About the Program
Hands-on laboratory research in a multidisciplinary environment focusing on space and energy applications will be the focus of the 2007 Summer USRP at the participating institutions. With the help of research advisors and mentors, students learn how to plan and perform experiments, use state of the art instrumentation in world class facilities, analyze data, give informal and formal scientific presentations, write scientific reports, work independently and as members of outstanding research teams. Student research projects are designed to allow for significant results to be obtained within the ten-week program.
Houston Community College students who have successfully completed the ten-week USRP summer program may have the opportunity, as a transfer student, to join a laboratory team at the University of Houston.
Eligibility
Students should be highly motivated with a strong desire to learn about and participate in hands-on scientific research in a materials research area. The students’ academic career goals should include a focus in science, math or engineering. Preference will be given to students transferring to the University of Houston and other Texas Space Grant Consortium Member Institutions to seek an undergraduate degree in mathematics, science or engineering.
Students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of two semesters of calculus, chemistry and calculus-based physics by June 1, 2007
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all science classes at time of application
- Two signed letters of recommendation from a college science or math professor
- Provide documentation establishing U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident status or Student VISA
(Certain projects are contingent on resident status.)
All application materials must be received by March 30, 2007.
Students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of 2 semesters of Calculus, Chemistry and University Physics by June 6, 2006
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in all science classes at time of application
- Letter of recommendation from a science or math instructor at HCC or another university
All applications and letters of recommendation must be received by March 31, 2006 in order to be considered for program selection.
2007 Research Topics (Tentative)
- Nanostructure-based solar cells
- Sustainability of solar cells
- Thin film solid oxide fuel cells
- Nitride based high temperature electronics
- Ceramic optical microdetector for an artificial retina
- Superconducting linear motor for electromagnetic launch
- Ceramics for use in fuel cells
- Nanophotonics
- Nanoshell based cancer therapy
- Nanoshell assisted tissue welding
- Nanostructured filtration and water purification
- Nanocatalysis with environmental application
- Single-walled nanotube fluorescence imaging
- Activity of bionanoconjugates
- Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of nanoparticles
Stipends
Students selected to participate in the 2007 USRP Program will receive a stipend of $4,000 for the ten-week summer program.
USRP students must arrange for their own transportation. All students will receive a free campus parking pass for use at their respective institutions.
