College of EngineeringBiosystems EngineeringAcademicsUndergraduateResearch Experience for Undergraduates
REU site:
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE THROUGH COLLABORATIVE TEAMS IN BIOPROCESSING FOR CONVERSION OF WASTE INTO PRODUCTS OF VALUE
The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. The objective of this project is to integrate undergraduate students in team-based research projects focused on converting biological wastes into products of value. Solving this problem is an interdisciplinary challenge and we will engage teams of REU fellows and collaborating faculty mentors to work toward a sustainable solution.
Program Dates: May 13, 2024 - July 20, 2024
- Converting waste lignin into adhesives and carbon fibers
- Aquaponics for sustainable vegetable production
- Converting waste cellulosic biomass into sensors for disease detection
- Upgrading wastewater nutrients into fish feed
PROJECT: Converting waste lignin into adhesives and carbon fibers
- Department of Biosystems Engineering
- Professor of Bioenergy and Biofuels
- Research Area: Biomass thermochemical conversion
- Chemical Engineering
- Director of the Center for Polymer and Advanced Composites, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Faculty Development
- Research Area: Polymer nanocomposites, polymers for structural/medical application
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
- Director of the Forest Products Development Center
- Research Area: Bio-based adhesives
PROJECT: Aquaponics for sustainable vegetable production
- Biosystems Engineering
- Associate Professor
- Research Area: Nutrient dynamics and process modeling
- Horticulture
- Associate Professor of Specialty Crops
- Research Area: Aquaponics and hydroponics plant production
PROJECT: Upgrading wastewater nutrients into fish feed
- Biosystems Engineering
- Assistant Professor
- Research Area: Algal-bacterial interaction for wastewater treatment and resource recovery
- School of Fisheries
- Associate Professor of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences
- Research Area: Algal and zooplankton ecology, food web dynamics
PROJECT: Converting waste cellulosic biomass into sensors for disease detection
- Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Daniel F. and Josephine Breeden Professor
- Research Area: Nanomaterials and micro-electro-mechanical systems
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
- Assistant Professor of Forest Biomaterials
- Research Area: Nanocellulose synthesis and functionalization
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences
- Associate Professor of Disease Ecology
- Research Area: Disease detection, evolutionary and ecological drivers of disease dynamics
This is a 10-week intensive research experience coupled with professional development activities. Fellows will meet weekly with their mentors and biweekly with their interdisciplinary teams to facilitate communication. These activities align with the two overarching professional development themes of this REU site: communication of scientific results and effective team practices. These activities also facilitate the growth of independent researchers.
Each REU student will receive:
- A generous stipend of $600/week
- On-campus housing
- A living allowance to cover food and other living expenses
- Travel reimbursement of up to $400
Program Dates: May 13, 2024 - July 20, 2024
It is best to complete the application in one sitting. Some of the questions may take you some time to answer so we recommend preparing some responses in advance. Be ready to describe:
- Any past research experiences you have participated in
- Your past work experiences
- The most challenging work/ research/ volunteer experience you have ever faced
- What attracts you to conducting research
- Your career plans or goals
- How this REU experience enables your career plans or goals
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024
For any questions about this opportunity, contact Dr. Brendan Higgins (REU Site Director).
