This year, we had 5 fantastic participants in our Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program. These students came to us from four different universities with a variety of STEM experiences and career goals. You can read more about each participant and view their research posters below.

    Grace Mullins

    Iowa State University
    Dr. Zengyi Shao
    Chemurgy Participant

    I am currently an Undergraduate at Iowa State University majoring in Elementary Education with endorsements in Math, Reading, and a Learning Technologies Minor.  I am originally from Ankeny, IA!

    I applied because…I wanted to grow as a teacher to be a better supporter for my students and build on my professional development that I am gaining from school.

    My expectations…are to make new connections with people in my lab and REU/RET program and grow in my STEM knowledge!

    Greta Musgrave

    University of northern Iowa
    Dr. Laura Jarboe
    Chemurgy Participant

    I am a junior at the University of Northern Iowa and a Chemistry and Chemistry Teaching double major.  I hope to teach high school chemistry when I graduate.  At UNI, I am involved as the co-president of the student chapter of the American Chemical Society.  When I’m not in the lab or studying, I love to read and be outside. 

    I applied because…I wanted to have experiences in research that I will be able to share with my future students. It is important to me that my students understand that science isn’t just something in a textbook or confined to a classroom. It is all around us and can be used to understand and better the world

    My expectations…are to grow both as a scientist and an educator. I hope to be a better science educator because of the experience I have had this summer.

    Mikayla Sampson-pagan

    university of south florida
    Dr. Shuizhang Fei
    REGEN Participant

    I am an elementary education undergraduate.  I will be graduating this fall at the University of South Florida.  I hope to teach 4th or 5th grade.  

    I applied because…I wanted to learn more about research and stem. I hope to bring this information to my future students.

    My expectations…are to learn as much as I can and take that learned information back home.

    Cadance Schroer

    Wartburg college
    Dr. Raj Raman
    REGEN Participant

    I grew up on a farm in Marion, Iowa and currently go to Wartburg College.  I am majoring in Spanish, Biology Teaching, and Secondary Education with an All-Science Endorsement. 

    I applied because…one of my biggest goals is to be the best version of myself for my future students. This program was very appealing to me as a REU participant because I could do scientific research and learn from teachers around the country! I knew that this program was going to make me think critically and take in the experiences of others.

    My expectations…are to grow my knowledge of the research process and to be able to implement different teaching practices into my future classroom.

    Josh selep

    Iowa State University
    Dr. Balaji Narasimhan
    Chemurgy Participant

    I’m a senior undergraduate at Iowa State who is double majoring in chemistry and secondary education.  I’m from Bolingbrook, IL and have loved chemistry for my entire life.  

    I applied because…I thought it would be a great experience where I can get hands-on experience with research and professional development. I also thought it would greatly assist me in implementing research methods and ideas into my teaching identity.

    My expectations…are to get research experience and expand my knowledge of teaching practices.