REU renewal: training globally engaged undergraduates in food security research at egerton university in kenya: underutilized food crops/plants, the key to feeding the future

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded Bowie State University $541,075 on June 15, 2026, to support a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site renewal under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074).

The REU Site will support 30 undergraduate students annually in a 10-week summer research program running from 2026 through 2028. Research activities take place at Egerton University in Nakuru, Kenya, with access to advanced facilities at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Students conduct hands-on laboratory and field research on underutilized and resilient crop species to improve global food security, developing problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills alongside research competencies. Many students present findings at scientific conferences to prepare for graduate study and research careers in STEM.

The program also strengthens faculty collaboration with national and international scientists, expands mentoring opportunities, and enables integration of global research experiences into classroom instruction. For Bowie State University, the REU program builds research capacity, increases student retention in STEM disciplines, and enhances institutional visibility through international partnerships. Program assessment uses a modified version of the National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment Instrument (URSSA). Students apply through the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) system. Performance runs through November 30, 2028, with administrative oversight at Bowie, Maryland.

Abstract

This research experiences for undergraduates (REU) site award to bowie state university, located in bowie, maryland, will support 30 undergraduate students in a 10-week summer research program from 2026?2028. Research activities will take place at egerton university in nakuru, kenya, with access to advanced facilities at international livestock research institute (ilri) and international centre of insect physiology and ecology (icipe). Participants will conduct research on underutilized and resilient crop species that are important for improving global food security. Students will gain hands-on laboratory and field experience, learn how research is conducted, and develop problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. Many students will also present their findings at scientific conferences, helping prepare them for graduate school, research careers, and leadership roles in stem fields. Faculty will benefit through strengthened collaborations with national and international scientists, expanded mentoring opportunities, and opportunities to integrate global research experiences into the classroom. For bowie state university, the REU program strengthens research capacity, increases student retention and success in stem disciplines, and enhances the university?s visibility through international partnerships. Program assessment will be conducted using a modified version of the national science foundation undergraduate research student self-assessment instrument (urssa). Students interested in applying to the REU site must submit applications through the NSF education and training application (etap) system: https://etap.NSF.GOV. The training students will receive is aligned with NSF priorities in biotechnology. This REU program advances the national agenda of diversifying the stem workforce by equipping undergraduate students with global competencies and international and interdisciplinary research training. The program advances scientific knowledge through interdisciplinary research that integrates plant biology, genetics, biotechnology, metabolomics, agronomy, and environmental science. The student research focuses on underexplored yet high-impact crops such as lentils, grass PEA, prickly pear, indigenous leafy vegetables, and aquatic plants. These projects will expose students to real-world agricultural challenges while strengthening their scientific knowledge and technical skills. Collaborations with kenyan and U.S. Top research scientists and access to innovative facilities at ilri and icipe will ensure rigorous academic and research engagement. 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.