Become a part of the most exciting science discipline of the 21st century.
Why should you get involved in PREM?
Our focus is materials science. We seek to create a multidisciplinary materials science community at NCCU that will:
- increase public awareness of the field of materials science
- recruit talented minority students to this field
- prepare these students for future careers in the field through comprehensive academic and research programs
- increase rates of matriculation of minority students from NCCU to materials science doctoral programs at Penn State and elsewhere
What are the benefits of being a PREM student at NCCU?
- Mentoring program – We provide a comprehensive and intrusive mentoring program, which involves assigning the potential student an academic and research mentor (could be the same person but the student chooses the persons) who will advise the student on academic progression, research participation, assist the student with graduate and professional school applications, among other things.
- Opportunities to engage in research – which is an integral part of a student’s education and preparation for future REU and grad school programs (year-round). We welcome students at every level. We encourage students to get involved early and pick a research group as soon as possible. We want students who are committed and willing to learn. In return we provide a modest stipend of upto $500 per semester and depending on funds more in the summer.
- Summer Experience at PSU – Every summer since 2016, we have picked 4 to 5 NCCU students to go to Penn State and participate in joint research projects between NCCU and PSU faculty for a 10 week period. Students get paid $5000 + travel and board.
How to get involved in PREM?
If you are an NCCU student in one of the STEM discipline or an aspiring NCCU bound high school student and interested in pursuing a career in materials science and related disciplines, please schedule a meeting with any of the NCCU PREM faculty or our Education Coordinator: Mr. Richard LaBennett (rlabennett@nccu,edu).
Outreach
Our goal is to recruit more students into material science careers and to provide the general public with information. We organize frequent visits to museums, high schools and middle schools. We expect PREM participants at every level (faculty, staff and students) to help in this effort. These outreach efforts are an integral part of the PREM student experience that impacts their own professional development such as science communication skills, networking etc.
