Biobased Products and Technologies Hub

2026 USDA-NIFA Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site

Principal Investigators and affiliations:

• PI: Dr. Felipe Anaya, The University of Kansas
  
• Funded: $104,000
  
• Start Date: 1/1/2026
  
• End Date: 8/30/2026

Objectives

1. Engage undergraduates in research projects related to biofuels and biobased products.
2. Train students on how to develop a sense of scale.
3. Promote innovative thinking and improve science communication skills.
4. Provide a learning environment that helps prepare undergraduates for future careers in science and engineering (e.g., academia, national labs, industry, and startups).
5. Evaluate the effect of the REU experience on undergraduate student outcomes.

Expected Project Outcomes

This REU program will combine existing faculty expertise in research and a track record of undergraduate student mentoring with a well-established REU infrastructure to provide impactful research training to undergraduate researchers in projects related to biofuels, biobased products, and technologies.