Georgia Institute of Technology

School of Materials Science and Engineering

The SURF/IREP 2012 program is hosted by the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), a division of the College of Engineering at Georgia Tech.  MSE at Georgia Tech is one of the strongest materials program in the world with 43 thesis sponsoring faculty. Its mission is to provide a broad education in materials science and engineering to meet the needs of industry, academia, and government; to conduct interdisciplinary research that creates tomorrow’s materials; and to lead the international community in defining this expanding discipline for the 21st century.   Faculty research in MSE  is at the leading edge of defining tomorrow’s world, and is focused in areas of advanced structural materials; biological and soft materials; nanomaterials; electronic, magnetic, semi-conducting, photonic and opto-electronic materials; sustainable energy materials; and design and computational prediction of materials.

Georgia Institute of Technology

The Georgia Institute of Technology has an established tradition of excellence in technological education and research. It is one of the world’s premier technology-oriented universities, boasting a superb faculty of world-class teachers, researchers, and consultants. It is well known for high academic standards and it ranks among the top U.S. research universities with a clear vision for leadership in providing the highest quality of technological education.
         Students cite the interactive learning atmosphere at Georgia Tech as one of the rewards of attending the Institute. Through hands-on learning experiences such as labs, field studies, and team projects, Tech students are prepared for the real world. As the modern research university continues to evolve, Georgia Tech is dedicated to building our reputation, maintain our value, and enhancing the rewards available to our students and alumni in order to stay three steps ahead of the status quo. Equipped with the extremely rich resources of an outstanding student body and faculty, strong partnerships with business, industry, and government, and support from alumni and friends, Georgia Tech is poised to fulfill its goals and objectives as well as meet and exceed the challenges of the new century.

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is an integral and exciting aspect of Georgia Tech educational experience. The state's capital and home to more than three million residents, Atlanta is one of the Southeast's most vibrant, progressive, and dynamic cities. Business opportunities abound as more than 730 of the Fortune 1,000 companies have representative offices in Atlanta, including the national headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company, CNN, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, and UPS.

Home to 37 other universities, colleges, junior colleges, and seminaries, Atlanta has much to offer students. From its mild climate ensuring year-round outdoor activities to the hundreds of restaurants, dance, clubs, sport clubs, and cultural activities to the many professional sports teams, students rarely lack inspiration for leisure activities. In addition, nearby lakes, mountains, and beaches offer water sports, camping, rock climbing, and snow skiiing.

If you are interested in additional information about Atlanta, please check the links below.

• Atlanta Braves Baseball/Turner Field - Home to the 2000 MLB All-Star game, Braves tickets can be ordered by phone and charged to MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express. Simply call the TicketMaster Charge Line at 404-249-6400 or 1-800-326-4000.
• Atlanta Hawks Basketball - For tickets call (404) 249-6400 or 1-800-326-4000.  
• Atlanta Thrashers Hockey - Ticket information can be requested through the webpage or by calling (404) 584-PUCK. 
• Atlanta Botanical Garden - Tropical, desert and endangered plants from around the world. Piedmont Avenue at The Prado, (404) 876-5859.
• Atlanta History Center - Explore Atlanta history from the Civil War to civil rights in award-winning exhibitions. 130 West Paces Ferry Road, (404) 814-4000.
• Callaway Gardens - Callaway Gardens located in Pine Mountain, Georgia is a stunning 13,000-acre resort and gardens offering the perfect setting for a memorable summer family vacation, quick getaway, social or corporate event, or day trip. A variety of special events fills the calendar all year long so there's always plenty to do, especially in the summer. From Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament on Memorial Day Weekend to the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival on Labor Day Weekend, you can have a splashing good time in and out of the water at Robin Lake Beach. Join us for a relaxing and exhilarating summer with exciting adventures designed to make your vacation unforgettable!
• Carter Presidential Center - The Carter Center is located in a 35-acre park approximately two miles east of downtown Atlanta. Four circular interconnected pavilions house offices for the former president and first lady and most of the Center's program staff. The complex includes the nondenominational Cecil B. Day Chapel, other conference facilities, and staff offices. The Center also owns the nearby Kirbo Building and leases other office space from the City of Atlanta for The Atlanta Project and The America Project. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, which adjoins The Carter Center, is owned and operated by the National Archives and Records Administration of the federal government. The Center and Library are known collectively as The Carter Presidential Center. One Copenhill, Atlanta, GA 30307, (404) 420-5111.
• Centennial Olympic Park - The 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park was developed to serve as the world's gathering place during the Centennial Olympic Games in 1996. The park has become a civic symbol and community focal point as well as a catalyst for new development in the downtown area. 285 International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30313.
• CNN Center - Tour the global headquarters of Turner Broadcasting System and visit the eateries and specialty stores. One CNN Center, (404) 827-2491, Tour Information (404) 827-2300.  
• Fernbank - 150-acre environmental/education complex which includes a major museum of Natural History, a Science Center, Planetarium & Observatory, and the Fernbank Forest. 767 Clifton Road NE, (404) 378-0127.
• Fox Theater - This 1929 Moorish/Egyptian/Art Deco fantasy hosts a wide range of live performances and year-round tours. 660 Peachtree Street NE, (404) 881-2100.
• Georgia Aquarium - Georgia Aquarium is one of the World's Largest Aquariums. With 8 million gallons of fresh and marine water, and more than 100,000 animals representing 500 species from around the globe, you're sure to see things you've never seen before! 
• Georgia Dome - The Georgia Dome is the largest cable-supported domed stadium in the world. Located in the heart of Atlanta, the Dome is the home venue for the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons, has been named to host Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, and was host to the gymnastics, basketball and the finals of team handball during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and Super Bowl XXVIII. One Georgia Dome Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30313.  
• Georgia World Congress Center - The Georgia World Congress Center, located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, is one of the largest facilities in the United States and hosts a myriad of conventions, consumer/trade shows and corporate events each year. The multi-purpose facility expanded its international scope during the1996 Centennial Olympic Games, when it hosted six sporting events and served as the International Broadcast Center. The GWCC encompasses 2.5 million square feet, earning the title of second largest convention center in the nation. 285 International Boulevard, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30313.
• High Museum of Art - This Atlanta landmark houses a superb collection of European, American, African, contemporary and decorative art as well as an array of special exhibitions. 1280 Peachtree (at 16th), Atlanta, Georgia. Take MARTA to the Arts Center Station - (404)733-HIGH.
• Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta - The mission of Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is to create environments and activities where young children experience the power of imagination and the pure delight of learning with each other and with grown-ups.    
• Martin Luther King Center - The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change is dedicated to carrying forward the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through research, education and training in the principles, philosophy and methods of nonviolence. 
• Margaret Mitchell House and Visitors Center - Exhibits retell the story of her life, book and the movie and their profound impact on Atlanta and the South. Corner of 10th and Peachtree Streets, (404) 249-7012.
• Piedmont Park - In the heart of Midtown, Atlanta's most loved park, Piedmont Park has hosted many of the events that have helped shape Atlanta. Nearly 3,000,000 people a year visit Piedmont Park, making it one of the most heavily used parks in the southeastern United States.
• Six Flags Over Georgia - Atlanta's home of the fastest thrill rides around, Park Phone Number 770-739-3400. 
• Stone Mountain Park - Georgia's Stone Mountain is a masterpiece of nature that amazes millions of guests from around the world. The giant granite rock, the magnificent Confederate Memorial Carving and the surrounding 3200-acre park are results of natural and historical events. P.O. Box 778, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30086, (770) 498-5690.
• Underground Atlanta - Underground Atlanta is a redeveloped downtown retail, restaurant, and entertainment complex at the site of the former Underground Atlanta. Opened on June 15, 1989, Underground Atlanta covers six city blocks with a gross feasible area of 220,000 square feet, with 126 operating shops, services, and eating establishments.  
• Woodruff Arts Center - The Woodruff Arts Center is dedicated to excellence in the performing and visual arts. As home of the Alliance Theater Company, Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the High Museum of Art, the Woodruff Arts Center offers its patrons a unique, multi-faceted experience of many distinctive arts institutions on a single campus. Woodruff Arts Center (WAC) Box Office: (404)733-5000.
• The World of Coca-Cola - The story of Coca-Cola is told through fascinating exhibits, classic radio & TV advertisements, and more. Located at 121 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313, (404) 676-5151.
• White Water and American Adventures - White Water and American Adventures are located just north of Atlanta, at Exit 113 off I-75 (follow the signs off the exit). Recognized as the most scenic water theme park in the country, and one of the top five in the nation, White Water features attractions ranging from relaxing floats to high thrills, something for EVERYONE in the family! 1(800) 928-WAVE or (770) 424-WAVE. American Adventures, located right next door to White Water, is Georgia's only amusement park created especially for families with kids up to the age of 15. 250 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta 30062-3503, (770) 424-9283
• Zoo Atlanta - Named one of "America's Favorite Zoos," Zoo Atlanta began a multi-million-dollar habitat redevelopment in 1985 to provide zoo animals with naturalistic environments simulating their native homes. Complete are the Ford African Rain Forest, Monkeys of Makokou, Sanaga Aviary, Masai Mara, Mzima Springs, Flamingo Plaza, Orangutans of Ketambe and the Sumatran Tiger Forest. Other current exhibits include an extensive reptile collection, bird collection, red pandas, and the Publix Petting Zoo. 800 Cherokee Avenue, Historic Grant Park, (404) 624-5600.