The Process
Our approach to improve the recognition of the core values of material science while attracting and retaining students in this area involves two main components.
TIP
Targeted Infusion Project
TIP
Targeted Infusion Project
The aim of the Targeted Infusion Project is to leverage the strengths of the FAMU-FSU department of chemical and biomedical engineering in material science to develop a sustained and coordinated effort in attracting, retaining, and mentoring underrepresented minority students.
- Increasing the number of pre-engineering students that pick an engineering major, specifically chemical engineering.
- Increasing the number of students that pick the materials option.
- Increasing the number of students participating in an undergraduate research project.
- Motivating and encouraging students to pursue graduate studies.
The TIP approach
Students will be immersed in the engineering discipline through coursework, outreach, and organizations designed to enhance and aid students through their engineering study.
Organizations such as POLY-PMSE provide a gateway to networkworking, career path assistance, and also provides opportunities to students in the polymer field in Florida State University and Florida A&M University. Through workshops, and mentorships, students from freshmen-seniors are provided with all of the tools necessary to be successful.
Active Learning to Attract and Retain Students in Chemical Engineering
Labratory Experiments
The experiments will be based on the use of one of three pieces of labratory equipment that can be used in a number of courses in the student’s curriculum. Each experiment will have an accompanying web based educational module that explains the operation and analysis of the data generated, as well as a set of assessment exercises. By offering these early students more exciting opportunities for active learning we expect to increase interest and get more of these students enrolled into engineering.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Our department has a very active Undergraduate Research Program. Nearly 15 % of our senior class participates in organized research activity that counts towards graduation credits. Students in the TIP program will be involved in both research and professional activities in the materials science area. The research topic will be focused on structure, dynamics and rheology of nanoparticle suspensions and gels (more details at Complex Materials Design for Multidimensional Additive Processing (CoMand))
TIP Equipment Overview
We want to develop modules that will guide students from the basic principles to the applied technologies that are being developed. As engineers we are interested in the processing and performance of a wide variety of materials and want to develop design rules for processing. To introduce students to different materials and their processing we have acquired:
Differential scanning Calorimeter
by Perkin-Elmer. Device used to study thermodynamic properties of polymers – which influences their structure and performance in a wide variety of industries.
by Brookfield. Device used to study the flow properties (viscosity, yield stress) of complex fluids (polymers, particles).
