What to Expect

By participating in the WVNano NSF-REU program, you will:

Gain real research experience in state-of-the-art laboratories focusing on nanotechnology
Learn about multidisciplinary research, where experts from various disciplines come together to solve common scientific problems
Learn how to present your work in a well-organized talk and a poster
Prepare for graduate school
Network with peers, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and other research professionals
Perform work that could result in publications in peer reviewed journals
Receive a competitive stipend for the summer
Have fun in organized team-building outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, etc.

Participating students will have the opportunity to work on research on advanced multifunctional nanomaterials and systems, much of which is dedicated to the properties of materials when their dimensions are less than 100 nm and their interactions with other nanomaterials and biomolecular systems (e.g. proteins, DNA, etc.). Because the research sponsored by WVNano is multidisciplinary, it offers research experiences in a variety of scientific disciplines including chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, and optics.

Students will have a diverse choice of labs and research projects. During the first week of the program, students will undergo a basic laboratory safety course and a tour of the labs and facilities. They will then have the option of selecting their three top choices of projects. The Site staff will assign projects to the students based on these choices. After the first week, students will work on a project. After five weeks, students will participate in a mid-summer review, consisting of short power point presentations. A final poster session will be held at the end of the program, where all students and faculty will be invited.

Overall, students are expected to spend ~40 hours/week in the laboratory. Organized team-building activities and field trips will occur during weekends.