PREM

A new PREM award (NSF-DMR-0934195) continues and expands a Partnership for Research & Education in Materials (PREM) between the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) (Humacao, Cayey and Rio Piedras campuses) and the University of Pennsylvania (PENN) Materials Research Science & Engineering Center (MRSEC).  The five years PREM (2009-2014) will sustain a successful collaborative that began in 1998 under the NSF CIRE program and has continued with PREM support since 2004. The continuing PENN-UPR PREM grant will further increase the participation of minorities and women in materials research and related educational activities. 

The mission of the PENN-UPRH PREM is to broaden participation and enhance diversity in materials science by continuing and strengthening a successful partnership in materials research and education between the UPR and PENN.  

PREM research and education activities will focus on the thrust areas: Materials for Nano-electronic Devices and Sensors and Mathematical Modeling and Simulations of Materials, each of them exemplifying the best of the partnership in terms of research productivity, student training, and integration of research and education. 

PREM has transformed the research culture at UPR and is serving as a model for other undergraduate departments and institutions in Puerto Rico and the USA.  The new PREM will continue to increase the number of minority and women students in materials research through a well coordinated effort that begins with outreach activities for the community and which guides talented and motivated students from elementary to graduate school.