Self-Guided CERSP Orientation

1.  Why is the Center needed? 
            Introduction and background section of “About the Center” gives the basis and explains the need.  We have a lot of visitors who may ask questions.  Check out Frequently Asked Questions so you can answer them.  Add to the list by contacting baucome@email.unc.edu

 2.  What is our plan?  This is summarized in our vision, mission and goals.
           Our vision is to enable a revolution in sustainable technology through cutting- edge, integrated physical science/engineering; social science; and educational programs.

            Our mission is to

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Support multi-disciplinary, fundamental research to identify and enable sustainable processes and products using CO2-related technology

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Enable our science and technology to have broad societal benefit by understanding social 
processes that foster collaboration and innovation; by attracting and educating diverse students 
at all levels; and by promoting the benefits of sustainability. 

Our goals are to create a strong body of integrated basic knowledge and activities meant to:

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Provide underlying technology in selected applications, including
·        macromolecular synthesis and engineering;
 ·        functional materials and devices;     
·        nano-scale structures; and
·      separations.

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Identify new areas of relevant basic science and technology for future focus

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Develop and apply fundamental understanding of social processes that help realize the vision of 
CERSP and similar organizations.

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Promote innovative, collaborative science education to
·        enhance training and success of undergraduate and higher level students, especially in 
“green” chemistry and engineering      
·        increase scientific literacy among K-12 students
·        encourage students from under-represented groups to choose and succeed in scientific 
careers

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Inform academia, industry, public and governmental sectors regarding the opportunities presented 
by our work

            Click here for more details on our plan as well as our strategic planning process

3.  What are our overall objectives?  What do we expect to accomplish?  Look under the following headings on our website’s home page:

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Research

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Education

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Knowledge Transfer

For the objectives of individual research projects, click on the appropriate application domain and then click on the title of the program in the table.  This table also contains links to the faculty leader’s and student(s)’s home pages.

4.  How will we know if we’ve been successful?  Our success is measured by our Metrics and Performance Indicators listed in the following sections

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Research

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Education

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Knowledge Transfer

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Diversity

5.  Laboratory Safety

            Take Time:  simple reminder for safe laboratory operations

            Links to lab safety and evacuation procedures, emergency numbers, etc., for each university.  On day one, locate the closest exit to your lab/office and memorize how to get there with your eyes closed.

            Links to safe high-pressure operations

            Links to demos of safety practices

            Links to MSDS and other useful safety info

6.  What support is provided for students?
            Check out the Resources section of the website.  Students should be sure to read the sections on presentation guidelines.  Second and following years and post-docs are expected to present one seminar plus a poster at the annual NSF site visit.  (Post Docs may be asked to present slightly more frequently as needed.) Students should also check out “team-based training”, which describes many support and educational activities outside chemistry and engineering.

7.  This is a work in progress.  What is missing?  What else would you like to know about the Center and how it operates?  Contact baucome@email.unc.edu.