ASU Holds Summer Research Program for Students from Around the World

Eleven undergraduate students from around the world are working on original research this summer at Alabama State University. The exciting and stimulating 10-week summer research training program runs through July 30.

The program aims to introduce the students to a variety of careers and fields of study in the STEM disciplines.

“We anticipate that this exciting research experience will lead to successful pursuit of graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields by this year’s participating students,” said Komal Vig, director of ASU’s Research Experience Undergraduates (REU) program.

The young scholars, who were selected in a nationwide competition, represent Bishop State Community College; Southern University at Shreveport; University Metropolitana, Puerto Rico; Jackson State University; Georgia Gwinnett College; Savannah State University; Mary Baldwin College; University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras; and Alabama State University.

Vig said the REU program provides participants with rigorous hands-on experience in experimental research in nanotechnology and other emerging sciences such as biotechnology.

“Students will engage in research activities that will primarily focus on ‘Development of Safe Nanomaterials for Biological Applications,’” Vig said.

In addition to research training, students will gain exposure to professional development workshops, scientific writing and speaking, graduate and professional schools guidance, career opportunities in academia and industry, and interdisciplinary scientific lecture seminars.

Vig said all participants will work under the supervision of a STEM faculty mentor in some of the most advanced laboratories at ASU. They will conduct their original research in the Center for NanoBiotechnology Research (CNBR), along with a team of ASU faculty researchers from different STEM fields. Post-doctoral scientists also will assist in the implementation of this summer program.

“We expect that this training will lead to a successful increase in the number of students enrolling in ASU’s undergraduate STEM programs and ultimately well-prepared ASU STEM graduates who can compete successfully for entry in the nation’s top STEM graduate programs,” Vig said.

After successful completion of their summer research projects, the REU scholars will present their results during a Research Symposium on the ASU campus.

This is the third year ASU has hosted the summer research training program, thanks to a $336,634 National Science Foundation grant that runs through 2017. The grant provides participants a $5,550 stipend, on-campus housing and meal and travel allowances during the 10-week period.

Vig, associate professor of biology, serves as the principal investigator of the NSF-REU program at ASU.