REU Program Provides Opportunities for diverse group of young chemists

The age-old first-week-of-school question of "What did you do this summer?" has a brand new meaning for a diverse group of six undergraduate students.

The Department of Chemistry, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation and the Virginia Tech Office of Undergraduate Research, sponsored a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program this summer.

Students Transforming Energy and Environmental Research, abbreviated as STEER, brought a group of six undergraduate students from across the country together with an emphasis on cultural diversity due to an intentional focus on underrepresented groups in science and engineering.

"STEER's primary objective is to produce the next generation of community-minded scientists to lead innovation through strong disciplinary knowledge while demonstrating respect for the diverse lived experiences within our society and a commitment to educational outreach," principal investigator and Department of Chemistry Chair Amanda Morris said.

The program allowed the selected participants to work and collaborate with a diverse group of expert faculty investigators and graduate student mentors to address the challenges associated with global warming and climate change. Their research included batteries, solar fuels, water purification, mineral sequestration, catalysis, and sustainability.

"The broader environmental and economic impacts of next-generation energy solutions and mitigation of the impacts of global climate change are immense. The research conducted in this program will lead to advances in energy storage, energy-relevant catalysis, rare-earth element management, and green chemistry," Morris said.

In addition to collaborating with leading scientists in their respective fields, participants were provided the opportunity to work with mentors in scientific communication, leadership, DEIR (diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect), career development training, grantsmanship, and community outreach. These educational and character-building opportunities were possible through partnerships with the School of Communicating Science, Liza Gray; Assistant Provost for Leadership Initiatives, Amy Hogan; Office of Inclusion and Diversity, Michele Deramo; and the College of Science Outreach Coordinator, Victoria Corbin.

"Our university partnerships are crucial to provide our students with the appropriate professional development they need to pursue graduate programs or industry positions," Morris said.

During time spent away from campus, the participants were able to unwind with recreational activities, such as hiking trips to the Cascades waterfall in Giles County, berry picking at 3 Birds Berry Farm, and more, led by graduate student peer mentors Ben Thomas, Mary Foutz, and Connor Gallagher.

The STEER program was an excellent opportunity for these young scientists to get hands-on experience in cutting-edge energy research." Ph.D. candidate Ben Thomas said. "As a peer mentor, I was also able to introduce them to the surrounding New River Valley with trips to the adventure course and the Cascades hike. The students connected with each other and created friendships beyond the lab."

The program culminated with a research symposia and poster session, where the students could share their work with other young researchers. Many participants will travel to the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society to share their work with the larger community.