1. Intellectual Merit Minority Research Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)Paul Charles, US Naval Research Laboratory, DMR 0648917 • Specific Project Example (2008): • “Synthesis and Evaluation of Aluminum doped Lithium Nickel Cobalt Oxide for Lithium ion Batteries” • Mentor: Dr. A. Stux – Chemistry Division • Recently developed Li-ion microbatteries at NRL exhibit high energy density and cycle life. • Navy Impact: Increased power electronics applications • Positive electrode materials for Li-ion microbatteries (sub cm scale) have been investigated by doping aluminum into lithium nickel cobaltate in an effort to make LiNi1/3Co1/3Al1/3O2 in order to increase capacity and power. • Student conducted research in the solid state and wet chemistry methods of synthesis of lithium aluminum nickel cobaltate to supplement 1st principles calculations, Characterization of materials via X-Ray Diffraction and galvanostatic cycling test also performed. X-Ray Diffraction patterns for commercial aluminum doped lithium nickel cobaltate lithium manganese nickel cobaltate for reference.

2. Minority Research Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)Paul Charles, US Naval Research Laboratory, DMR 0648917 Broader Impact • Overall Program - Broad Impact: • Major goal: Encourage minority students to pursue advanced degrees in Science, Math, Engineering, and related disciplines. Emphasis on encouraging students toward graduate studies, teaching, and/or careers in science and technology. • First hand experience of high level research to students in underrepresented groups. Formal training on laboratory protocols and instrument operation with a gradual progression during their tenure to a much higher level of independence. • Benefit to scientific community in scientific findings and publications resulting from research projects. Assembly of Microbattery unit • Organized activities • Scientific and skill set seminars (resume writing) • Weekly and final technical report • Oral presentation • Graduate School site visits (provide students the opportunity to discuss admissions criteria, financial aid, and life as a graduate student) • Picnic, brown bag lunch (open forum for discussions)