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A multi-institution collaborative approach to a productive undergraduate research program in material science

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2012

A.J. Silversmith
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY 13323, USA
D.M. Boye
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035, USA
K.R. Hoffman
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
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Abstract

We describe our approach to a student-centered interdisciplinary research program in material science. Our work in the synthesis and optical characterization of sol-gel materials provides an ideal research setting for undergraduates interested in physics and chemistry. Students fabricate all samples and perform laser spectroscopic measurements. The work is accessible to undergraduates but also of current interest to a wide community of scientists interested in new rare earth based optical materials. Students make meaningful contributions to publishable work, and many go on to do graduate work in physics or chemistry. Two recent students have been recognized with national awards for their research, and many have presented work at international meetings.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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