Washington State University (WSU) is recruiting interns for the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) that is connected to the NSF center on Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2). This is a great opportunity for students to gain hands on research experience in the fast-growing field of sustainable materials. This is a unique REU program as the projects are all closely related to industry and have industry mentors that are directly engaged in each project.
The application for Summer 2019 REU program is now open. The application deadline is February 22, 2019.
Since the summer of 2017, the Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (CB2), has established a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site designed to provide undergraduate students a chance to participate in industry-directed fundamental research opportunities in the fields of bioplastics and biocomposites. The students will gain hands-on experience with synthesis, processing, and characterization of biobased plastics and composite materials. The REU program will continue for 3 years, i.e. Summer ’17, Summer ’18, and Summer ’19.
Each year, 10 students (recruited primarily from academic institutions where research programs in STEM are limited) will work on research conducted by the CB2, with 5 students conducting their research at Washington State University and 5 students doing their research projects at Iowa State University.
During the program, the students will participate in a series of bioplastics short courses, have responsibility for an independent research project performed with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, and engage with leading industry experts from the Industrial Advisory Board of the CB2.
The students will have a shared, well-defined common focus on sustainable bioplastics and biocomposites that will enable a cohort experience with a common orientation in Ames, IA and debrief in Pullman, WA. The cohort will also be part of a larger community of scholars on both campuses, with the research results showcased at Washington State University in a final poster presentation and symposium.
