Researchers at the University of New Orleans shared their labs and research acumen with undergraduate and high school students this summer as part of UNO’s Advanced Materials Research Institute outreach program.
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is a 10-week summer program that allowed students to work in research laboratories in the departments of chemistry, physics, biology and mechanical engineering, said John Wiley, professor of chemistry and director of UNO’s AMRI, a multidisciplinary materials institute that combines the interests of academic, government and industrial scientists.
The program, made possible via a $404,800 grant from the National Science Foundation, culminated last week with students discussing their research that was displayed on posters along the walls of the science building.
“What we’re trying to do is give students an opportunity to do research in a real, active scientific lab,” Wiley said. “They are not doing experiments that people have done a thousand time; this is new, ongoing research.”
The 12 students – five college students and seven students from New Orleans high schools – were matched with their interest areas, Wiley said.
For high school students, the experience is designed to introduce them to research and possible career paths, Wiley said.
“The big impact is that it allows a student to come in and really see if this is what they want to do,” he said. “It allows them to tune in or have that early insight for a career.”
For undergraduate students, the program’s aim is to expose them to creating a professional resume, networking in the science community and applying to graduate school.
“We had scientists come in from government labs, from private companies and over a casual lunch, just to share their life experiences,” Wiley said. “They talked about their companies and how they got to where they are. That helps with career decisions.”
UNO student Gustavs Tobiss, a rising senior majoring in math and physics, said the program has given him another perspective on research and career paths.
Tobiss’ project “Self folding micro-origami Using Ti/Ni thin films” applies the folding elements of origami in the construction of tiny metal films. The film could be shape to create more complex structures for uses such as delivering medicine in the body, Tobiss said.
“I found out a lot about what the process of research is like. I never thought about materials science or working in a lab,” Tobiss said. “I think this is really cool now. Before I was more of a math person and now being in a lab is something I’m thinking of and working with machines. Having these big, million dollar machines you learn how to operate, it’s something I can actually do instead of just reading about.”
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