The objective of Cleveland State University’s (CSU) REU site is to involve rising sophomore and junior physics and engineering majors, recruited particularly from underrepresented groups, in interdisciplinary research projects within soft matter science and engineering. Soft matter is a group of materials including liquid crystals, colloids, polymers, surfactants, and biological matter, which structurally reorganize in response to even slight changes in temperature and other environmental conditions. Scientists and engineers harness the unique properties of soft matter in applications ranging from drug delivery to organic solar cells to microfluidic devices. CSU’s soft matter REU students contribute to such cutting-edge soft matter research. Each REU student works directly with 1-2 faculty members in the collaborative atmosphere of three CSU Departments (Physics, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Math/Statistics) with some projects in collaborations with two Case Western Reserve University departments (Macromolecular Science/Engineering, Chemical/Biomolecular Engineering). Fundamental to the REU site is intentional faculty mentoring through meaningful research experiences, which is shown to improve students’ persistence in STEM careers and encourage them to pursue graduate studies in physics and engineering. This promotes the progress of science through the retention of talented scholars in research careers. REU students, benefitting from CSU’s focus on undergraduate research and “engaged learning”, are mentored by experienced faculty and participate in well-established CSU professional development opportunities. Students’ scientific development is supported by soft matter science/characterization seminars and weekly cohort events (science colloquia, regional research centers visits, professional development seminars). Technical communication skills are developed with student presentations at CSU, a poster presentation at the regional summer undergraduate research conference, and scaffolded writing of project reports. The REU also funds student travel to present their research at a regional/national conference after the REU, providing further opportunities for scientific communication and networking. Finally, long-term scientific relationships are developed within REU cohorts through cohort building activities including outreach at a local school, student coffee hours, and weekend social activities.

Website: http://www.csuohio.edu/sciences/physics/soft-matter-reu

Possible projects include: electron imaging of soft matter systems; design and characterization of protein-based materials; volume phase transition in polymer microgels; assembly of anisotropic nanoparticles; imaging of polymers on surfaces; microfluidic channels and mixers; DNA origami; microemulsions in absinthe; cellular microsensation to fluid flow; waste to energy via chemistry.

Eligibility: current undergraduate students who are US citizens and permanent residents. Underrepresented minorities and women are encouraged to apply.