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.