REU-ing in Ohio and Mississippi

By: NNOL Editorial Staff

Content copyright ©2005

NOBCChE

. All rights reserved.

The NSF-funded REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cincinnati (UC) has introduced a novel idea-incorporate a visiting faculty member into the program. "This is the first year of a three-year program, and we hope to continue to have a different visiting scholar each summer. So not only do we want a successful program this summer, [but] we also want to make connections for the summer of 2006 and 2007," said Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Bruce Ault.

The visiting faculty member has two roles, namely conducting his or her own research, and serving as a mentor to the undergraduate researchers. Sibrina Collins, Assistant Professor of Chemistry from Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) is the first visiting scholar this year. Collins and her student Morissa Regis worked in the laboratory of Professor Bill Connick investigating the chemistry of bridging paracyclophane-diimine and phenanthroline-based ligands. "We have targeted bridging paracyclophane-diimine ligands because they provide the opportunity to directly probe how strong pi-stacking interactions can mediate electron transport along double-stranded DNA. We are also using these rigid bridging scaffolds to achieve our longer range goal of building two electron donor-acceptor systems," says Connick.

Eleven undergraduate students from various states including Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, and South Carolina participated in the UC program this year. REU participant Tina Clinton, a senior chemistry major at the University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY) found the REU experience to be very useful. "I think the REU program is great. This is my first real research experience, and I'm really enjoying it." Clinton's research efforts focused on the detection of PAH's in soil under the direction of Bill Heineman. Sandra Thompson, a senior at Murray State University (Murray, KY) believes that research is important training for undergraduate students. "The REU program is great because it helps undergraduate [chemistry majors] grow as scientists. My university is not small, but the research I am doing here is not available at my institution," she said. Thompson conducted research under the direction of Bruce Ault utilizing matrix isolation techniques.

The REU program at Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS) has a unique focus-bridging the disciplines chemistry and chemical engineering. The program administrators, Dr. Gloria Thomas (Department of Chemistry) and Dr. Adrienne Minerick (Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering) effectively stress the "bonds" between the two disciplines through collaborative research during a 10 week program which includes team building activities and tours of two local industrial chemical plants. "We're hoping the chemistry and chemical engineering students can see plant operations, along with QC (quality control)/QA (quality assurance) and R&D (research and development) to gain a better appreciation for how the two disciplines work together in industry," says Thomas. "We also want them to experience the synergy of interdisciplinary and collaborative research."

There are currently 13 REU students in the MSU program; 8 supported by NSF REU funding and 5 additional participants supported by MSU. The students come from very diverse places including California, Virginia, North Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. Amy Spencer, Southern University chemistry major (REU participant at Mississippi State) feels that the REU program was a "life-changing experience" for her. "Not only was I able to meet new people from all over the United States, but I also broadened my horizons and opened the door to another level of life! My research experience at MSU has allowed me to learn many different tools that will benefit me in the future," said Spencer.

The 2005 MSU research teams worked in focus areas, namely Biotechnology & Bioanalytical Applications and Nanomaterials & Structural Studies. The two key research areas for the 2006 REU program will address Synthesis & Separations Processes and Integrated Environmental Research. These areas were selected for the program considering the on-going collaborative research and demonstrated strengths between the Department of Chemistry and the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering.

Twice-weekly professional development workshops were incorporated into the UC program to give the students a more well-rounded experience. Five ACS Project SEED students were also participants in the professional development programming series. "While research is a very valuable component, the growth of our students as young professionals is important as well. Our professional development program is designed to teach concepts and skills that are ancillary to research, yet vital to success. While students most commonly acquire these concepts and skills on an ad hoc basis, our approach is to guide our students in these areas through an organized, comprehensive program," says Ault. REU participant, Sandra Thompson agrees. "The workshops are beneficial because they teach us some of the basics to being a well-rounded chemist?things not always covered in class." The workshops focused on various areas including scientific writing, researching the scientific literature, resume preparation, interviewing skills, and field trips to local chemical companies. The resume preparation and interviewing skills workshops were presented by Adjunct Professor Joel Shulman, who is a consultant to the American Chemical Society Office of Career Services. Says Shulman, "Even though they may not be in the job market yet, it is important for undergraduates to begin to hone their resumes and interviewing skills. Knowing what potential employers look for will allow students to seek experiences that can maximize their chances of landing the job of their choice."

Both REU programs concluded with poster sessions and symposiums for the REU participants. Moreover, the participants are encouraged to present their research efforts at national scientific meetings.

For more information regarding the REU programs held at UC and Mississippi State, please visit:

http://www.msstate.edu/org/reubonds/

and

http://www.che.uc.edu/kim/UGFellowships/Fellowships.htm

for more details.