REU site: gateway to the geosciences - strengthening stem pipelines through keck consortium undergraduate research

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded Macalester College $506,714 on November 1, 2026, for an REU Site project titled "Gateway to the Geosciences—Strengthening STEM Pipelines Through Keck Consortium Undergraduate Research" under CFDA 47.050 (Geosciences).

The award funds an intensive undergraduate research program that selects U.S. students to participate in hands-on research projects addressing geoscience challenges including groundwater safety, resource management, and environmental sustainability. Participants develop competencies in field and laboratory research, data interpretation, and science communication through independent projects and collaborative work within a researcher cohort. The program provides mentorship from faculty and researchers, building scientific skills, professional networks, and career preparation to strengthen the STEM workforce.

The award performs at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a period of performance extending from November 1, 2026, through October 31, 2030. No subawards are planned. The Geosciences program supports basic research to strengthen the national scientific enterprise and expand fundamental knowledge of the integrated Earth system.

Abstract

This project will provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines. Students from across the united states will be selected to participate in intensive research projects, working closely with faculty and researchers who offer mentorship and guidance. Students will gain valuable scientific skills, professional networks, and career exploration, strengthening the workforce of outstanding scientists and engineers. This REU site focuses on addressing societal challenges such as groundwater safety, resource management, and environmental sustainability and provides a unique opportunity to engage early academic career students in authentic scientific discovery research. The students will develop skills in field and laboratory-based research, data interpretation, and science communication through independent research projects and collaboration within a cohort of researchers. These experiences will prepare students for the workforce and provide them with the tools to address current and future geoscience hazards and resource management challenges. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.