Outreach and Community Engagement
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates
Through Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs), students gain first-hand experience performing graduate-level research work. The objective of an REU is to engage students in research methods for electronic materials and beyond. With access to onsite shared facilities, a 10,000-square-foot cleanroom equipped for semiconductor fabrication, extensive instrumentation and advanced electrical characterization facilities, The University of Texas at Dallas aims to give all committed students a true research experience even as undergraduates. The Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering are proud to have provided students an opportunities to learn and develop with us over the summer of 2022.
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates Student Spotlight
Participant Bosco Rusine worked in the lab. Rusine is a biomedical engineering student from The University of Texas at Arlington who joined us over the summer for a Research Experience for Undergraduates. Bosco, who studied materials science and electronic engineering for the first time, felt grateful for the opportunity to learn about a new field of study and universal research skills. “Right now, I already feel like I’m in graduate school,” Rosco said. “I won’t be surprised when I get there. It was really helpful for me to get exposed to this research.”
Moroccan Summer Research Program
Our department is always looking at new ways to engage globally, and this year we began a pilot program to recruit students from North Africa. As part of this effort, this summer we hosted six students from the University of Hassan II of Casablanca, Morocco. The students’ experience included learning about our department and research as well as visiting Dallas and surrounding areas to learn about North Texas culture. We plan to expand this program to other universities and countries.
According to one of the Moroccan participants, “It was a great opportunity to take part in this inter-university cooperation program between The University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Hassan II of Casablanca. This program was one of the best experiences we’ve had in our life, and it was an enriching opportunity both professionally and personally.
“Under the leadership and guidance of our incredible mentors, we have learned many new things, and we have been exposed to many activities that will help us in our studies. Moreover, we enjoyed working in an environment that provided us with almost everything.”
“This opportunity allowed us to gain deeper insights into research and develop so many skills, like attention to detail, critical thinking and adaptability.”
“We are very grateful for this fulfilling experience and are more enthusiastic than ever to pursue our doctoral studies in this department.”
Moroccan Student Connections
For most students, attending a university is an excellent time to try new experiences and stretch boundaries. Khaoula EL Yanboui, a student at the University of Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco, traveled almost 5,000 miles from her home to a new country and a different culture. Khaoula said she participated in the inaugural chapter of the Moroccan Summer Research Program because she wanted to develop a wide range of skills that are highly valued in academia and professional settings, including critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis and communication. She particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art laboratory and collaborate with other researchers. Khaoula says she chose Materials Science because of its multidisciplinary nature; she explored a wide range of scientific principles, including ones in chemistry, physics and engineering.
“I was unlocking a wealth of knowledge and opening doors to exciting possibilities for innovation and discovery,” Khaoula said.“The program had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. Coupled with the invaluable knowledge and skills I acquired, the program provides an exceptional opportunity for others aiming to broaden their horizons and gain valuable insights in their academic journey.”
Khaoula says she recommends that students at her university apply. She encourages fellow students to establish connections with professionals, professors and fellow students, saying that they should take every opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and seminars.
The program, which was established with the University of Hassan II of Casablanca, saw hundreds of students apply to be a part of the research opportunity. However, only 70 were selected to undergo a rigorous testing process in order to choose the six best-qualified individuals. Those six students participated in research with Materials Science and Engineering at UT Dallas in July 2022. MSE at UT Dallas plans to expand the program to other universities and countries. Khaoula says because her summer research program was so enriching, she plans to apply for the PhD program in materials science and engine at UT Dallas.
Dr. Wilkins speaks about his research and work at various National Laboratories, mainly in New Mexico.
Collaboration Highlight
MSE is looking for opportunities to collaborate with other university departments. Dr. Richard Wilkins at Prairie View A&M University was a logical choice for this first partnership. Wilkins is the director of the NASA Center for Radiation Engineering and Science and Space Exploration (CRESSE) and the director of the Center for Applied Radiation Research (CARR). His connection with The University of Texas at Dallas is deep, and his research areas align with that of many of our professors and research centers, perhaps most closely with work being done at UT Dallas’ Center for Harsh Environment Semiconductors and Systems (CHESS). During a visit to our research facilities in April, Wilkins addressed the work being done by himself and his students in the area of radiation and harsh environments.
Wilkins is the graduate coordinator for the Department of Electrical Engineering at Prairie View. His research interests include space radiation effects on electronic materials and devices, nanoscale materials and devices, shielding or structural materials, radiation dosimetry instrumentation and measurements.
Department leaders hope the collaboration with Prairie View will introduce highly qualified researchers to the world-class facilities at UT Dallas’ Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory so that together we can advance research into harsh environments and adapting materials to withstand the vagaries of radiation.