Zakaria Al Balushi, undergraduate student in Engineering Science and Mechanics, under the advising of Dr. Osama Awadelkarim, Professor in ESM, is attending the Northwestern University NSEC REU this summer.

Balushi’s project is on the Synthesis of Alloy Au/Cu core-shell Nanoparticals for Ge Nanowire Growth. Upon completion of this project with the Lincoln Lauhon Group at the Department of Material Sciecne and Engineer, he projects having a publication in Nanoscape. Additionally, Zakaria received the “Park Espenschade Memorial Scholarship” to assist him in his educational needs.

To learn about the summer program, click below to read more.

The Northwestern University NSEC REU is an active hands-on research program that infuses the traditional undergraduate curriculum with excitement. These experiences provide a glimpse into the life of a scientific researcher and opportunities to meet and work with world-renowned scientists. The center offers the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, under the leadership of Professor Mark Hersam, each summer.

The REU program is held for a 9-week period over the summer. Participants engage in full-time research on a nanotechnology-related topic. Regular group meetings give students opportunities to share their progress along the way, and gain a broad overview of a wide array of scientific projects. Additional activities include special lectures, field trips, a public speaking seminar, technical writing workshops, summer picnic, and tours of facilities and laboratories.

At the end of the summer, each participant completes a substantive research paper which is submitted for publication in Nanoscape - the first undergraduate journal of nanotechnology in the country and participate in the peer-review process.