IGERT in Magnetic and Nanostructured Materials

IGERT MNM

This Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training (IGERT) award supports the development of an interdisciplinary graduate training program centered on the design and study of novel materials with structure-derived functionalities. The program is a collaborative effort between Purdue University, Cornell University and Norfolk State University (NSU). Its goal is to train students to conduct research that will lead to faster, smaller and more efficient devices and technologies with numerous applications, including information storage, signal detection, and biomedical devices.

The IGERT-MNM project brings together trainees and faculty to build a new, collaborative education model having as its core an iterative assessment-improvement cycle fostered by ongoing critical communication. All participants seek to challenge disciplinary boundaries and the traditional graduate education paradigms. In support of these goals, IGERT-MNM participants form a cohesive group connected through modular courses, research meetings, and shared planning, management and assessment.

Technical and professional training opportunities include winter and summer retreats at Cornell and NSU, respectively, ongoing video-conferencing of modular courses, consideration of the ethical and social aspects of research on magnetic and nanostructured materials, and student-designed research proposals. Trainees also explore engineering education research to learn about the challenges of translating new knowledge into educational resources for schools and the general public. Students benefit from structured mentoring and training for individual career development - education elements that have been identified as essential for the retention and success of underrepresented minorities in science and engineering. This partnership, of two research universities and a Historically Black College and University, brings greater understanding of how the integration of complementary capabilities and opportunities can better prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.

IGERT-MNM Training Objectives

IGERT-MNM Trainees' Responsibilities

This website is developed and maintained by IGERT-MNM Trainees.

Project PI: Suely M. Black, Chemistry Professor, Norfolk State University