Award Abstract # 1660009
REU Site: Smart Polymer Composite Materials and Structures

NSF Org: CHE
Division Of Chemistry
Recipient: LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date: March 3, 2017
Latest Amendment Date: January 4, 2021
Award Number: 1660009
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Melissa Olson
molson@nsf.gov
 (703)292-7448
CHE
 Division Of Chemistry
MPS
 Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Start Date: April 1, 2017
End Date: August 31, 2021 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $288,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $288,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2017 = $288,000.00
History of Investigator:
  • Guoqiang Li (Principal Investigator)
    guoqiang_li@subr.edu
  • Tyrslai Williams-Carter (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Gloria Thomas-Fuller (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Louisiana State University
202 HIMES HALL
BATON ROUGE
LA  US  70803-0001
(225)578-2760
Sponsor Congressional District: 06
Primary Place of Performance: Louisiana State University & Agricultural and Mechanical College
LA  US  70803-2701
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
06
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): ECQEYCHRNKJ4
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CHEM,
EPSCoR Co-Funding
Primary Program Source: 01001718DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 9150, 9250
Program Element Code(s): 198600, 915000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.049

ABSTRACT

Professors Guogiang Li, Gloria Thomas, and colleagues at Louisiana State University host the REU site: Smart Polymer Composite Materials and Structures. This project is funded by the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and the REU Sites Program of the Division of Chemistry. This is an interdisciplinary project that spans across science and engineering. The goals for this project are to provide exceptional research experiences for diverse undergraduates at the interface of materials and structures and to prepare participants for advanced study and research careers. The objectives of the REU site are three-fold: (i) attract and retain high-quality and diverse students in this new research paradigm of smart materials and structures; (ii) motivate and increase the number of students who enroll in graduate programs; and (iii) promote inclusivity through awareness and cultural interactions between students and faculty with various backgrounds. The recruitment plan leverages established relationships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and community colleges, and at least half of all participants are from underrepresented ethnic and racial groups.

The focus of this REU site is upon smart polymer composite materials and structures which have integrated multi-functionality, with capabilities including sensing, actuating, healing, and adapting in addition to classical tasks, such as load bearing tasks. Representative research projects include polymeric artificial muscles, self-healing under service conditions (e.g., freezing temperature and tensile stress), stress-sensing polymers for corrosion resistant coating, and ductile and self-healing adhesives for fiber reinforced polymer composite structures. Such smart composite materials and structures are changing the paradigm of structure design, and are research areas of great importance to the economic development of both Louisiana and the nation. Student participants receive scientific-training provided by faculty mentors from chemistry, mechanical engineering and civil engineering disciplines. Students advance their technological knowledge and skills, and they receive preparation for graduate study and future research careers. They also emerge from the program better prepared to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This helps to promote inclusivity in science and engineering.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

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Gao, Yuan and Shaon, Fahima and Kumar, Aditya and Bynum, Samuel and Gary, Daniel and Sharp, David and Pojman, John A. and Geubelle, Philippe H. "Rapid frontal polymerization achieved with thermally conductive metal strips" Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science , v.31 , 2021 https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0052821 Citation Details

PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT

Disclaimer

This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.

Project Outcomes
REU Site: Smart Polymer Composite Materials and Structures
Award: 1660009
The goals of the Smart Polymer Composite Materials and Structures REU (Smart Polymer REU) are to provide exceptional research experiences for diverse undergraduates at the interface of materials and structures and to prepare students for advanced study and research careers. The Smart Polymer REU has three main objectives: (1) attract and retain high-quality and diverse students in this new research paradigm of smart materials and structures; (2) motivate and increase the number of students who enroll in graduate programs; and (3) promote inclusivity through awareness and cultural interactions between students and faculty with various backgrounds. These goals and objectives were met by immersing participants in a ten-week intensive research-based program that incorporated thorough scientific training, collaboration, professional development, and science communication skill preparation. The concentrated program structure enhances the knowledge and analytical and technical skills needed for advanced research careers or success in graduate school. Students are engaged in innovative projects relevant to infrastructure, energy, aerospace, transportation, and marine research that will mold them into the next generation of scientists and engineers.
During this grant period, we supported 26 undergraduate students, 50% of whom were female, and 35% were from historically underrepresented groups in STEM. Students worked with graduate students, post-docs, and faculty members on independent research projects related to smart polymers including design, synthesis, modeling, and characterization of materials with self-healing, actuating, and sensing capabilities. Mentorship from accomplished and esteemed faculty at LSU led to an overall increased interest in pursuit of graduate STEM degrees and research careers. To date, 3 students have completed graduate programs. Twelve participants have started graduate school, including one who is pursuing a PharmD, and one who came to LSU to pursue a PhD in chemistry. Several REU participants are still enrolled in undergraduate degree programs. Additionally, Smart Polymer REU participants have co-authored 6 publications and conference papers, and one participant won an oral presentation award at a conference. 
The Smart Polymer REU program ran five times during Summers 2017-2021. Students worked with faculty members from the Departments of Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. Research was the primary focus of the REU program, but students also attended research seminars, an ethics training, group meetings, and professional development workshops. REU faculty mentors led the research seminars and shared insight on their journeys to academia and the doctoral degree process. Students were introduced to emerging, interdisciplinary research of the other REU faculty mentors, allowing them to learn about different applications of smart polymer composite materials and structures. Participants also visited multiple research facilities: the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD) at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) at Livingston, Louisiana, and the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility at New Orleans, Louisiana. Other summer activities included an annual mentor vs. student softball game, cultural exchange night, and Astronomy Night. REU students concluded the summer at the annual LSU Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), a university-wide research symposium for participants in summer STEM research programs. Smart Polymer REU students prepared poster presentations and shared research results with the LSU community.
In 2020 and 2021, the structure of the REU program was modified to a virtual research experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty mentors shipped supplies and materials to the participants? homes to complete any experimental work in a safe, remote environment. Participants also utilized modeling and simulation software programs for 3D printing parts. Despite not having on-campus activities, participants often engaged in virtual seminars, site visits, and professional development workshops. Research mentors met frequently with their students and provided guidance and support to ensure a successful research experience. Students presented their work at a virtual undergraduate research symposium attended by faculty, administration, and industry professionals. Participants in Year 5 (2021) delivered oral presentations at the 2021 LS-PAC MODELS Diversity in STEM Conference which had 150 student and professional attendees. They attended engaging keynote and breakout sessions, networked with other STEM undergraduates, and learned about graduate school opportunities at an academic resource fair. 
This program has positively impacted the STEM workforce by training diverse groups of undergraduate students and exposing them to the benefits of graduate school and research careers. Students are encouraged to present their summer research when they return to their home institution and at professional meetings. At the end of the ten-week program, students have a comprehensive understanding of graduate level research and graduate school opportunities. 

 

 


Last Modified: 12/22/2021
Modified by: Guoqiang Li

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