Want to be inspired by the creative ideas and energy of outstanding engineering students? Plan to attend the inaugural iREU (innovative Research Experience for Undergrads) “pitches and posters” expo, followed immediately by a social networking function.  Details:

Background

This summer, the Department of Chemical, Materials & Biomolecular Engineering (CMBE) and the School of Engineering are hosting 10 undergraduate student researchers through an NSF-sponsored Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site program.  The REU students, who worked alongside CMBE faculty and graduate students in engineering laboratories, were also enrolled in a business and entrepreneurship oriented course on the mechanics of business to better understand how academic research becomes a commercial reality.  They worked on a range of projects in collaboration with both industrial and academic mentors.

The students will “pitch” their projects and speak with visitors from 3-4 p.m.

Networking, too!  From 4-6, attendees can socialize with innovators and entrepreneurs, prospective investors, business development experts, faculty and others in a relaxed atmosphere (food and beverages). It’s all about innovation in Connecticut, with a highlight on UConn’s pioneering developments in engineering and science.

The projects, and their industrial partners, include:

• Composites for Biomedical Applications, Teleflex Medical
• Forward Osmosis for Desalination and Water Reuse, Oasys Water
• Reaction Networks for Zeolites to Model Fluid Catalytic Cracking Kinetics, W.R., Grace and Co.
• Thermally Integrated Water-Gas Shift Reactors, FuelCell Energy
• Transformative Research in Solar Energy Harvesting, Scitech Solar
• 100% utilization of Brown Grease for Biodiesel Production, Bridgeport Biodiesel
• Functionalized Nanostructured Carbons for Energy Conversion and Storage, Physical Sciences, Inc.
• Photo-initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition of Hydrogels, GVD Corporation
• Physical Properties and Transport in Pentablock Ionomers, Kraton Polymers LLC
• Development of Advanced Fire-retardant Nanomaterials, United Technologies Research Center

About Nerac
Nerac Inc. is a global research and advisory firm for companies developing innovative products and technologies.  Nerac provides expert insights that equip clients with the knowledge to develop or refine a technology, explore market growth opportunities, evaluate intellectual property strategies and respond to regulatory changes.  Nerac has approximately 1,200 clients worldwide and a long, successful consulting history in a wide-range of industries with a strong focus in the areas of pharmaceutical, medical device, energy and specialty chemicals.

About OpenSky
OpenSky Corporation provides expert information technology consulting services to help global corporations reduce IT costs, protect information assets and accelerate the adoption of strategic technologies. OpenSky is distinguished from others by extensive technology expertise combined with deep industry experience. OpenSky specializes in Infrastructure; IT Risk Management and Security; Governance, Risk and Compliance; and Technical Business Consulting.  OpenSky has successfully delivered over 500 projects to Fortune 500 companies. Proven methodologies ensure a focused, consistent, project-based approach on every engagement. OpenSky maintains a business-centric perspective and believes that aligning premier technology partnerships with vendor-neutrality are critical and ensure the best solutions for clients.