Advancing Science & Engineering with Diverse Scholars (ASCENDS) began its fourth summer research educational experience for undergraduates starting in June 2024. An industry supported educational program, ASCENDS seeks to broaden participation in the polymer field by providing students the educational opportunity to come to UMass and work on summer research projects in conjunction with faculty and graduate student mentors.
Industrial support that launched ASCENDS in 2021 has been crucial for starting and sustaining the program, with sponsorship from DuPont, Eastman Chemical, E-Ink, PPG, Saint-Gobain, Solvay, and 3M.
The ASCENDS program is technically oriented with emphasis on professional development — in addition to research efforts, ASCENDS students participate in weekly lunch/seminar gatherings with the broader group of summer undergraduate researchers at UMass. At summer’s end, a technical symposium and industry panel provides a forum for the students to showcase their growth as researchers during the summer and for industry experts to provide feedback, advice, and mentorship of their own. As we recruit students for the ASCENDS summer 2024 class, we encourage PSE alumni to consider participating through sponsorship and spreading the word about this important educational opportunity in PSE!
For information about ASCENDS recruiting, organization, and sponsorship, please contact Professors Todd Emrick (@email) and David Waldman (@email)