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 2012. 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 spanned a broad range of topics

	The Behavior of Normoxic and Hypoxic Cells Through the Use of Microfluidic Devices
	Thermal Oxidation of Titanium for Improved Medical Implant Osseointegration
	Titanium-V Surface Thermal Oxidation for Improved Cellular Response
	Solvent Selection for Carbon Capture from Emissions of Coal Fired Power Plants
	Selective Oxidation of Ammonia on Ruthenium to form p(2 x 2) Nitrogen layer
	The Effect of Different Geometries on Percolation in Two Dimensions
	Analysis of Ferromagnetic-Multiferroic interfaces in Epitaxial Multilayers of LSMO and BFO
	Tunability of Atomic Layer Deposition of Yttrium-Stabilized Zirconium Oxide for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
	Atomic Layer Deposition of Cerium Oxide for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
	Engineering and Development of a Transportable ALD System - Growth of CeO2
	Flow of Carbon Nanotubes Under Pressure Driven Conditions Through Microchannels
	Analysis of AlxGa1-xN Nanowires Through Simulated Methods of Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy

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 2012. 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 29, 2012 and ended on August 3, 2012.