MidAmerica Nazarene University is celebrating another milestone in its growing reputation in STEM education. For the third year in a row, MNU science students have earned highly competitive Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) placements—prestigious summer research opportunities funded by the National Science Foundation.
This summer, junior Daisy Orozco, a biology and chemistry major minoring in mathematics and physics from Copperas Cove, Texas, will join the Chemistry REU Program at the University of Kansas. Meanwhile, Avery Ferguson, a sophomore chemistry and kinesiology major from Olathe, Kansas, has secured a coveted spot in the Chemistry REU at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA).
At KU, Daisy will work with Dr. Timothy Jackson, chemistry department chair and leader of The Jackson Research Group’s bioinorganic lab.
“I feel incredibly honored to have the opportunity to participate in an REU,” Daisy says. “I can’t wait to immerse myself in the lab and soak up all the new information that comes my way.”
Avery’s research at UTSA will also be in a bioinorganic lab where she will work to produce and analyze metal compounds designed to imitate and study the behaviors of enzymes in the body.
“I’m hopeful that this experience will not only inspire me but also provide clarity and direction as I consider a future career in chemistry research,” Avery says. “I am incredibly grateful for the chance to grow both academically and professionally, and I’m looking forward to contributing to valuable research this summer!”
Both students will be paired with faculty mentors whose research aligns with their interests. Their REU experiences will not only build technical skills but also give them a competitive edge for graduate school and future careers in scientific research.
Barkman Endowed Professor in Chemistry, Dr. Chelsea Comadoll, is excited to be placing two more students into chemistry REU programs this summer. “This is the third straight summer that our department has placed students into REU Programs, and I could not be more thrilled that these two are continuing to carry the torch. Daisy and Avery are two of our department’s top underclassmen, who have been working as research assistants with me at MNU for over a year. They have incredibly bright futures and will represent MNU very well this summer.”
MNU’s continued success in preparing students for top-tier research programs highlights the strength of its STEM education—and the passions of its future scientists.
