All of the program's past participants have gone on to pursue some form of graduate study. Undergraduate students from the University of Rochester and other colleges and universities are regular participants in research at the Center for Photoinduced Charge Transfer. The students had entered an NSF competition to design an exploration station close to the South Pole. CARA's Polar Operations team gave the students knowledge based on the team's own experiences of what it is like to build a scientific laboratory at cold, remote locations. The Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials works closely with its industrial affiliates and local industry leaders to expose students to research experiences in both the academic and industrial atmosphere.
Students spend a portion of their time in the laboratories of local companies.
The remaining time is spent working on research projects in center laboratories, where they work closely with center faculty, postdoctorates, and graduate students. Two programs at the Center for Synthesis, Growth, and Analysis of Electronic Materials pair undergraduates with graduate mentors to work on independent projects in material engineering. Pamela Cook, educational coordinator at the STC, notes that the experience benefits everyone. Our graduate students always rise to the challenge and end up being better teachers and better scientists for their efforts. At the Center for Synthesis, Growth, and Analysis of Electronic Materials, undergraduates work on independent projects in material engineering, consulting with graduate students who serve as mentors.