Summer 2026 EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Experience Projects

The Iowa EPSCoR Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Network is now accepting proposals for Summer 2026 undergraduate research projects. This statewide program connects Iowa’s undergraduate institutions with the Chemurgy 2.0 initiative—an effort to build Iowa’s leadership in advanced biomanufacturing and applied biosciences.

Funded projects must align with Chemurgy 2.0 goals such as protein, vaccine, and biochemical manufacturing; biobased 3D printing and fabrication; or the integration of data science and artificial intelligence. Faculty at qualifying PUIs are invited to apply as mentors and host summer research experiences for undergraduate students.

Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens enrolled at participating PUIs are eligible to apply. Selected students will receive a $6,000 stipend plus housing allowance, with support for travel, research supplies, and conference participation.

Important Dates

• December 15, 2025: Student application opens
• January 31, 2026: Application deadline
• February 15, 2026: Materials forwarded to faculty
• March 1, 2026: Offers made to students
• Projects begin: May–July 2026

2026 Projects

• Molecular Studies of Respiratory Viral Proteins in Epithelial Membranes – Dordt University, Dr. Manuela Ayee-Leong
• Engineering Bacillus subtilis for Renewable Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis – Dordt University, Dr. Preeti Shinde
• Modeling Polymerization Using Dynamical Monte Carlo – University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Ali Tabei
• Non-Euclidean Machine Learning Models in Systems Biology – University of Northern Iowa, Dr. Aleksandar Poleksic
• Synthesis of Isatins through DMSO-Mediated Oxidation of Indigo – Central College, Dr. James Shriver
• Synthesis of Superabsorbent Polymers from Renewable Sources – Central College, Dr. Jay Wackerly

These projects provide undergraduates with hands-on research experiences that contribute to Iowa’s growing biomanufacturing and materials science ecosystem.

Faculty and students can submit proposals and supporting materials via the proposal form. Learn more about past summer research projects and faculty mentors here.