Article By: Clark Leonard
Seventeen University of North Georgia (UNG) students secured the chance to participate in National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) or similar opportunities this summer.
Lexi Atilano, a senior from Cartersville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry, is heading to Mississippi State University to research catalysts that can speed up the decline of toxicity in substances in the atmosphere. She is eager to get a taste of what graduate school might be like, and Atilano aims to one day work for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Atilano has conducted research with Dr. John Leyba, dean of UNG's College of Science & Mathematics, and said her classes with chemistry faculty members Dr. Ryan Meier and Dr. Levi Miller helped her prepare for the REU.
"I like chemistry because of the complexity of it. I find it crazy how one subatomic particle can change the outcome of everything," Atilano said. "It's like a big puzzle sometimes."
She is hopeful this summer will help set the course for her future.
"I really want to use this opportunity as a gauge of what I like and help me pick the perfect location and type of project I want to do in the future," Atilano said.
Sebastian Chu, a sophomore from Lawrenceville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics, will take part in an REU at Syracuse University. His project will focus on monitoring blood inside the human body to determine if internal bleeding has occurred.
Chu's research inspiration was his grandfather who earned a graduate degree from Texas A&M University. The REU will assist Chu in following in those footsteps.
"I want to see myself become part of the world that answers the whys and hows of our seemingly unanswerable questions," Chu said. "I want to be the ignition of a spark in a curious mind who will ask questions, take risks, create ideas, and grow their thirst for knowledge like I did when I was little."
Dominique Cunningham, a junior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, will participate in an REU at the University of Washington's Center of Neurotechnology. It was her pick after being accepted to two REUs. She will be researching neural plasticity in rodents to see if it can improve recovery from strokes and how those results can be applied to humans. Her mentor, Dr. Neal Lin, lecturer of biology, encouraged her to apply for the opportunity.
"Being a teaching assistant taught me I really love being around the equipment, using it and helping students with it," Cunningham said. "Now I get to work a 9-to-5 in my field for two and a half months."
Other UNG students who were selected for REUs or similar programs this summer include:
For more information on applying for REUs, students can reach out to the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office at ncs@ung.edu.