As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, we made a rapid pivot for our Materials NSF funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) from an in-person 10-week research experience to a fully online program. The virtual research preparation and professional development program was designed for students not engaged with online research. Students participated in a three-part research preparation and professional development program that focused on three distinct areas: 1) Science and engineering career preparation and professional development, 2) Research preparation, and 3) Community impact. The online research preparation and professional development program was tailored for undergraduate and master’s students from diverse backgrounds, institutions, and disciplines. Here we present details of the structure and content of the program, and some preliminary evaluation and feedback from participants.

Pivoting an REU to a summer research preparation and professional development program during a pandemic

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.