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Research Experience for Undergraduates

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Cutting-edge STEM Research That Promotes Social Change

Do you want to use your skills and talents as an emerging STEM professional to help make the world a more just and equitable place? If so, we invite you to apply to the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) STEM Research for Social Change program.

The program is a collaborative effort between the University of Dayton, Central State University (Wilberforce, OH) and St. Mary's University (San Antonio). The Summer 2026 program will be hosted and housed at St. Mary's. This 10-week program gives you the chance to explore and gain knowledge in engineering, chemistry and physics research through participation in cutting-edge, faculty-mentored research that has a meaningful and positive impact on society and that promotes social change for equitable communities, as defined by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Each REU project is designed with the individual participant's background and goals in mind. You won't be assigned a random project. We'll work with you to find a mentor and project that fits you. You'll also participate in professional development, professional and peer networking, and social activities designed to help you succeed in your future career.

This REU program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation Award #2244437 | #2244438 | #2244439.

Program Information

Dates and Deadlines
  • Application deadline: Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis.
  • Selection notification: Application reviews and acceptances end by mid-March.
  • Program dates: May 26-Aug. 4, 2026
Apply to the 2026 Program

Participant Resources
  • $6,000 stipend, housing and a limited/partial meal allowance (other meals will be covered by the participant).
  • Travel support to REU host campus and/or to conferences or professional meetings.
  • Weekly professional development workshops covering topics such as laboratory safety, research ethics, creating your resume, applying to graduate school, effective scientific communication, research skills, inclusive teams and community engagement.
  • Focused mentorship from a trained faculty mentor and social change partner, and engagement with shared identity mentors.
  • Social activities designed to build community, expand your professional and personal networks, and provide you with the opportunity to explore the local region.
  • Each REU project will be designed with the individual participant’s background and goals in mind.

Eligibility
  • Must be a first- through third-year, full-time student majoring in a STEM discipline; or enrolled in undeclared science or engineering curricula in those institutions that only allow major declaration after the second year or that have a 2+2 program with another institution.
  • National Science Foundation funding is for U.S. citizens only.
  • Must be available to participate in the entire 10-week program (May 26-Aug. 4, 2026).
  • No minimum GPA to apply.
  • No knowledge or experience in research is necessary.

Contact Info

For more information about this REU, contact Dr. Kenya Crosson, UD Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics.
Possible Research Areas

Option A | Detecting the Invisible: eDNA Detection of Endangered Blind Cave Catfish in Urban Karst Systems
Mentors
  • Dr. Ruben Tovar (St. Mary's University)
  • Dr. Leanne Petry (Central State University)
  • Dr. Suzanne Saleem (Central State University)
Overview

This project applies environmental DNA (eDNA) as a non-invasive forensic and conservation tool to detect threatened and endangered species inhabiting the Edwards Aquifer beneath San Antonio, Texas. Subterranean aquatic species are among the most cryptic and least understood vertebrates, and traditional sampling methods are often ineffective or environmentally disruptive in karst groundwater systems. By leveraging eDNA, this research enables reliable species detection while minimizing habitat disturbance, providing critical data for conservation, water-resource management, and endangered species protection. The project directly advances goals related to clean water, sustainable communities, and biodiversity conservation. Through interdisciplinary training in biology, chemistry, forensic science, and sustainability, this effort also prepares students to apply molecular tools to real-world environmental and justice-oriented challenges.

Research supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SGG 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • SDG 14: Life below water
Majors Aligned With This Project
  • Bioinformatics
  • Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Chemistry
  • Computer science
  • Forensic science
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Statistics 
  • other STEM disciplines
This project may be suited for: Students currently in their third year in college. 

Option B | Workforce Development Strategies to Support Reentry Employment
Mentors
  • Dr. Kaitlin Hill (St. Mary's University)
  • Dr. Cori Mowrey (University of Dayton)
  • Dr. Kellie Schneider (Dayton Foodbank)
Overview

In the US, one of the most complex, multi-faceted systems in need of analytical tools and community involvement to effect significant change is those pathways, practices, and policies that hinder or enable formerly incarcerated people (returning citizens) from achieving successful reentry from prison. Formerly incarcerated people face many barriers to achieving successful reentry from prison. These barriers include housing, employment, professional licensure, property rights, mobility and even access to public benefits, all of which contribute significantly to the United States’ high recidivism rates.

In this project, students will collaborate with returning citizens and community stakeholders through the use of Community-Based System Dynamics (CBSD) to elicit, represent, and formalize a model of local reentry work.

Research supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SGG 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • SDG 10: Reduced inequalities
Majors Aligned With This Project

Several STEM disciplines are aligned with this research project, and students interested with interest, knowledge, or experience with social sciences, mathematical modeling, computer programming, simulation modeling, and/or optimization are encouraged to consider this opportunity.

This project may be suited for: Students currently in their third year in college. 

Option C |  Preparation of Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework-Nanoparticle Composites
Mentors
  • Dr. Pius Adelani (St. Mary's University)
  • Dr. Erick Vasquez (University of Dayton)
Overview

This project describes the synthesis and characterization of a developing class of composites, i.e., highly stable materials formed by combining metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and magnetic nanoparticles (NPs). MOF-NP composites form the basis of a strikingly vast array of emerging modern technology for potential applications typically in storage, purification, sensing, catalysis, drug delivery, and separation of petroleum-derived hydrocarbons.

The integration of MOFs and NPs into composites can be highly-varied in their design (such as functional species present) and this impacts the resulting properties, for example stability, water dispersibility, and nature of the interface. In this research, students will extend the design of composite materials to phosphonate functional groups and explore the use of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. This basic research is expected to yield interesting and useful results because phosphonates manifest stronger interaction with oxophilic metal ions than carboxylates and are therefore anticipated to display enhanced stability and water solubility.

This project will be conducted in collaboration with Dr. Erick Vasquez at the University of Dayton (UD) and Dr. Esteban Urena-Benavides (UTSA). The metal–organic framework (MOF) component will be designed and characterized at St. Mary’s University, while the magnetic nanoparticles will be synthesized at UD or in collaboration with UTSA, using a co-precipitation approach. These components will then be integrated to form composite materials. Magnetic-induced separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water will be carried out at St. Mary’s University.

Research supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SDG 4: Quality education
  • SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
  • SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Majors Aligned With This Project
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemical engineering 
  • Chemistry
  • Materials engineering
  • Physics
  • other STEM disciplines

This project may be suited for: Students that have completed at least one year of college by Summer 2026.

Option D | Sustainable Waste Management
Mentors
  • Dr. Morgan Bruns (St. Mary's University)
  • Dr. Kenya Crosson (University of Dayton)
  • Dr. Ramani Kandiah (Central State University) 
Overview

Institutional waste, including that generated by offices and universities, differs significantly in composition from residential and industrial solid waste. Over the past thirty years, these types of waste have evolved in both their makeup and management practices, experiencing gradual changes as well as abrupt shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will examine the variations in composition, volume, and management strategies related to waste from a small higher education institution, while also investigating sustainable solid waste management practices. The research will utilize the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ENVISION framework to assess the current waste management situation at Central State University and to identify alternative sustainable management strategies aimed at enhancing the existing practices.

Research supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • SGG 3: Good health and well-being
  • SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • SDG 13: Climate action
Majors Aligned With This Project
  • Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Ecological engineering
  • Ecology
  • Environmental engineering 
  • Forensic science
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • other STEM disciplines

This project may be suited for: Students currently in their second year in college.
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Dayton, Ohio 45469 - 0254
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