidly with highly active faculty members, undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. We are located in the east campus of UIC.

The projects span a broad range of topics

	Exploring the oxygen permeability in microfluidic culture platforms
	Atomic scale investigations of high dielectric constant nanostructures
	Biological Surface Modification for Implantable medical devices
	Micropatterned Substrates for Controlling Growth and Neurite Extension of Retinal Neurons
	Experimental Investigation of Fluid Behavior in Nanochannels
	Microwave assisted fluidized bed synthesis of catalytic nanolayers
	Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Catalysis
	Analytical transmission electron microscopy of oxide interfaces

Emphasis will be placed on using state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities. Special events such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, visits to local industries, and socials are planned throughout the summer.

Program Description

	Participants work for a summer at the University of Illinois at Chicago, collaborating with faculty and staff on current research projects on novel materials and processing in chemical and biomedical engineering.
	Open to students who are not graduating before December 2007. US citizenship or permanent residence is required.
	Selection is based on applicant’s academic standing, a brief statement of interest, and two faculty references.
	Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
	Award includes: $3,600 stipend, and up to $300 for travel. Financial assistance of up to $1,100 is available for campus housing; this should cover the full housing expense.
	The program ends on August 3, 2007 the preferred starting date is May 29, 2007.