Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

For New Members

A group hiking in the woods in winter

Welcome to the MRSEC!

Welcome to Brandeis University’s Bioinspired Soft-Materials MRSEC (Materials Research Science and Engineering Center)!  We are pleased to have you join our NSF-funded center and community. The information provided below aims to help you begin to familiarize yourself with the center as a whole, the resources available to you, and the commitment expected of  MRSEC members. 

Onboarding Task List:

  • Complete the onboarding form.
  • Familiarize yourself with the center’s research goals, educational initiatives, people and organization.
  • Follow us on LinkedIn.
  • Complete RCR training requirements: All researchers are required by the NSF to receive training in the responsible conduct of research. To complete this requirement at Brandeis, researchers are required to complete a Responsible Conduct of Research online training course (which includes the Research Security module) within 60 days of beginning work on their sponsored research project. Additionally, all graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology are required to attend the day-long, interactive RCR workshop. Read for more information about both requirements.

The MRSEC Commitment: 

The MRSEC is an NSF-funded Center and as recipients of federal funding, all MRSEC members are expected to serve society through the production and dissemination of high-quality research and by engaging in programming that aims to build our members’ professional skills, foster interdisciplinary synergy in our center, and encourage participation in STEM and materials science more broadly. 

 

To that end, each MRSEC member commits to:

  • Producing high-quality research
  • Disseminating results to the public and scientific community and generate and share compelling media that facilitates this process
  • Dedicating at least 15 hours per year to MRSEC education and outreach initiatives. This includes the mentorship and training of the next generation of scientists. 

Important contacts: 

  • Contact Trent Parker, MRSEC Dept Coordinator, for:
    • Mailing lists & slack
    • Reimbursements & Purchasing 
    • Website
    • News & Publishing
    • General Events
  • Contact Anahita Zare, MRSEC Dir. of Education and Special Programs, for:
    • Education & Outreach Programs
    • Social Media