The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science (PREM) College of Engineering and Computer Science

Outreach & Education

Beyond catalyzing the institutional research transformation (i.e. publications, patents, industry projects, student internships), PREM will also provide opportunities to develop research and education infrastructure synergistically under a well-proven plan to integrate diversity.

Education & Outreach Impact

PREM provides an integrated research and educational experience designed to support students from undergraduate research through graduate education and professional careers. Major areas of impact include:
  • Undergraduate and graduate research experiences that integrate students directly into interdisciplinary materials science and engineering projects.
  • Mentoring and professional development in scientific communication, research ethics, leadership, teamwork, career preparation, and financial literacy.
  • Graduate-school pathways through research experience, faculty mentoring, conference participation, institutional exchanges, and exposure to advanced research environments.
  • Research dissemination and professional networking through poster and oral presentations, scientific conferences, PREM meetings, and interactions with researchers from partner institutions.
  • K–12 and community outreach designed to increase awareness of STEM, engineering, materials science, and research opportunities.
  • Institutional partnerships and student exchanges that expand access to research expertise, advanced instrumentation, and collaborative opportunities.

Research, Education & Partnership Opportunities with UMN

A student poses next to the Goldy Gopher statue near the student union at the University of Minnesota
  • The UTRGV–UMN PREM partnership expands educational opportunities beyond the home institution by connecting students and faculty with a broader materials research community. Through the partnership, students gain access to research exchanges, advanced characterization facilities, collaborative projects, seminars, mentoring, and professional networking.
  • UTRGV undergraduate students have participated in summer research experiences at the University of Minnesota, while graduate students and faculty have benefited from research visits and access to specialized instrumentation. Faculty collaborations have also supported student mentoring, research development, and graduate education.
  • These experiences expose students to different research environments, strengthen collaborations between institutions, and help students envision pathways toward graduate education and careers in materials science and engineering.
To learn more about facilities and outreach programs at the University of Minnesota Materials Research Science & Engineering Center (MRSEC), visit http://mrsec.umn.edu/ehr

Energy & U

Energy & U is a live show that melds the excitement of chemical demonstrations and the natural connection between energy and STEM education into a fully produced,  on-stage science extravaganza. The show has a running theme of introverting different forms of energy, often in dramatic fashion, while emphasizing that you cannot create or destroy energy, only transform it (the First Law of Thermodynamics). The implications of this Law on our global energy supply are discussed and energy conversions are showcased that are as large-scale and memorable as possible. There are numerous explosions, bright flashes, and music that get the kids (and adults) dancing.

Energy & U is a result of PREM efforts and the efforts to migrate the show to South Texas are now funded by NSF, Division of Research on Learning AISL #1906885.

National Science Foundation logo
National Science Foundation logo

Funded by the National Science Foundation through the University of Minnesota (UMN) Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science (PREM): University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) award DMR-2122178.