REU site: OLE miss nanoengineering summer REU program

The National Science Foundation Division of Engineering Education and Centers awarded the University of Mississippi $464,898 on October 1, 2026, to operate a 10-week residential Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site in nanoengineering through September 30, 2029, under the Engineering assistance program (CFDA 47.041).

The program hosts 10 undergraduate participants annually from across the United States in hands-on research at the University of Mississippi in University, Mississippi. Research projects focus on the design and characterization of nanoparticles, nanodevices, and functional coatings; development of resource-efficient nanomaterials; and computational modeling of nanoscale systems, including data-driven approaches. Participants work closely with faculty and graduate mentors, engage in professional development and science communication training, and conduct outreach activities delivering hands-on STEM demonstrations to local middle and high school classrooms. The program targets students from a wide range of academic institutions, geographic regions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with limited prior research opportunities, to develop a skilled STEM workforce and strengthen pathways to graduate education and research careers.

Abstract

The OLE miss nanoengineering summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) program at the university of mississippi introduces undergraduate students from across the united states to the rapidly growing and interdisciplinary field of nanoengineering. By engaging students in hands-on research experiences, the program addresses regional and national needs by developing a skilled stem workforce capable of advancing fundamental science and enabling innovations in biotechnology, materials, systems, and other emerging fields. Participants work closely with faculty and graduate mentors on research projects, gaining practical skills while building confidence in their ability to contribute to science and engineering. The program is designed to reach students from a wide range of academic institutions, geographic regions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with limited prior research opportunities. Through this approach, the REU expands participation in stem and strengthens pathways to graduate education and research careers. In addition to laboratory research, students engage in professional development, science communication training, and outreach activities that bring hands-on stem demonstrations to local middle and high school classrooms. These experiences not only reinforce participants? Own learning but also inspire younger students to explore stem fields. This project prepares undergraduates for advanced study and research careers, strengthening the nation?s scientific workforce. This project renews the OLE miss nanoengineering summer REU site, a 10-week residential program hosting 10 undergraduate participants annually at the university of mississippi. Research projects focus on the design and characterization of nanoparticles, nanodevices, and functional coatings; development of resource-efficient nanomaterials; and computational modeling of nanoscale systems, including data-driven approaches to understanding nano-BIO interactions. The REU leverages an expanded and interdisciplinary faculty mentor pool spanning engineering, chemistry, biomolecular sciences, and pharmaceutics, increasing both the breadth and depth of available research projects. Participants are integrated into active research groups, where they apply experimental and computational techniques while developing skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific communication. The program employs a cohort-based model to foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning. Structured activities include research seminars, professional development workshops, and training in responsible conduct of research. Participants present their findings at a regional scientific conference and contribute to outreach activities that translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, hands-on learning experiences for k?12 students. Building on demonstrated outcomes from the prior funding cycle, including student CO-authored publications, conference presentations, and national fellowship recipients, the program aims to further strengthen undergraduate preparation for graduate study and research careers. The project advances the field of nanoengineering by preparing a highly skilled workforce to tackle challenges at the interface of biotechnology, materials science, bioengineering, and computation. 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.