Exciting news for undergraduate students interested in cutting-edge scientific research and international experiences! Thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), a groundbreaking USD-Mexico collaboration is set to provide unique research opportunities in soft materials physics. Starting in the summer of 2024, and continuing for three years, this initiative will send undergraduate students to Mexico to engage in hands-on research, fostering international scientific exchange and enriching their academic journeys.
USD Mexico Soft Materials Research Team group photo showcasing international collaboration and undergraduate research
Spearheaded by Ryan McGorty, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Biophysics at the University of San Diego, and co-investigator Wylie Ahmed, Associate Professor of Physics at Cal State Fullerton, this USD-Mexico research program will offer selected undergraduates an immersive eight-week research experience in Mexico. The NSF grant, a testament to the strength and potential of this international partnership, will cover all essential costs, including training, travel, research materials, accommodation, and summer stipends for the participating students. This generous support ensures that financial constraints are removed, making this exceptional opportunity accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds across the University of San Diego and neighboring institutions, including community colleges.
The program is structured to provide comprehensive preparation and impactful research experiences. Each summer from 2024 to 2026, selected undergraduate researchers will commence their journey with an intensive two-week “bootcamp” at the University of San Diego. This rigorous training will equip them with essential research methodologies and foundational knowledge in soft matter physics. Following this preparatory phase, in mid-June, the students will embark on their international research adventure. Three students will be placed at the Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV) in Monterrey, Nuevo León, while the other three will join the University of Guanajuato in León, Guanajuato. These placements offer diverse research environments, exposing students to different facets of soft materials physics within Mexico’s leading research institutions.
In Monterrey, students will delve into the fascinating realm of sustainable materials and additive manufacturing. They will work with innovative, eco-friendly materials derived from biowaste to develop specialized inks for advanced 3D printing technologies. This research track not only contributes to the field of materials science but also addresses pressing global sustainability challenges. Beyond ink development, students will also explore the practical applications of 3D printing by creating structures designed for fog capture, a crucial technology for water collection in arid regions. This project offers a unique blend of materials science, engineering, and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, in León, the research focus shifts to fundamental investigations into the physics of complex fluids. Students in this group will utilize sophisticated equipment, including rheometers, optical microscopes, laser tweezers, and advanced computer simulations, to unravel the underlying principles governing the behavior of soft materials. Their research will explore how complex fluids, such as the specialized inks being developed in Monterrey, flow and react to external forces. This fundamental research is crucial for advancing our understanding of soft matter and has broad implications across various scientific and technological fields.
Both research locations boast world-renowned experts in soft materials, providing invaluable mentorship to the participating undergraduates. In Monterrey, students will be guided by Dr. Tania Ernestina Lara Ceniceros, the esteemed President of the Mexican Polymer Society, and Dr. José Bonilla Cruz. Together, they lead the Laboratory of Nano & Micro Additive Manufacturing of Polymers and Composite Materials (3DLab) at CIMAV-Monterrey, a hub of innovation in polymer and composite material research. At the University of Guanajuato, students will be mentored by Dr. Ramón Castañeda-Priego, Dr. Erick Sarmiento Gomez, and Dr. Natalia Rincón, all distinguished researchers specializing in soft matter physics utilizing diverse experimental and computational approaches. These mentorship opportunities will provide students with unparalleled guidance and support from leading figures in their respective fields.
Beyond the intensive research activities, the program is designed to offer a holistic cultural and academic experience. Students will have opportunities to explore the rich culture and vibrant local regions surrounding Monterrey and León. Furthermore, they will have the chance to visit collaborating researchers in Mexico City and San Luis Potosí, broadening their network and exposure to the wider Mexican scientific community. The benefits of this USD-Mexico research collaboration extend beyond the summer research period. Students will receive continued support to present their research findings at prominent scientific conferences such as the annual Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference, providing a platform to showcase their work and network with peers and established scientists.
This USD-Mexico research collaboration represents an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate students passionate about physics, chemistry, and engineering to immerse themselves in Mexican culture while conducting cutting-edge research in the dynamic field of soft materials. Students interested in this transformative summer research experience are encouraged to apply in the late fall of 2023. Professor McGorty is available to answer any questions and provide further information to prospective applicants.
Contact:
Physics & Biophysics
[email protected]
(619) 260-4058
