School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Outreach and Experiences
The International Waterborne, High-Solids and Powder Coatings Symposium
February 12 -17, 2023
The annual Waterborne Symposium consists of topical sessions covering a broad range
of issues within contemporary coatings science and technology. Held annually for almost
fifty years, the symposium showcases new and innovative technology from academic and
industrial scholars working around the globe.
Please visit us at www.waterbornesymposium.com for any additional information or contact us at info@waterbornesymposium.com | 601.266.4475 for more information.
High School Competition
November 10, 2023
School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Thames Polymer Science Research Center
Mississippi is the only state with high school polymer science programs. The Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI), located at Southern Miss, plays a key role in the establishment of these programs.
Seven South Mississippi high schools will gather on the Southern Miss campus on Thursday, November 10, 2022, to test their knowledge of polymer science and observe some scientific experiments.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Ten week summer program targeted at current undergraduates entering their sophomore – senior year, interested in research in polymer science for a sustainable future.
Applications Open November 1, 2022– Applications Close March 1, 2023
Summer Research Experience for Teachers (RET)
Six week summer research program for high school and junior college science teachers,
looking to experience research in polymer science.
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering offers many programs geared toward helping teachers incorporate polymer science in their classroom. Our National Science Foundation: RET Site for Sustainable Polymer Engineering Research, is a 6 week summer research program for teachers. During the workshop teachers will receive training in laboratory research, laboratory safety, team work, communication styles, and developing research-based activities for their classroom. Selected teachers will receive a $7000 stipend for completing all project components of the workshop (listed in application). They’ll also receive funding for classroom supplies and conference travel. Interested teachers should click below to apply for the program before the application deadline of Sunday, April 11, 2023.
Applications Open December 1, 2022 – Applications Close April 11, 2023
Middle School Science Teachers Workshop
Weeklong workshop for five middle school teachers to partner with an RET to develop a research based lesson for their middle school classroom.
The School of Polymer Science and Engineering is excited to offer a week long workshop June 26 – June 30, 2023, for middle school science teachers (5th – 8th grades). Five middle school teachers will be selected to participate in the workshop sponsored by the National Science Foundation: EPSCoR Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOs) grant. During the workshop teachers will receive training in lesson development, laboratory safety, team work, communication styles, spend time in USM Polymer Science and Engineering laboratories, observing research and developing research-based activities for their classroom. Selected teachers will receive a $1500 stipend for completing all project components of the workshop (listed in application). Interested teachers should click below to apply for the program before the application deadline of Monday, April 11th, 2023.
Applications Open December 1, 2022-Applications Close April 11, 2023
Field Trip Requests
We welcome students 5th grade and up to visit our facilities for an overview of polymer
science and engineering and participate in hands on demonstrations and tours of our
facilities.
Field Trip Information for 2022_23 coming soon