Broader Impacts MONET's Broader Impacts MONET's polymer scientists drive interconnected, adaptive societal impacts in four areas:

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< Back CRIPT The successful spin-off of BigSMILES as the Community Resource for Informatic Polymer Technology (CRIPT), a partnership between MIT, Citrine Informatics, Dow Chemical, and NIST in which tools created in our research activities are being developed into a community database for polymer science through an NSF Phase I Convergence Accelerator project. The (near) future of chemistry will be powered by human chemists co-working with data algorithms and robots to drive innovation. No one can work together without a common language, and data searches involving polymer chemistry remain exceedingly challenging because the IUPAC naming convention is not widely followed, proprietary sample names appear in publications, and even electronic lab notebooks remain challenging to search accurately. MONET is fueling innovation by leveraging an unconventional open-source approach . Our BigSMILES line notation provides a system for identifying polymer molecules based on their chemical structure and synthesis, making them searchable at previously unavailable levels. We have also recently created PolyDAT, a schema for organizing polymer data that accompanies BigSMILES and provides a complete description of polymer molecular structure, including polymer networks. The impact of our open-source approach has been swift and far-reaching. Early indications came from posting the BigSMILES project on GitHub, which generated community feedback that quickly led to grammar modifications. Recently, MIT, Citrine Informatics, Dow Chemical, and NIST partnered to form CRIPT, a spin-off of the MONET effort that is developing our tools into a community database for polymer science through an NSF Phase I Convergence Accelerator project. Major chemical companies (Dow, BASF, and Braskem America), as well as smaller informatics companies, are all in discussions about adopting this technology and are helping to participate in its development and testing. In addition, the innovation coming out of MONET is having a potentially large impact on NSF- and DOE-supported investments in polymer science, including national research centers. If you or your company would like to learn more about how to use polymer data or how to partner with us, please contact us at monet-cci at duke dot edu! Apply We prioritize building and nurturing relationships with our corporate partners as a means to leverage our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all parties involved. We actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with our partners and translate our findings into real-world solutions, driving innovation and progress in our respective fields. If you would like to propose an innovation or entrepreneurial partnership, please contact us.

< Back The MOSAIC Postdoctoral Fellowship Join a collaborative network spanning top institutions, engage in cutting-edge research, and develop your career through tailored professional development opportunities. With 42.9% URM representation among our postdocs, MOSAIC is committed to fostering inclusive excellence in STEM. Advance your research, expand your professional network, and make a lasting impact on the field of molecular engineering. Apply now to become a MOSAIC Fellow! What is the MOSAIC Fellowship? The Molecular Science and Integrated Collaboration (MOSAIC) Postdoctoral Fellowship is MONET's flagship program for supporting diverse talent in polymer science. MOSAIC Fellows : Conduct innovative, collaborative research across multiple MONET institutions Contribute to at least one of our four signature areas of broader impact: Informal Science Communication, Leadership, Innovation, and Scientific Breadth Receive support for conference participation and tailored professional development opportunities Research Opportunities MOSAIC Fellows engage in cutting-edge research across MONET's four key areas: Nanotechnology for human health and agriculture Silicon-based polymers Dynamic networks and loop equilibria Mechanochemistry in hydrogels Professional Development As a MOSAIC Fellow, you'll benefit from: Funding for conference attendance and travel Tailored workshops on grant writing, scientific communication, and leadership Networking opportunities with industry partners and academic leaders Mentorship from senior MONET investigators Commitment to Diversity MONET is dedicated to broadening participation in STEM: 42.9% URM representation among our postdocs Inclusive research environment spanning multiple institutions Opportunities to engage in outreach and mentoring initiatives Impact on Your Career MOSAIC Fellows have gone on to: Secure faculty positions at top universities Lead research teams in industry Develop patents and launch start-ups in polymer science Eligibility: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related field (must be completed by the start of fellowship) Strong interest in polymer science and collaborative research Commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM We especially encourage applications from individuals who identify as part of groups underrepresented in the sciences , including but not limited to: Women, genderqueer, and transgender individuals Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander individuals LGBTQ+ individuals Persons with disabilities Veterans of the US Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard How to Apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is encouraged for full consideration. Submit the following to MONET's Director of Innovation, Outreach, Diversity, and Education, Dr. Vanessa Rosa, at vrr10@duke.edu : 1) a Cover letter outlining your research interests and potential MONET mentor, 2) a CV/Resume, 3) a 1-page statement on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and 4) Contact information for three references. Join MOSAIC and be part of the next generation of diverse leaders shaping the future of polymer science! Apply MONET is committed to diversifying all STEM fields by broadening participation in underrepresented groups. We are always looking for new, broadening participation partners. To propose a broadening participation partnership, please contact us here .

< Back Undergraduate Research Experiences Develop cutting-edge skills, contribute to groundbreaking publications, and launch your career in an NSF-funded Center for Chemical Innovation. With 70% of our participants from underrepresented backgrounds and a 100% satisfaction rate with our application process, MONET opens doors to endless possibilities in polymer science and beyond. Innovative Research Opportunities MONET's URE Program offers unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge polymer science projects across multiple disciplines: Chemistry Engineering Data Science Environmental Science Materials Science Our research spans four key areas: Nanotechnology for human health and agriculture Silicon-based polymers Dynamic networks and loop equilibria Mechanochemistry in hydrogels From Lab Bench to Breakthrough A URE participant at UC San Diego never imagined their summer research would lead to a potential publication. Working on biology-inspired nanotechnologies, their project resulted in a public poster presentation and contributed to ongoing research with publication potential. This experience exemplifies how our program transforms curious undergraduates into contributing scientists. Collaborative Environment Join a diverse team of researchers across top U.S. institutions: University of California - San Diego, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Duke University, MIT, Columbia University, University of Washington, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, and Morehouse College. Rising Through the Ranks An undergraduate researcher arrived at Northwestern with limited research experience. By summer's end, they presented their work on quantifying loop equilibria at the prestigious PoWER conference. "I gained invaluable skills in just one summer – from hands-on lab techniques to presenting at a national conference," they share. Her graduate student mentor adds, "We've had numerous conversations about navigating different research environments and attended Women in STEM lunches, broadening their professional networks." Career Development As a MONET URE participant, you'll benefit from: Mentorship from leading experts in the field Opportunities to present at national conferences Co-authorship potential on high-impact publications Networking with industry partners Bridging Disciplines, Breaking Barriers Another URE from Morehouse College found themselves at the intersection of chemistry and materials science at Duke University. Their work on covalent mechanochemistry for more robust hydrogels exemplifies MONET's interdisciplinary approach. "The complementary molecular biology knowledge brought by my mentee led to unexpected breakthroughs in our research," noted their graduate student mentor. This unique blend of perspectives is what sets MONET apart. Impactful Outcomes Our program has a strong track record of success: 70% of participants from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM 100% of mentees rated the application process as "Excellent" 75% of projects have potential for co-authorship on publications 50% of mentees discussed presenting at future national conferences Commitment to Diversity MONET is dedicated to broadening participation in STEM: Participants from diverse institution types (R1, M1, LAC, and HBC) Geographic diversity spanning multiple states Inclusion of students with varying GPAs (2.8 - 4.0) Mix of students with and without prior research experience Both Domestic & International students are welcome to apply! Eligibility: Current undergraduate students in STEM fields Strong interest in polymer science and collaborative research Commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM MONET encourages students of diverse backgrounds, domestic and international status , and students at institutions without extensive resources for research participation to apply: Review MONET's research areas on our website: https://www.monetcci.org/overview In December, applications will open here , and we will share which labs are hiring for which projects (UREs are paid $600-800/week for their participation): https://www.monetcci.org/ure Once applications open, please complete and submit the form. From there, you will hear from an administrator at our center by mid-January. Click the button "Apply" to learn more and explore our FAQs. Apply MONET is committed to diversifying all STEM fields by broadening participation in underrepresented groups. We are always looking for new, broadening participation partners. If you are an HSI or HBCU or an institution without substantial resources for Undergraduate Research Participation, we encourage you to Contact Us and propose a broadening participation partnership.

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< Back Signature Professional Development Experiences MONET's Signature Professional Development Experience (SPDE) initiative offers trainees a unique opportunity to deeply explore a technical or non-technical aspect of the Center's activities through project-based learning. MONET supports trainees in completing their SPDEs, leading to high levels of engagement and tangible outcomes. MONET aims to broaden participation and impact in chemistry education through its Signature Professional Development Experience (SPDE) initiative. SPDEs provide Trainees with a unique opportunity to dive deeply into a technical or non-technical aspect of the Center's activities, resulting in a documented output and active mentorship. This presentation will discuss the implementation and outcomes of SPDEs across four tracks: scientific breadth i nnovation/entrepreneurship outreach/communication scientific leadership Trainees develop SPDEs that align with their chosen track, providing project details, a list of required resources, and an anticipated timeline for completion. MONET supports trainees by assisting with SPDEs, coordinating collaborations across institutions, and offering resources for completing their SPDEs. This student-centered approach has led to high levels of engagement and tangible outcomes that serve the core research and broader impact missions of the Center. By showcasing the successes and challenges of implementing SPDEs in MONET, this presentation encourages action from other institutions and educators to adopt similar initiatives that enhance chemistry education and foster a new generation of well-rounded, innovative chemists. Apply We prioritize building and nurturing relationships with our corporate partners as a means to leverage our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all parties involved. We actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with our partners and translate our findings into real-world solutions, driving innovation and progress in our respective fields. If you would like to propose an innovation or entrepreneurial partnership, please contact us.

< Back 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! Apply MONET is committed to diversifying all STEM fields by broadening participation in underrepresented groups. We are always looking for new, broadening participation partners. To propose a broadening participation partnership, please contact us here .

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