Achievement

Our IGERT project contributes to the training of the next generation of internationally competitive US scientists and engineers in two ways. One is an International Summer Institute in Italy. In addition, our Trainees are required to make an extended research visit to a lab or research group outside the USA. Most of IGERT students have actively participated in these International research experiences, or will do so next year. The benefits of exposing them to an international and multidisciplinary perspective have been obvious. These students show a broadened perspective beyond their own research that is critical to their immediate dissertation research and their long-term career development. The exposure and participation also helped these students establish network with current and net generation scholars. These multidisciplinary, international experiences are expected to have positive impacts on the students' intellectual growth and career development.