EMPOWER STEM: Electronic Materials to Power a Naval STEM Workforce; ONR Tracking Number: 20-000000508
Abstract
EMPOWER STEM: Electronic Materials to Power a Naval STEM WorkforceWe propose the formation of a robust program (EMPOWER STEM) at the University of Arizona (UArizona) to address long-standing workforce issues that underpin Navy/Marine Corps relevant Operational Endurance and Sense and Sense Making priorities. Our ultimate goal is to create a robust pipeline of scientists and engineers who ultimately compete successfully for postdoctoral or staff scientist positions in Navy research laboratories, including the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL, Washington D.C.) and the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC, San Diego, CA), and to build long-standing UArizona-ONR relationships. Through these partnerships, we will train students to solve scientific and technological problems that are optimally addressed using a situated learning approach, strategically aligned with multiple mentor/mentee relationships and industrial partnerships. EMPOWER STEM can thus act as atemplate for these relationships at other research-focused universities.EMPOWER STEM will achieve a coherent program of Navy scientists/mentors and UArizona affiliatesundergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and STEM coordinators and assessors collectively focused on basic science and process engineering aspects that underpin the development of new optoelectronic technologies. Our new DoN engagement model, rarelyattempted at R1 universities, will enhance the training of our students and facilitate pipeline relationships that enhance the awareness of our increasingly diverse students in the possibilities of DoD basic, applied science, and technology career opportunities. Examples of the technologies that are the focus of EMPOWER STEM include lightweight, highly efficient, and low-costprintable solar cells, photodetectors, light emitting displays, and portable chemical- and biosensors.Development of these technologies addresses strategic DoD and DoN priorities and is foundational for industries that will be a key component of U.S. economic and defense security by mid-century. Our technical approach focuses on research and demonstration laboratory experiences that take the students from formulation of inks of emerging technology materials, to roll-coating of prototype device platforms, testing and application, in cooperation with guide on the side DoN/industry mentors.UArizona (DEPSCoR eligible) is one of four Research 1 universities with Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status and provides a Veteran and military-friendly, scholastically rigorous campus environment. We leverage the PIs current and past achievements in recruiting/training a diverse cohort of students in STEM disciplines and substantial institutional support for assessmentof programs such as this. Herein, we build on long-standing and highly successful UArizona programs that identify promising students from underrepresented backgrounds (and first generation to college) and facilitate their entry into STEM undergraduate programs and research activities, with an 85% rate of degree completion. All events will culminate in the UArizona hostedSummit on Printable Power Sources for Operational Naval Endurance, which willfeature plenary talks from DoN to invited academic and industrial partners in printable optoelectronics. Collectively, our new DoN engagement model will uniquely enhance the training of our students and facilitate pipeline relationships that enhance the awareness of our increasingly diverse students in the possibilities of DoD basic, applied science, and technology careeropportunities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112444
Entities
People
- Erin L. Ratcliff
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Arizona