REU site: skill-building for community college undergraduates in plant chemical biology research

The National Science Foundation Division of Biological Infrastructure awarded the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (doing business as Borough Manhattan Community College) $456,647 on October 1, 2026, under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074) to operate a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site in plant chemical biology.

The award funds eight-week summer research internships for community college undergraduates during 2027, 2028, and 2029, targeting at least 24 students annually, predominantly from community colleges with limited research infrastructure. Participants will engage in mentor-led, hands-on research projects exploring the bioactivity of natural plant extracts at the molecular level, plant biopolymers for investigating molecular mechanisms in cells and tissues, incorporation of plant-derived compounds into biocompatible nanoparticles for water remediation applications, and native plant extracts as potential inhibitors. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary research, scientific method comprehension, and interpersonal skill development, with professional development workshops covering health and nutrition awareness, advanced research skills, scientific literacy, and research ethics. Students will present findings at a BMCC-wide symposium. The REU Site aims to strengthen the domestic workforce in agriculture and food sciences while cultivating scientific interest in food security and building STEM identity as a pathway to economic opportunity. Students apply through NSF ETAP (https://etap.nsf.gov). Performance occurs at Borough Manhattan Community College in New York, New York. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029.

Abstract

This REU site award to the borough of manhattan community college, located in new york city, NY, will support the training of 8 students for 8 weeks during the summers of 2027 to 2029. This program anticipates that at least 24 students, primarily from community colleges with limited research opportunities, will be trained in plant chemical biology. This REU site will emphasize multidisciplinary research, understanding of the scientific method, and development of interpersonal skills. Students will cultivate a strong scientific interest in plant chemical biology and food security while building confidence and developing a clear stem identity as a pathway to economic opportunity. The program aims to strengthen the domestic workforce in agriculture and food sciences by engaging participants in mentor-led, hands-on research projects. In addition, students will participate in professional development workshops focused on health and nutrition awareness, advanced research skills, scientific literacy, and the ethical and responsible conduct of research. Students will present their work at a bmcc-wide symposium, fostering both communication skills and scholarly engagement. Students should 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 biotechnology. One-on-one research projects will engage interdisciplinary studies to advance the understanding of the bioactivity of natural extracts from indigenous plants at the molecular level, the use of plant biopolymers to investigate molecular mechanisms in cells and tissues, and their environmental applications. Research topics will include the incorporation of plant-derived compounds into biocompatible nanoparticles and their applications in water remediation; the investigation of native plant extracts as potential inhibitors of herpes virus; and the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts. Wet-lab and computationally focused projects will be carried out in a state-of-the-art core facility designed to foster student interaction and collaboration while enabling hands-on training with advanced, cutting-edge instrumentation. Outreach activities will include field trips to plant science-related venues, workshops in R coding, soil management, and natural herbicide preparation, and networking opportunities through organized excursions to parks, waterfront areas, and historical and cultural sites throughout new york city. Program assessment will be conducted through an online survey tool. The program will follow participants beyond the research experience to track career paths and assess outcomes. For more information, please visit the REU site website: https://WWW.bmcc.cuny.EDU/academics/departments/science/NSF-research-experience-for-undergraduates/ or contact the bmcc REU site team at