AAMP-UP kicks off its second summer of undergraduate energetics research

The Advancing Army Modernization Priorities – Undergraduate Program (AAMP-UP) kicked off its second year of in-person student summer research in Ray W. Herrick Laboratories on May 23, 2022. Until August 1, 2022, 41 students from nine universities across the country will be conducting energetics research with faculty, staff and graduate student mentors.

 

Students were selected based on their professional and academic achievements, as well as for their interest in a future career with the defense industry and a desire to conduct research in one of the four areas covered by the project: characterization, synthesis and behavior; machine learning and computer modeling; additive manufacturing; and fuels and propellant materials. While a majority of participants are from Purdue, a quarter of the students came from other schools across the country to develop connections and gain experience in energetics research.

For instance, Ubaidullah Hassan, Chemical Engineering student from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, decided to participate in AAMP-UP because he knew it would be a great opportunity to gain experience working with knowledgeable researchers, high-end equipment, and the defense industry. "I'm excited to share my research findings at the end of the program and hopefully make important contributions to my group's research of national importance," Hassan said. 

In addition to their daily research activities, students will also participate in seminars and other professional development events, as well as compose a literature review and final presentation/report on their project. The program will culminate in a symposium where students will present the findings of their research through a poster showcase.

AAMP-UP is a component of the Advancing Army Modernization Priorities – Energetic Materials (AAMP-EM) Cooperative Agreement between PERC and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). This agreement aims to advance research, manufacturing, safety and sustainability of energetic materials.