This joint program, which started in 1994 and which was extended in 2001 for three more years, is a unique academic/industrial research and training program between San Jose State University (SJSU) and the IBM Research Division's Almaden Research Center (ARC). The program is supported by a Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) grant from the National Science Foundation, and provides stipends for undergraduate students and teachers to work on collaborative, mentored research projects with research scientists at ARC and professors at SJSU. The participants may work at either or both institutions depending upon the research topic, though most work at ARC. There is a weekly special seminar series with scientists discussing frontiers in their areas of science and technology. There are also career workshops and discussions which the participants are encouraged to attend. Thus, in addition to working on a research project, each participant also gains perspectives on basic and applied chemistry in academic and industrial settings. Originally, the focus was on the surface and analytical chemistry of materials. With its success, the program has broadened to encompass projects in the areas of chemistry, engineering, and physics of materials with special relevance to the microelectronics, semiconductor, and computer industries. Some examples of projects areas: polymer/organic synthesis, photolithography and the chemistry of photoresists, spectroscopy, materials physics, microscopy (TEM, SEM), instrumentation software/hardware, engineering testing, magnetic structures, thin film preparation/processing, organic electronic materials, and materials analysis. Detailed and updated project descriptions can be found on the web at http://www.almaden.ibm.com/st/info/studentopps/nsfstudent/projects Several of the projects require strong computer skills. Each participant writes a summary report of their research and gives a poster presentation at the end of the summer.

It is anticipated that applicants will have two years of chemistry, but outstanding candidates in any area of science or engineering are invited to apply. Applications are especially encouraged from primarily undergraduate institutions and from members of groups underrepresented in science and technology. SJSU administers the program and the stipends under the grant. Students receive a stipend of $4500 for ten weeks. Free housing is available in SJSU dormitories and limited funds are available to partially reimburse travel expenses for non-local participants. Start dates are June 7 or June 21, 2004 for students, by arrangement for teachers. Students must complete an application, write an essay, provide an official transcript, and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be submitted. Application forms are available at http://www.almaden.ibm.com/st/info/studentopps/nsfstudent/NSFapplic.html or by sending e-mail to ibmnsf@us.ibm.com or by calling (408) 927-1605. Teachers interested in the program should contact Professor Maureen Scharberg, Department of Chemistry, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0101. Voice (408) 924-4966, FAX (408) 924-4945. E-mail: scharbrg@pacbell.net. Participants must be US citizens or permanent legal residents of the US.