June 22, 2020
University of North Georgia (UNG) students Beth Ward and Lani Chastain admit to being science fiction nerds. Ward was introduced to genre through the Star Trek "Voyager" television series in high school while Chastain became a fan of "Dr. Who" in middle school.
Their affinity for science fiction evolved into a love of science, and both will put their passion to work this summer in the real world. Ward and Chastain are two of the 12 UNG students to be awarded an internship or Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of opportunities for undergraduates to work in the research programs of higher education institutions while science-based centers fund internships.
Ward, a senior pursuing a degree in chemistry, earned an internship with the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton Springs, Virginia. The 24-year-old from Conyers, Georgia, was with her family when she received the good news.
"In the moment, I was calm. But on the inside, I was screaming and excited," Ward. "My goal is to work at NASA."
Chastain, a sophomore pursuing dual degrees in physics and engineering, was surprised to win an REU with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The 20-year-old from Chickamauga, Georgia, had applied to nearly a dozen REUs but had not been accepted yet.
"It was last one that I applied for," Chastain said. "Then Dr. Sarah Formica (professor of physics at UNG) suggested I apply to UAB even though it was not astrophysics. I applied and a couple of weeks later I got it. It was nice to have all of that hard work pay off."
The hard work of 10 more UNG students also proved fruitful. A couple of them are repeat winners.
While a couple of the REUs have canceled their programs, others have moved them online or plan to continue them in person.
Students interested in pursuing summer research opportunities or undergraduate research projects may contact the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities office at curca@ung.edu.