NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates in

“Novel Materials and Processing in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering”

The Departments of Chemical Engineering, Bio-Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago are pleased to announce the completion of the Summer Research Fellowship Program for 2011. Ten fellowships were sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program. Summer fellows will had the opportunity to conduct research in Novel Materials and Processing in chemical and biomedical engineering in an academic setting. This program welcomed 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

	Optimization of Protein Immobilization in Microfluidic Devices for the Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells
	Site Directed Mutagenesis of Protein PurE
	Infrared Studies of Ammonia Borane
	Hypersonic Fuels Chemistry: n-Heptane Cracking and Combustion
	The effect of nanotextures on surface condensation
	Greener Solvent Selection and Solvent Recycling for CO2 Capture
	Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of TiO2 on Silicon/Copper-patterned Substrates
	Atomic Layer Deposition of Zirconium Oxide for Fuel Cell Applications
	Percolation Effects on Electrical Resistivity and Electron Mobility
	Methods in Characterizing the SrTiO3 - GaAs Interface

Emphasis is placed on using state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities. Special events such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, visits to local industries, and socials were 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 advanced materials and processing with applications in biomedical, electrical and chemical engineering.
	Open to students who are not graduating before December 2011. 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: $4,100 stipend, and up to $400 for travel. Financial assistance of up to $1,300 is available for campus housing; this should cover the full housing expense.
	The program began on May 31, 2011 and ended on August 4, 2011.