MACES Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program: Integrating Research and Education

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Published: Aug 7, 2020

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Petia Gueorguieva
University of California Merced
Sayantani Ghosh
UC Merced
Ashlie Martini
UC Merced
Jennifer Lu

Abstract

With support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Merced nAnomaterials Center for Energy and Sensing (MACES) was launched in the summer of 2015 at the University of California Merced (UC Merced). MACES is a research and education center, focused on creating innovative material enabled solutions for energy and sensing-related space applications. The center established its MACES Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program to provide training and professional development opportunities for students, specifically aiming at groups traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math. This program consists of Academic Year and Summer components and integrated research experience, mentoring and workshops on topics ranging from presentation skills to career preparation. The program engaged students from varied backgrounds, more than half of whom were from underrepresented groups, and provided them with tools that enabled greater confidence, expanded career perspectives, and enhanced conceptual and interdisciplinary knowledge.  

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 21 No. 2 (2020): Journal of STEM Education: Innovation and Research
Section
Articles
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Author Biographies

Petia Gueorguieva, University of California Merced

Petia Gueorguieva is the Coordinator for the STEM Resource Center at UC Merced which focuses on student success initiatives and provides academic and extracurricular support to undergraduate students. As a MACES team member, she co-organizes MACES undergraduate and outreach activities.

Sayantani Ghosh, UC Merced

Sayantani Ghosh is a Professor of Physics at UC Merced and works on understanding and manipulating fundamental interactions at the nanoscale with specific focus on nano-assembled actuable materials, plasmonics and nano-structured photovoltaics. She serves as the Associate Director for undergraduate education and research for MACES.

Ashlie Martini, UC Merced

Ashlie Martini is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UC Merced who studies friction, wear and lubrication. She is a member of the MACES team is currently leading the Center’s efforts focused on graduate education.

Jennifer Lu

Jennifer Lu received her PhD from University of Michigan. Prior to joining UC Merced, she acquired ten years industry experience at IBM and Agilent Technologies. She is now an associate professor in Materials Science and Engineering. She serves as the Director of the Merced NAnomaterials Center for Energy and Sensing (MACES).