REU site: aquatic sciences, engineering, and technology research experiences for undergraduates

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded Clarkson University $498,058 on September 1, 2026, to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site focused on aquatic sciences, engineering, and technology.

The award funds an undergraduate research program that recruits U.S. students for intensive, mentored research projects in aquatic sciences and related disciplines spanning natural sciences, sustainability sciences, and resource engineering. Participating students develop competencies in research design and development, field methodologies, data analysis, science communication, and leadership through independent and collaborative research projects. The program runs through August 31, 2029, and is based in Potsdam, New York.

This is a project grant under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050). No sub-awards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This project will provide undergraduate students with hands-on research opportunities in a variety of scientific disciplines. Students from across the united states will be selected to participate in intensive research projects, working closely with faculty and researchers who offer mentorship and guidance. Students will gain valuable scientific skills, professional networks, and career exploration, strengthening the workforce of outstanding scientists and engineers. This REU site focuses on aquatic sciences and provides a unique opportunity to explore research across the natural sciences, sustainability sciences, and resource engineering. Through independent research projects and collaboration within a cohort of researchers, the students will develop skills in research development and design, field methodologies, data analysis, science communication, career and leadership development. These experiences will prepare students for the workforce and provide them with the tools to address current and future aquatic science and engineering. 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.