MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is celebrating the achievements of eight exceptional undergraduate students who have been selected for competitive summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs, also known as REUs, hosted by top institutions across the country. 

Sponsored primarily by the National Science Foundation, these highly selective programs provide immersive research experiences designed to prepare students for advanced academic and professional work in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

• Among the recipients is psychology major and Honors student Izzy Jacober, of Lebanon, who will participate in the Summer Intensive Research Experience in Neuroscience at the University of Michigan. The 10-week program offers intensive laboratory training with a focus on neuroscience. 

Jacober, passionate about research and eager to deepen their familiarity with techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics, said the program will allow them to work under leaders in the field. 

“I absolutely love the work I do as a student researcher and enjoy challenging myself with novel and enriching experiences,” Jacober said.

• Physics major Nyah Bentley, of Smyrna, has been accepted into the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s REU on Nanoscale Materials and Biointegration. Currently conducting research in biophysics and laser optics at MTSU, Bentley sees this program as a continuation of her growing expertise. 

“UAB’s summer program aligns closely with both my current and past research experiences,” she said. She also looks forward to applying quantum mechanics to experimental contexts and to exploring how small-scale material science might connect with her passion for astrophysics.

• Joey Buckingham, of Shelbyville, another physics major and honors student, will spend the summer at the University of Arkansas, where he will take part in their REU in Physics. Buckingham credits MTSU faculty for inspiring him to pursue research and is enthusiastic about joining professionals dedicated to scientific discovery. 

“I thought research was a far-off dream too difficult to achieve,” he said. “Now that dream feels like a very real possibility.”

• Joining Buckingham at the University of Arkansas is Cameron Morelli, of Spring Hill, a double major in physics and mathematics, whose pronouns are they/them. Morelli was inspired to apply by their MTSU research mentor, Daniel Erenso, who completed his graduate studies at Arkansas. 

“I discovered the amazing physics program they have there, and the wonderful mentors too — especially in theory projects,” Morelli said. They are especially excited about the unexpected opportunities that come with such experiences and hope to use this summer to develop new tools, ideas, and connections for future research in theoretical physics. 

“A couple of years ago, I would never have imagined being in this position,” Morelli added. “But by simply following what I love to do, I’m truly glad I am here.”

• Chemistry major and honors student Olivia Vickers, of Hendersonville, will head to the University of Minnesota to join a summer REU in chemistry. Known for its rigorous and innovative research culture, the University of Minnesota’s program will give Vickers access to top-tier labs and mentors. Her selection reflects both her academic excellence and her strong commitment to scientific exploration.

“I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to participate in full-time, hands-on research in a polymer-focused lab,” Vickers said. “Immersing myself in a new research topic for 10 weeks will strengthen my technical skills, such as synthetic techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis, and deepen my understanding of how polymer chemistry contributes to solving real-world challenges. 

“I’m also looking forward to the mentorship component at a larger university, as working closely with a faculty advisor and graduate students will give me insight into the dynamics of a research group at the graduate level.”

• Veronica Seipel, of Murfreesboro, also a chemistry major, will participate in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s REU in Advanced Air Mobility. 

Working in the Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion Laboratory, Seipel’s research will contribute to sustainable technologies aimed at advancing the future of aviation and energy systems.

• Emily Olson, of Old Hickory, a double major in physics and biochemistry and an honors student, will also spend the summer at the University of Michigan. 

Her interdisciplinary training uniquely positions her to excel in collaborative research at the intersection of physical and life sciences, where her broad scientific perspective will be an asset.

• Rounding out the group is Michael Marking, of Germantown, a physics and mathematics major who has been selected for an REU at the University of Central Florida. 

Marking will engage in advanced research and scientific training in a program known for preparing undergraduates for graduate-level study and careers in research-intensive fields.

Those interested in pursuing placement in a future REU should reach out to the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs by visiting research.mtsu.edu, the Undergraduate Research Center at urc.mtsu.edu, and the Honors College at honors.mtsu.edu. 

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)