2022 Summer REU: Food, Energy, and Water Security at Mississippi State University

The Mississippi State University Chemistry Department seeks applicants for an interdisciplinary NSF-supported summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program occurring in 2022. Students who have completed their freshman year of college and who have not yet graduated can participate fully in the Food, Energy and Water Security Summer Research Program activities and work on a research project under the direction of a faculty mentor. The cohort of students will participate in exciting renewable energy research projects as well as professional development, social and outreach activities. Student participants will receive a $5,000 stipend, a housing and meal plan for ten weeks, and travel assistance.

Renewable energy offers exciting possibilities for research. Students will be offered the opportunity to engage in research related to the production of biofuels, and the application of biochar materials to water purification and soil amendment. Research projects include the growth of biomass impacted through soil amendment, the creation and purification of biofuels from organic matter, and the purification of wastewater and lagoons using biochars. Complementary workshops will also be included that emphasize career paths in environmentally focused fields with discussions on running a small business and entrepreneurial pathways.

Eligibility
Undergraduate student participants must have completed their freshmen year of college but not yet graduated and must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Students from a variety of majors will be considered including chemistry, biochemistry, all engineering majors and environmental sciences. Underrepresented groups in science are strongly encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, and first-generation college students.

Key Dates and Deadlines
Applications due 03/01/2022
Experience begins 05/31/2022
Experience ends 08/05/2022

For more information, including details on research project, see information below or contact program director Dr. Deb Mlsna (dmlsna@chemistry.msstate.edu).