Multidisciplinary REU site at Cleveland State University: Synthesis, Assembly, and Characterization of Soft Matter.*

Researchers at Cleveland State University’s Department of Physics and Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering collaboratively study the unique properties and applications of soft matter materials. In 2017, these departments joined forces to start a new NSF-sponsored Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site. The objective of our site is to involve undergraduate physics and engineering majors in meaningful interdisciplinary research projects within soft matter science and engineering. One of our overarching goals is to encourage students to continue in STEM fields as either graduate students or workforce members. CSU’s focus on Engaged Learning has cultivated a strong culture of support for undergraduate research, and REU participants benefit from this culture. Students receive one-on-one mentoring from experienced faculty and participate in a variety of professional development opportunities. This poster will give an overview of the student research accomplishments and program challenges encountered in the first year of our multidisciplinary REU. It will also discuss the benefits of the experience to both students and faculty mentors.