Internship details: In this program, four interns will receive a stipend of $2700 for six weeks of full time work, in a laboratory studying polymer blends for use as proton exchange membranes in hydrogen fuel cell technologies. They will spend 75% of their time in hands-on laboratory research, and the remaining 25% in the classroom. In addition to the stipend, expenses for tuition, fees, dormitory housing, and food allowance will be provided.

The 2011 research program: Polymer Blends for Fuel Cell Technologies
Interns will make and characterize polymer blends, mixtures of two polymers, poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, and poly(4,5-vinyl imidizole), PVIm, protonated with a liquid ionic salt, for ultimate use as novel proton exchange membranes for fuel cell technologies. They will fabricate films, electro-spun fibers, and/or oriented tapes, and characterize the structure and properties of the resulting materials. This research will contribute to a fundamental understanding of the effects of blend composition and thermal treatment on crystal structure of blends, and ultimately on the potential of these new materials to serve as proton exchange membranes for hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

The internship comprises both classroom learning and laboratory exercises, all of which are taught by Tufts University faculty. In the classroom portion, the students will learn: 1. chemistry, physics, and engineering aspects of polymers and blends; 2. scientific methods and how to conduct research; 3. communication skills, including scientific writing and making group presentations. Professional interpreters will be provided during the classroom sessions. In the laboratory portion, the students will gain hands-on experience in making, characterizing, and analyzing blends. Students will work in small teams and will learn to operate the X-ray diffractometer, thermal calorimeter, infrared spectrometer, and electro-spinning apparatus. The interns will design experiments, collect data, and analyze their results. The goal is to provide an enriching experience that will strengthen the students' confidence to perform in a scientific and engineering environment. Follow this link to see photos of the students presenting their research results at conferences.

When: July 5 - August 12, 2011 (The Second Summer Session at Tufts University)

Where: Science-Technology Ctr., Room 208, Tufts University, 4 Colby St., Medford, MA 02155

What is provided: The four selected interns will receive a stipend of $2700 for the six weeks, and 0.5 credit from Tufts University. In addition, tuition for the 0.5 credit, registration fee, dormitory housing costs, and a small food allowance will be provided to the four interns.

Eligibility: Deaf or hard of hearing students who are matriculating at college or university, in a baccalaureate program at the time of the internship. Students should have an interest in science or engineering, and be majoring in any field of science, technology, or engineering.

Applications: Prospective interns should send by e-mail: a resume, unofficial transcript, statement of purpose, and one letter of recommendation from a faculty advisor/teacher to Prof. Peggy Cebe, peggy.cebe@tufts.edu. Deadline for receipt of applications is March 18, 2011. However, students are encouraged to apply early, since admission will be on a competitive basis. Notification to the selected interns will be made no later than April 15, 2011.