IRES 2009
The Purpose of NSF IRES
In an increasingly global nanoscience community, it is important for American engineers to have the skills and abilities to work collaboratively with their counterparts in other countries. A capacity for international collaboration entails more than the mastery of scientific knowledge. It also requires an understanding of and respect for cultural differences, a comfort with international travel, and at least rudimentary fluency in languages other than English. The proposed project is predicated on the assumption that the earlier prospective engineers are exposed to international education and research experiences, the more likely it is for them to develop both a capacity and desire for international collaboration.
The overall goal of this IRES project is to establish a foundation for on-going interdisciplinary collaboration on nanoscale science and engineering education and research between the University of Pittsburgh and three Korean research institutes (Semiconductor Physics Research Center, Seoul National University, and SungKyunKwan University). To accomplish this goal, the following four objectives will be completed:
- Provide three undergraduate and one graduate engineering student with a fifteen week summer study and research experience at three Korean research institutes;
- Publish the results of the summer research project through the preparation of a co-authored manuscript for submission to an international, refereed journal;
- Promote interest in international educational and research experiences among University of Pittsburgh engineering students; and
- Develop policies and procedures for facilitating future international research experiences.
For more information about IRES please visit:
For more information about IREE/IRES 2008 visit:
IRES 2009 departed for Korea on May 16th, 2009. They arrived safely on May 18th and look forward to a summer fulfilled with research, as well as learning about Korean culture.
Monday May 18, 2009
All four students have arrived in Korea. Each proceeded to make their way to their final destination. Andrew traveled to Chungbuk National University in Jeonju. Robert traveled to Seoul National University in Seoul. Last, David and Mike traveled to Sungkyunkwan University in Suwon.
Korean Wedding
On the following two weekends, two of the lab members from Sungkyunkwan University had their weddings. It was an excellent cultural event for both Mike and Dave to attend.
Group Birthday
The group enjoyed a birthday celebration to commemorate all those who had birthdays in May and early June.
Microbial Fuel Cell Conference in Gwangju
The Microbial Fuel Cell team in the group (Tae Hyung, Hyo Sun, Dr. Heo, and Mike) traveled to Gwangju with Professor Lee to attend the 2nd annual Microbial Fuel Cell Conference. This conference lasted 3 days and was an excellent chance for the team to really understand the key aspects of Microbial Fuel Cells.
Sightseeing
From Namsan Tower to the Korean Fold Museum, Mike traveled around Seoul visiting a few tourist locations.
Trip to Jiri Mountain
Dave and Mike traveled with the group to Jiri Mountain located in the southern part of Korea. They enjoyed a good hike, but some rainy weather shortened the total length of the climb.
We would like to thank NSF who funded this trip
and allowing us to have this great experience