# REU Site: Research experience through collaborative teams in bioprocessing for conversion of waste into products of value

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Auburn University (AL) · $417,784

## Abstract

The objective of this project is to create a research experience that integrates undergraduate students in team-based research projects focused on converting biological wastes into products of value. The proposed REU site will provide a summer research experience for nine students per year, training 27 students over a 3-year period. Besides gaining research experience, we aim to impact student growth and development in two major areas: 1) communication of scientific results and 2) effective teamwork practices. In the course of growing as researchers, we also expect to observe positive changes in participant attitudes about research.  Preparing future researchers aligns with the NSF mission of promoting the progress of science as well as advancing the field of bioprocess engineering.

The objective of this project is to continue an existing REU site that integrates undergraduate students in team-based research projects focused on converting biological wastes into products of value. Solving this problem is an interdisciplinary challenge and we will engage teams of REU fellows and collaborating faculty mentors and graduate students. This team-based REU Site will i) result in a greater number of REU authors on peer-reviewed manuscripts compared to peer sites, ii) improve confidence and knowledge regarding effective team practices among fellows, and iii) increase fellows’ research self-efficacy and sense of identity as a researcher. Interdisciplinary projects will focus on 1) co

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2447894
- **Awardee organization:** Auburn University (AL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** DMQNDJDHTDG4
- **PI:** Jonathan N Davis
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** RESEARCH EXP FOR UNDERGRADS, HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site
- **Estimated total:** $417,784
- **Funds obligated:** $417,784
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2447894

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2447894, REU Site: Research experience through collaborative teams in bioprocessing for conversion of waste into products of value. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2447894. Licensed CC0.

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