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Although not required by the program, many students participate in industrial research internships and university research experiences for undergraduates during the summers. Recent examples of locations are

• Chevron Oronite
• Ascend Performance Materials
• Future Labs
• U.S. Corps of Engineers
• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Alchemy Nanotechnologies
• Princeton University
• Vanderbilt University
• University of California – Santa Barbara
• Case Western Reserve University

Polymer Science and Engineering students participate in a year-long senior design project that culminates with the development of a new or improved polymer product or polymer related process.  Performed in groups, these projects are collaborative and industrially relevant.  This is an integral part of an engineering education.

Students can also participate in faculty led groups that are involved in cutting edge, externally funded research and development projects.   When involved in research projects, students learn the skills, techniques, and methods necessary to solve challenging technical problems.  This experience enhances scholarship, internship, and future employment opportunities.

The Polymer Science and Engineering B.S. Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Each student completing the degree will demonstrate mastery of the following competencies as established by ABET:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.