The REU program at the Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University

Abstract

The Center of Biofilm Engineering (CBE) is a recently graduated Engineering Research Center (ERC). As an ERC, the CBE has hosted a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program for 11 years. Students and faculty at the CBE found the interaction with the students extremely rewarding, and the REU participants left the program with a new found confidence in their ability to conduct and present state of the art research at the university level. The goal of the CBE REU program is to excite undergraduate students about research, thereby encouraging their pursuit of a graduate education. The 10 week summer program facilitates a research experience for approximately eight undergraduate students from microbiology, plant and soil science, biology, pre-med, chemistry and engineering disciplines. Each student works under the direction of one or more mentors; a faculty member, research engineer, research associate, laboratory technician and/or a graduate student. In addition to the research, the participants receive training in technical presentations and writing.