Emery Breitbarth

    Wartburg College

    Dr. Eric Cochran
    Chemurgy Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    I grew up in Sioux Falls and Ankeny, graduating from Saydel High School in 2009. During my school years, I was actively involved in a wide range of activities, including band, choir, theatre, cheerleading, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, dance, and gymnastics.

    I have a deep passion for science, especially the more specialized branches like astrobiology, astronomy, earth science, geology, and environmental science. I’m also a huge reptile enthusiast and spend a lot of my free time hiking and camping. When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy crocheting.

    One of my biggest accomplishments is climbing Mount Rainier seven times, and I’m currently working toward a goal of summiting Denali. I hope to complete the Shikoku Pilgrimage in Japan, It’s not just a physical challenge, but also a spiritual and introspective experience that resonates with my love for exploration and personal growth. Between climbing Mount Rainier seven times and setting my sights on Denali, I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

    I applied because…I want to learn different ways to share my love of science with others and help them see that they’re capable of so much more than they think—especially when they believe in themselves and stay curious.

    My Expectations…include gaining hands-on research experience, expanding my understanding of scientific concepts, and learning how to better communicate science to others. I’m also excited to collaborate with mentors and peers, and to grow both personally and professionally through this opportunity.

    Kylie Buchholz

    Wartburg College

    Dr. Shuizhang Fei
    REGEN Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    I am currently a 2nd year Elementary Education Major attending Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa. I am pursuing my K-8 Reading Endorsement and my Middle School Math and Science Endorsement. I am originally from Cedar Falls, Iowa. In my free time I love to sing songs with my friends, ride my bike with my family, and color pictures!

    I applied because…I applied to the REU program because I think it will be a great experience that pushes me to become a better teacher while in a structured environment. This program will allow me to complete hands on research that I can reference when I am working with my own students in the future. Additionally, this experience will push me out of my comfort zone by placing me in a new place where I will have to learn how to navigate around both Ames and Iowa State.

    My Expectations…includes many activities that will help develop me as a future educator, being put in situations that push me and are out of my comfort zone, and lots of learning! I will be completing research and attending professional development events, both of which will be completed alongside others so we can learn together!

    Alex Haus

    Wartburg College

    Dr. Ken Moore
    REGEN Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    My name is Alex Haus, and I grew up in the small town of Charles City, Iowa. I’m a first-year student at Wartburg College, studying to become a middle school teacher with a focus on grades 5–8 science and math, along with a coaching endorsement. While I’m still gaining experience, I’m passionate about education and excited to help future students grow. I have a twin, and I’ve ridden in RAGBRAI twice an experience that really challenged and inspired me. In my free time, I love fishing, listening to music, and playing the ukulele.

    I applied because…My application to the RET/REU program begins from my desire to gain useful experience in math and science that I can bring into my future classroom. As someone who will be teaching middle school in the future, I understand that real-world learning, particularly in STEM, often requires trial and error and at times, failure. I want to demonstrate to my students that failure is not the end, but rather a component of the learning process. I am aware that I will encounter challenges and difficulties in this program, and I am confident that those experiences will improve my teaching abilities. When I tackle challenges on my own, I can assist my students in grasping that making mistakes, looking for assistance, and endurance are all accepted actions. It is just as important to learn how to fail in the future as it is to reach at the appropriate response. I desire for my classroom to be a space in which students feel safe, curious, and supported, particularly when challenges arise.

    My Expectations…I expect to gain real-world experience in science and math from the summer RET/REU program that I can use in my future classroom. I also look forward to the chance to collaborate with others from around the country working together with people I have yet to meet. I think collaborating with people from various backgrounds and viewpoints will be extremely beneficial. Not only will it assist me in getting new ideas and methods, but it will also prompt me to communicate and resolve issues in ways that may vary from my regular procedures.

    Apple Khalil

    Iowa State University

    Dr. Marshall McDaniel
    REGEN Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    My name is Apple Khalil, I was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone to parents Mildred Khalil and Mohamed Khalil. Around the age of 7 we moved to the United States and I spent most of my time here in Des Moines then anywhere else. I graduated from Hoover High School in Des Moines. Some of my experiences include I’ve been a CNA for 3 years. My passion is human medicine in preparation to med school so I’m studying biology here at Iowa State to gain experience. Some of my attributes are I’m an empathetic my love for others have made me who I am today. I’m shy in my beginning of getting to know people, but once I open up I’m as sweet as honey. Some of my hobbies are reading, researching new topics, hanging with friends, and genuinely enjoying life and my own company.

    I applied because…My personal goal is to gain experience, exposure, and spend my summer being productive!

    My Expectations…I expect to have fun with my colleagues. Gain experience that I can apply in my future career.

    Greta Musgrave

    University of Northern Iowa

    Dr. Surya Mallapragada
    Chemurgy Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    Hi, my name is Greta! I am from Johnston, Iowa, and currently go to school at the University of Northern Iowa. At UNI, I am a chemistry & chemistry teaching major, and co-president of the American Chemical Society student affiliate club! When I’m not in the library or the lab, I love to try new coffee shops and spend time outside! Fun fact: I have stood on a hill where I could see Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria all at once!

    I applied because…I applied to the RET/REU program because I want to offer my future students a place to be scientists. What better way to learn to do this than being a scientist myself? I believe that science straight from a textbook is a huge disservice to students and our world as a whole. It is by teaching students science through real-world experiences and letting them investigate that we create a future of critical and curious minds. I know this program will give me experiences that will prepare me to guide my students on their journey as scientists.

    My Expectations…As a returning REU, I have a feel for what to expect. Last year, my expectations were blown out of the water. I expect that this year will be the same. I know I will grow as both a scientist and an educator through the challenges I will face in the lab and the experiences I have in professional development. All-in-all, I’m excited for the unexpected this summer holds!

    Abby Remus

    University of Northern Iowa

    Dr. Eric Cochran
    Chemurgy Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    I grew up in I grew up in Apple Valley Minnesota, just outside of the Twin Cities. Currently I go to the University of Northern Iowa and am studying Secondary Chemistry Education. I love doing anything outdoors like hiking, swimming, camping, you name it. I also enjoy spending time with friends, getting coffee and going to farmer’s markets. A fun fact about me is I have never broken a bone.

    I applied because…As a future science teacher I wanted to expand my research experience to bring into the classroom.

    My Expectations…I expect to be challenged to grow as a scientist and an educator throughout this program.

    Jacie Staedtler

    South Dakota State University

    Dr. Ken Moore
    REGEN Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    Hello my name is Jacie Staedtler I am going to be a senior at SDSU in the fall for pursuing my mathematics education degree. I am from Spencer, Iowa, and stayed in Alta, Iowa, over the summers. I enjoy reading, being on the farm, cooking and baking. A fun fact about me is I have written a recipe book for my family.

    I applied because…I wanted to grow my understandings in research experience.

    My Expectations…I want to increase my knowledge, and my professional connections.

    Audrey Tucker

    Wartburg College

    Dr. Raj Raman
    REGEN Participant

    • Poster
    • Written Reflection

    My name is Audrey Tucker. I am 19 years old from Mount Vernon Iowa. I am currently a first year at Wartburg College. I am studying biology and education and plan to have an endorsement in all-science. I enjoy running, wrestling, reading, and hiking. Something unexpected is I play the trombone at Wartburg.

    I applied because…Because it will be a good experience, and an amazing way to spend my summer.

    My Expectations…For everyone to put in equal amount of work, and questions, and not afraid to make mistakes.