The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) and its predecessor NNUN have conducted a large multi-site, networked REU program annually since 1997. In recent years, approximately 90 students each year have been selected from over 1000 applicants. Almost 1100 students have participated in this program since 1997.Our program covers most facets of nanotechnology--electronics, materials, chemistry, and biology--allowing us to draw from a broad pool of applicants. Features of our program include a unified on-line application, efficient training, a program-wide Research Convocation, and printed REU Research Accomplishments.Management of such a large, distributed program in a coordinated manner presents a number of unique challenges (and opportunities). However, since these students are distributed to 14 different sites (universities), each individual site cohort is small, with from 6-10 students at each site. There are thus lessons applicable to programs of all sizes.Our long history and large number of past participants presents us with a unique opportunity to gather statistically meaningful data on participant outcomes. We have tracked student career paths for a large fraction of the students who participated prior to 2009; this is an ongoing task for participants out of the program for 4 years�long enough for them to have reasonably settled on a career path. Results of our longitudinal tracking will be presented along with strategies for long term tracking.Lastly, a highly successful follow-on program, our International REU program, will be described briefly.

Lessons from the NNIN Research Experience for Undergraduates program: Organization, management, participant tracking, and outcomes

247th National Meeting (2014)

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