NSF Org:	OISE Office of International Science and Engineering
Recipient:	THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
Initial Amendment Date:	July 20, 2015
Latest Amendment Date:	July 20, 2015
Award Number:	1458177
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Cassandra Dudka OISE  Office of International Science and Engineering O/D  Office Of The Director
Start Date:	August 1, 2015
End Date:	January 31, 2016 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$130,560.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$130,560.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 2015 = $0.00
History of Investigator:	Carlos Garcia (Principal Investigator) cdgarci@clemson.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	University of Texas at San Antonio 1 UTSA CIR SAN ANTONIO TX  US  78249-1644 (210)458-4340
Sponsor Congressional District:	20
Primary Place of Performance:	Brazil - Various institutions  BR
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	U44ZMVYU52U6
Parent UEI:	U44ZMVYU52U6
NSF Program(s):	IRES Track I: IRES Sites (IS)
Primary Program Source:	01001516DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s):	5913, 5977
Program Element Code(s):	772700
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.079

ABSTRACT

This collaborative project will facilitate a three-year international research experience for U.S. undergraduates majoring in STEM disciplines. Students from a diverse regional population will be recruited as summer cohorts to participate in research projects with researchers from the Brazilian Science-Technology Corridor (Sao Paulo - Campinas - Sao Carlos). The interest in analytical applications combining microfluidics and nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the last years. Considering these advances and their importance for future developments, this IRES program aims to provide the tools for students to develop the skills required to face an internationally competitive job market linked to chemical analysis. This proposal aims to boost education and training in a creative, multidisciplinary, and culturally-rich environment. A focus on minority recruiting, combined with the involvement of graduate students as mentors, will provide the support mechanisms required to expand and strengthen the pool of participants as well as the research experience.

Recent developments in nanotechnology and microfluidics have allowed the understanding and rational utilization of a series of micro total analysis systems (uTAS). The existing links between these two fields have enabled crossing the traditional borders and the development of unique training opportunities for students in science and engineering tracks. Furthermore, the interest in analytical applications combining microfluidics and nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the last years. Although this integration has enhanced sensing, separation, and extraction procedures, the applicability of specific nanomaterials for chemical analysis depends mainly on the chemical composition, structure, size, morphology, and preparation method. Considering these characteristics and their importance for future developments, this IRES program aims to provide students an enriching research experience and link chemical properties with a real-world analytical problem.

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