Students gain NSF research opportunities

The UNG students selected for these elite experiences in summer 2024 are:

• Angela Ayala, biology, University of Washington's Friday Harbor Laboratories 
• Hannah Burch, physics and astronomy, University of Alabama at Birmingham  
• Jakob Dobbs, psychology, University of Missouri 
• Jiselle Gonzalez, biology, Chicago Botanic Garden 
• Logan Hikes, chemistry, Auburn University 
• David Olsen, physics and astronomy, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 
• Alyssa Pold, biology, University of Kansas 
• Hailey Pruitt, chemistry, University of Nebraska 
• Alia Stevens, computer science, University of Missouri 
• Mateo Valera, physics and astronomy, Colorado University-Boulder 
• Hasten Veal, biology, University of Southern Mississippi 

Hikes, a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry, has conducted research since his sophomore year with Dr. Eric Huddleston and Dr. Levi Miller. His REU at Auburn will examine sulfur-based polymers that act as mechanical actuators — things that bend based on the application of heat. These, he explained, can be used to open and close solar panels on space stations.  

"Doing research at UNG and becoming more independent in the lab was very important," Hikes said. "The UNG professors trust you. That was very beneficial. I'm not sure if I could have gotten this REU if it wasn't for UNG." 

Ayala, a senior from Newnan, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, is a member of the Honors Program and the McNair Scholars Program at UNG. She said those groups have set her up for success. 

"I've had really good mentors that tell me about things I can take advantage of and what would help me in the future," Ayala said. "Working with them, I have been able to improve my scientific skills and learn how to apply to grad school. They've given me really good opportunities and the support I need to accomplish those goals." 

She looks forward to how her REU can provide some clarity for the future. 

"It will help me narrow down my options of what I want to do in my future and help me network with other schools I could potentially go to in the future," Ayala said.  

Pold, a senior from Acworth, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, is also a member of the Honors Program.   

"Going to a larger university for my REU is going to give me more experience so I can use that when I'm looking for graduate schools," Pold said.  

Pruitt, a senior from Sugar Hill, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration, has conducted research with Dr. Brynna Quarles and Dr. Nicole Hollabaugh. A member of the Honors Program, Pruitt is excited about "getting a taste of what grad school will be like." Pruitt is considering pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. program and is interested in clinical research as a career.  

"I've seen how much research and development of new drugs influence patient care and can create better outcomes," Pruitt said. "I want to be involved in that." 

She feels like her UNG experience partnering with faculty will translate well to her REU. 

"They have been very flexible and willing to work with students on developing project ideas and making it a collaborative back-and-forth and teaching research skills," Pruitt said. 

Veal is also a member of the Honors Program.

Alia Stevens, a junior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing degrees in computer science and cybersecurity, connected with Dr. Victoria Hightower, assistant director of the Nationally Competitive Scholarships office, about applying for an REU after Ann Marie Francis, her English professor, recommended she seek out a research opportunity.

A few weeks into her REU at Missouri, Stevens has thrived on being part of a six-person team, which includes three REU students and three Ph.D. students, that is researching the best ways to enhance learning with virtual reality in education.

"When I first heard the word research, I was terrified. But I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and do something productive this summer. It's also nice to see what other universities are like," Stevens said. "It's so rewarding to complete multiple goals with my teammates and discuss our research."

The Nationally Competitive Scholarships office helped many of these students pull together their REU applications and is looking forward to the summer of 2025. Students should reach out to Dr. David Patterson at david.patterson@ung.edu if they are interested in applying for the next round of REUs.

Another pipeline for REU assistance is the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholars (STEMS) Program, which provides scholarship funds up to $10,000 per student per academic year for students in non-clinical/health care STEM fields with demonstrated unmet financial need. This program, funded through a $1.5 million grant from the NSF Scholarship in STEM program in 2023, seeks to increase the number of qualified STEM majors entering graduate school and/or the STEM workforce. Gonzalez is a STEMS Program scholar.