From developing sensors that detect “forever chemicals” to exploring new ways to reduce greenhouse gases, nine community college students have spent their summer tackling real-world scientific challenges at East Texas A&M University through the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Funded by the National Science Foundation, their work culminated on August 6 during an annual symposium.
The 10-week residential program, hosted by the university’s chemistry department and led by associate professor Stephen Starnes, began on June 1 and paired community college students with East Texas A&M faculty mentors for hands-on research in chemistry and biochemistry. The purpose of the program is to provide community college students with hands-on research experience and faculty mentorship to prepare them for bachelor’s degrees, graduate study and STEM careers. This year’s participants represented Paris Junior College, Grayson College, Tarrant County College and Tyler Junior College.
During the symposium, students gathered in the Science Building to deliver oral presentations and present research posters to family members, faculty, fellow students and instructors from their home institutions. The event included remarks from Mustafa Mashal, incoming vice president for research and economic development, and his predecessor, Brent Donham. Both emphasized the importance of undergraduate research and encouraged students to continue pursuing opportunities to advance scientific knowledge.
Throughout the summer, students investigated a wide range of research topics, including using algae to remove heavy metal contaminants from the environment, developing sensors for perfluoroalkyl substances, creating materials for organic solar cells, designing metal-binding tags for protein purification, developing catalysts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from methane and optimizing chemical reactions used in drug discovery. In addition to laboratory research, participants received training in scientific writing, project management and professional presentations while visiting Eastman Chemical and the University of Texas Southwestern to learn about careers in chemistry and related industries.
“The REU program is always rewarding,” Starnes said. “We bring in students who have little to no prior research experience but a strong desire to learn and contribute to research. By the end of the program, they have developed research skills that confirm their interest in chemistry and prepare them to continue their studies toward careers in scientific research.”
Returning alumni
The program’s impact extends well beyond a single summer. Former participant Matthew Jordan began his college career at Northeast Texas Community College before joining the REU program in 2014. He later earned a doctorate in chemical engineering and now serves as director of electrochemical technology at EnergyX, where he helps develop advanced technologies for domestic lithium production. Jordan regularly returns to East Texas A&M to speak with current students about careers in the chemical sciences.
Another former participant, Johnathan Bailey, completed the REU program before earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at East Texas A&M, followed by a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University. After serving as a senior scientist with biotechnology company 10x Genomics, he recently returned to Texas as a chemistry instructor at Northeast Lakeview College and continues to mentor aspiring scientists through presentations at East Texas A&M.
For prospective students interested in chemistry, engineering, and other STEM fields, the REU program demonstrates how hands-on research and faculty mentorship can open doors to graduate education, industry leadership and careers solving some of today’s most pressing scientific challenges.
