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.
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The application for Summer 2019 REU program is now open. The application deadline is February 22, 2019.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
