REU site: microbiology at the host-pathogen interface

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded the University of Iowa $441,657 on March 1, 2027, under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to operate an REU Site focused on microbiology at the host-pathogen interface. The award supports training of 10 students per summer for 10 weeks during summers 2027–2029 at the university's Iowa City campus. Students will conduct independent laboratory research projects under joint guidance of faculty and graduate or postdoctoral mentors from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, focusing on host interactions with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Training covers research design, experimentation, and interpretation of microbiology experiments, with participants expected to present findings at scientific conferences. The program includes workshops on microbiology, artificial intelligence tools for scientific discovery, graduate school preparation, career options, and responsible conduct of research. Students will communicate results through short talks, written reports, and campus-wide poster sessions. Program assessment uses the Undergraduate Research Student Self-Assessment tool to measure learning gains, and the university will track participants' career paths post-program. The period of performance extends through February 28, 2030.

Abstract

This REU site award to the university of iowa, located in iowa city, IA, will support the training of 10 students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2027-2029. The goals of the program are to generate high-impact discoveries about the fundamental biology of host-microbe interactions and to train the next generation of microbial scientists. Achieving these goals is important for strengthening our bioeconomy, enhancing agriculture and mitigating the threats posed by pandemics and antibiotic resistance. The students will learn to design, conduct and interpret microbiology experiments; many will have the opportunity to present their findings at scientific conferences. Assessment of the program will use a version of the undergraduate research student self-assessment, a validated tool for measuring student learning gains. In addition, students will be tracked after the program to determine their career paths. Students will apply to the REU site using NSF etap (education and training application: https://etap.NSF.GOV). The training students will receive is aligned with NSF priorities in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The focus of the program is host interactions with bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Each student will conduct an independent laboratory research project under the joint guidance of a faculty and a graduate student or postdoctoral CO-mentor from the department of microbiology and immunology. Participants will be instructed in communicating their research in short talks, a written report, and a campus-wide poster session. Participants will attend workshops and seminars to broaden their understanding of microbiology and learn how to use AI tools to accelerate discovery. Additional professional development activities will cover graduate school, career options, and responsible conduct of research. Applications will include a form, a personal statement, information on career goals, research interests, two letters of recommendation, and college transcripts. Prior research experience is not required. Students will be selected by the program directors based on their fit for the program?s objectives and potential for outstanding careers involving microbiology research. More information about the program is available by visiting https://microbiology.medicine.uiowa.EDU/undergraduate-education/research-opportunities/summer-undergraduate-research, or by contacting the PI (DR. David weiss at