Collaborative research: multisite REU in synthetic biology

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded Simmons University $278,996 on October 1, 2026, to support a collaborative multisite Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in synthetic biology, with North Carolina A & T University as a co-host site.

The award funds a ten-week summer REU program operating from summer 2027 through summer 2029. Simmons University (Boston, Massachusetts) and North Carolina A & T University (Greensboro, North Carolina) will each host six undergraduate students per summer, for a total of twelve students annually. The program provides hands-on research experiences in synthetic biology, an interdisciplinary field integrating biology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. Students work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams on research projects applying engineering principles to the design, construction, and analysis of biological systems. The curriculum includes professional development activities covering ethics in synthetic biology, communication, and preparation for graduate school and research careers. Students present findings at scientific conferences, and program assessment occurs through surveys, reflective activities, and tracking of outcomes. The REU structure allows participants to engage with peers and faculty across both institutions, broadening professional networks. The funding aligns with NSF priorities in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and quantum information science.

The award is a Project Grant under the Biological Sciences assistance program (CFDA 47.074). Place of performance is Boston, Massachusetts, with the performance period running through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

This REU site award to simmons university, located in boston, MA and north carolina a & t university, in greensboro, NC will support the training of 12 undergraduate students for 10 weeks during the summers of 2027-2029. Each institution will host a site with 6 students each summer. The focus of the program is to provide research experiences in the multidisciplinary field of synthetic biology, an emerging field of biology that integrates multiple scientific disciplines, including biology, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. Through hands-on research projects, students will learn how scientists design and modify biological systems to solve complex problems while working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. The two-site structure allows students to engage with peers and faculty across institutions broadening their perspectives and professional networks. This project will advance scientific knowledge in a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field while preparing undergraduates with skills essential for the future bioeconomy workforce. Students will also benefit from professional development activities focused on ethics in synthetic biology, communication, and preparation for graduate school and research careers. Participants will learn how research is conducted and how discoveries move from ideas to impact, and many will present their work at scientific conferences. Program assessment will be conducted using surveys, reflective activities, and tracking of student outcomes. Students will apply to the REU site using NSF etap (education and training application). The training students will receive is aligned with the NSF priorities in biotechnology, AI, advanced manufacturing, and quantum information science. The technical focus of this REU site is synthetic biology, with research projects that apply engineering principles to the design, construction, and analysis of biological systems. The program emphasizes cross-disciplinary research skills, including experimental design, data analysis, and computational thinking, while fostering effective collaboration across institutions through shared research teams and joint programming. Students participate in structured workshops covering core synthetic biology techniques, responsible conduct of research, and bioethical considerations specific to emerging biotechnologies. Virtual seminars and collaborative activities are used to connect students across sites and to support mentoring, peer learning, and stem career exploration. Recruitment targets a national pool of undergraduates, with particular attention to students from institutions with limited access to research opportunities. Alumni engagement through career panels and online resources helps establish a sustained community of practice. Collectively, this REU site provides a scalable model for multi-institutional undergraduate research training in interdisciplinary science. 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.