Partnerships for Research & Education in Chemistry

Join MONET in NSF's Partnerships for Research and Education in Chemistry (PREC) program to transform polymer science through diverse collaborations. As a CHE-supported center, MONET seeks partnerships with minority-serving institutions to advance cutting-edge research while increasing recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for underrepresented groups in chemistry.

What is NSF's PREC Program?

The Partnerships for Research and Education in Chemistry (PREC) program is an NSF-CHE initiative designed to:

Foster collaborations between Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and CHE-supported Centers for Chemical Innovation
Increase recruitment, retention, and degree attainment of underrepresented groups in chemistry
Strengthen diverse scholastic networks in polymer science research

MONET's Role in PREC

As a CHE-supported Center for Chemical Innovation, MONET is eligible to partner with MSIs through the PREC program. We aim to:

Collaborate on innovative polymer science research projects
Provide access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise
Support the development of research capacity at partner MSIs
Create pathways for underrepresented students to pursue advanced degrees and careers in chemistry

MONET-Morehouse Partnership

Our collaboration with Morehouse College exemplifies the power of PREC:

Research Focus: Advancing understanding of hyaluronic acid (HA) and its applications
Innovative Approach: Mapping HA's chemical and thermodynamic characteristics with chemotactic agents
Potential Impact: New strategies to mitigate inflammation and tissue damage

Benefits of Partnering with MONET through PREC

Access to Cutting-Edge Research: Collaborate on innovative projects in polymer science
Resource Sharing: Utilize MONET's specialized equipment and expertise
Professional Development: Opportunities for faculty and student exchanges, workshops, and conferences
Funding Opportunities: Joint grant applications and resource allocation
Career Advancement: Enhanced pathways for students to pursue graduate studies or industry positions

Impact on Diversity in STEM

75% increase in URM undergraduate participation in polymer science research through our Morehouse partnership
Joint publications and conference presentations showcasing diverse voices in chemistry
Creation of a pipeline for underrepresented students to enter top graduate programs

Current Opportunity

MONET is seeking one more Minority-Serving Institution to complete a PREC proposal for the April 2025 NSF deadline. This is your chance to:

Co-create a research agenda aligned with your institution's strengths and MONET's expertise
Develop tailored mentorship and training programs for your students and faculty
Contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in polymer science

Eligibility:

Must be a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
Demonstrated interest and capability in polymer science or related fields
Commitment to increasing diversity in STEM fields

Join MONET's PREC program and help shape the future of polymer science while advancing diversity in STEM!

How to collaborate with MONET on a PREC:

Review MONET's research areas on our website: https://www.monetcci.org/overview.
Contact our Director of Innovation, Outreach, Diversity, and Education, Dr. Vanessa Rosa, at vrr10@duke.edu. Include 1) a brief overview of your institution's research interests in polymer science, 2) Potential areas of collaboration with MONET, and 3) Your vision for how this partnership could benefit your students and faculty.
Dr. Rosa will schedule a meeting to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative partnership in polymer science education and research!