# REU Site: Back to the Future - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD) · $458,070

## Abstract

In this three-year REU Site: Chemical Engineering and the Future REU students will participate in a 10-week summer program providing research opportunities in metallurgical and materials engineering that enhance the global competitiveness of the nation in the areas of mineral beneficiation, resource recovery, critical metals, advanced materials, manufacturing, and energy-efficient materials. Students will participate in an integrated professional development program that nurtures their research skills and career development. This program includes advanced technical communications training; workshops and seminars to give historical context for current trends in research; research methods and instrumentation training; and collegial activities that connect students to each other and the community. This context will give students a broader appreciation for the nature of current and future research as well as the impact of engineering in society.   

The project will address challenges faced by future engineers by providing research experiences within a unique cultural and holistic framework. Participants will also engage in research projects of historical and cultural significance with the National Park Service, Sioux Indian Museum, and National Music Museum focused on the preservation and analysis of historical artifacts. Special sessions will be led by subject experts from engineering, science, and the humanities that explore the interface between engineering, history, and ar

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2447656
- **Awardee organization:** South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** CJAJYT2KW771
- **PI:** Michael K West
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, RESEARCH EXP FOR UNDERGRADS, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $458,070
- **Funds obligated:** $458,070
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2447656

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2447656, REU Site: Back to the Future - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2447656. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*