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In summer 2006, three undergraduate students and four teachers participated in research at the University of Arizona in Tucson. In addition, four students and four teachers conducted research at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) in Thailand. We increased number of international participants from four in previous years to eight in summer 2006. The students who went to Thailand were from UCLA, Rochester University, Olin College and University of Arizona. Three teachers were from Tucson and one was from Ohio. The research topics at KMUTT included synthesis of mesoporous silicates, mechanical and microstructure of Al-Si alloys, synthesis of titanium oxide for waste water cleanup, measuring efficiency of solar collectors, corrosion behaviors of stainless steels, algae cultivation and harvest, and optimization model for operation management. At least three participants are preparing manuscripts of their research findings to be submitted to refereed journals and two will present their work at the Sigma-Xi conference in Detroit this November. REU/RET Site: Advanced Materials Processing and AnalysisSupapan Seraphin, Gary W. Chandler, University of Arizona DMR-0243847 Opening International REURET at KMUTT, June 2, 2006 Rogue Wacks in algae laboratory at KMUTT
From participant reports: The program enhanced and strengthened my current knowledge of research methods and how it is applicable to a variety of science related fields. … The Thai university atmosphere is friendlier and there is no sense of competition. Being able to successfully conduct research with fellow Thai students gave me the confidence to pursue a career in graduate studies. This is because even with the language barrier and difference in age, we still found a way to work together. I have found my IRET experiences to be the most profound and influential aspects of my positive development as a teacher. I realize how education is valued, teachers are respected. This hits home because I can see that the U.S. needs to revamp their educational system. REU/RET Site: Advanced Materials Processing and AnalysisSupapan Seraphin, Gary W. Chandler, University of Arizona DMR-0243847 Meeting with Thai professors KMUTT campus tour