REU site: research experience for undergraduates intersecting computing and evolution

The National Science Foundation Division of Computing and Communication Foundations awarded Grand Valley State University $370,039 on October 1, 2026, under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070) to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site focused on the intersection of computing and digital evolution.

The project supports ten undergraduate students for ten-week summer research experiences during 2027–2029. Students conduct interdisciplinary research under faculty supervision from Grand Valley State University's College of Computing and Annis Water Research Institute, alongside external mentors from the Van Andel Institute. Participants work on projects spanning digital evolution, evolutionary computation, search-based software engineering, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. The initiative emphasizes students developing new computational techniques to solve real-world problems while working on multidisciplinary research teams. Professional development activities include training in empirical research methods, research ethics, communication skills, hands-on fieldwork, and presentations to both scientific and general audiences.

Performance occurs in Allendale, Michigan, with a period of performance through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

This research experiences for undergraduates (REU) site project is focused on the training of students at the intersection of computer science and digital evolution. The students in this program conduct interdisciplinary research under the supervision of faculty members from the gvsu college of computing, the gvsu annis water research institute, and external experts from the van andel institute, an independent biomedical research institute. The site supports 10 undergraduate students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2027-2029, where participants work on projects spanning digital evolution, evolutionary computation, search-based software engineering, cell and molecular biology, and ecology. The project?s novelties are in the advancements of evolutionary theory where students are developing new techniques for solving real-world problems. Students work on multi-disciplinary research teams, guided by mentors, to advance and exploit evolutionary theory in solving complex, computational problems. The project's broader significance and importance are in preparing the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists to bridge computational problem solving with real-world challenges. The REU site intersecting computing and evolution offers a rewarding research experience for students interested in complex problems that may not have clear solutions. The students work at the frontiers of computer science, digital evolution, software engineering, biology, and mathematics, and gain critical experience for the future workforce through interdisciplinary presentations, workshops, student-driven discussions, and hands-on fieldwork under mentor supervision. Students participate in professional development activities via training on empirical research methods, ethics, and methods of communicating their findings to both the general public and scientific experts. They acquire new skills that are in demand in a broad range of technical careers. To support these activities, students meet regularly as a cohort and with mentors and gvsu graduate students to ensure continuing progress and growth on their respective research projects and training activities. 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.