The collaborative environment of the MRSEC is an ideal educational environment that provides exposure to a range of mentors and collaborators while providing first-hand experience with the challenges and opportunities of interdisciplinary work. The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers education and outreach programs designed to encourage interest and increase persistence in STEM. CMI programming consists of
The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) that aims to encourage the participation of students from underrepresented groups in science and engineering. The REU program acts as a pathway to increase the number of underrepresented students entering graduate school. REU participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The CMI MRSEC REU program collaborates with other UM summer research programs in physics, biophysics, and engineering. This partnership exposes students to a wider breadth of UM research and gives them the chance to work with a diverse cohort of peers. The MRSEC REU program emphasizes the integration of research and education, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse body of next-generation materials researchers. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, research interest, and letters of recommendation. Priority is given to students from non-research-intensive institutions.
Participants in the program will spend 10 weeks performing materials science research. Research projects will focus on Semiconductors & 2D Materials or Sustainable Polymers, with a range of approaches including computational, statistical, theoretical, and experimental. Professional development and social activities are included in the program to ensure a well-rounded experience.
Additional Info for Applicants.
Participants must be:
The application will require:
For your personal statement: Provide a brief statement (one page) describing your career goals in scientific research and why you wish to participate in this program. Discuss your plans after graduation (graduate school, employment, etc.) and why you wish to pursue this research opportunity. Connect your interests, experience, and/or career goals to a project you might like to work on this summer. You can see a list of MRSEC projects here.
The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers a Research Experience for Youth Program for 11th-grade Michigan residents, providing research opportunities to encourage participation in science and engineering. The program acts as a pathway to increase the number of underrepresented students entering college and gives students a head start on the college application process.
The CMI MRSEC Research Experience for Youth Program collaborates with other UM summer research programs in engineering and other areas of the university. This partnership exposes students to a wider breadth of UM research and gives them the chance to work with a diverse group of peers. The MRSEC High School Research Program emphasizes the integration of research and education, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse body of next-generation materials researchers.
Participants in the program will spend 7 weeks performing materials science research focused on Semiconductors & 2D Materials or Sustainable Polymers, with a range of approaches including computational, statistical, theoretical, and experimental. The program also includes professional development and social activities for a well-rounded experience. Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, research interest, and letters of recommendation.
The application will require:
For your personal statement: Provide a brief statement (one page) describing the unique qualities that attract you to the CMI MRSEC Research Experience for Youth Program. How would this research experience support your interests and goals? Discuss your plans after graduation (college, employment, etc.) and why you wish to pursue this research opportunity. Connect your interests, experience, and/or academic goals to a project you might like to work on this summer. You can see a list of MRSEC projects here.
The Center for Materials Innovation (CMI) offers a Short Course for HS and community college teachers incorporating products of MRSEC research. The program is intended to excite students’ interest in materials science and engineering through the experience of their teachers.
Participants in the program will spend 1 week learning the basics of Materials Science Technology. They will work hands-on with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, and will develop a greater appreciation for the importance of these materials to modern life. The teachers will see how this heavily project-based course excites students to learn science concepts as they complete projects of personal worth to them. Whether teachers use the information and concepts as a basis for teaching their own Materials Science course or merely infuse the concepts into an existing science course to increase relevancy, they will finish the week prepared to make some important instructional changes as a result of their participation.
If you are interested in the CMI Teacher’s Short Course, please complete the online interest form.
