# REU Site: Engaging Undergraduate Students in Converting Waste to Sustainable Materials

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc (KY) · $390,790

## Abstract

Solid waste from construction, agricultural, industrial, and municipal sectors accumulates rapidly, straining landfill capacity, degrading ecosystems, and hurting human health. Converting this waste into sustainable chemicals and materials would simultaneously reduce environmental burdens and supply new raw materials to the chemical and construction industries. However, doing so requires a trained workforce that does not currently exist on a large scale. This REU Site at the University of Louisville addresses that gap. Over three years, the program will engage 24 undergraduate students in hands-on, faculty-mentored research on waste-to-value conversion, equipping them with the technical skills, professional preparation, and career awareness needed to contribute to a sustainable materials economy. The site is open to all Americans. By connecting undergraduate education to one of society's most pressing environmental challenges, this program advances NSF's mission to promote scientific progress and national welfare.

This REU Site at the University of Louisville will host eight undergraduate participants annually in a 10-week summer research experience with a focus on converting solid waste, including lignocellulosic biomass, waste plastics, and rubber tires, into sustainable materials and chemicals. The program pursues four objectives: (1) building student understanding of waste-to-value science and its technological, social, and economic dimensions; (2) developing researc

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2548103
- **Awardee organization:** University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc (KY)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** E1KJM4T54MK6
- **PI:** Noppadon Sathitsuksanoh
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB 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:** $390,790
- **Funds obligated:** $390,790
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2026 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2548103

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2548103, REU Site: Engaging Undergraduate Students in Converting Waste to Sustainable Materials. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2548103. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*