Conference: 2026 BIO-REU Principal Investigator Virtual Meeting

The conference will convene directors of Biology Research Experiences for Undergraduates (BIO-REU) sites for a one day virtual workshop hosted by the University of Wyoming. BIO-REU sites promote STEM workforce development by training cohorts of undergraduates in a summer program of research and professional development. The goal is to strengthen the quality and impact of BIO-REU sites by bringing together site directors to share experiences. The workshop, organized by the BIO-REU Leadership Council, will facilitate sharing of best practices for all aspects of a successful BIO-REU site from student recruitment to research and cohort professional development. Participants will engage in interactive sessions and breakout discussions that highlight effective practices for training students from all backgrounds and regions, including those with limited or no prior research experience. A post event summary synthesizing best practices will be disseminated to the BIO-REU community, extending the workshop’s reach and supporting continuous improvement across REU Sites. The conference is expected to contribute to the training of the future US STEM workforce by identifying ways in which site directors can enhance the effectiveness of BIO-REU sites. This project advances NSF’s priority in Biotechnology.

This virtual workshop aims to enhance the implementation and assessment of NSF funded Biology REU Sites by providing Program Directors with updated guidance, shared resources, and structured opportunities for peer exchange. The workshop’s technical goals include refining strategies for recruiting and selecting cohorts of undergraduate researchers; strengthening mentoring frameworks that support student learning, research skill development, and STEM identity formation; improving approaches to teaching quantitative reasoning and data driven biological inquiry; reinforcing best practices in responsible conduct of research; and advancing effective communication of scientific results to varied audiences. The workshop will employ a combination of plenary presentations, facilitated breakout groups, case study discussions, and collaborative problem solving sessions. Content will draw on current research in undergraduate biology education and STEM workforce development. The BIO-REU Leadership Council will lead sessions that integrate program evaluation data, emerging trends in biological research training, and community identified needs. Expected outcomes include a synthesized set of best practices, a curated resource list, and recommendations for strengthening program coherence and student support across BIO-REU Sites. By improving the design and delivery of undergraduate research experiences, the workshop will contribute to national efforts to expand participation in STEM and to prepare students for graduate training and careers in biological research, biotechnology, and related fields.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Award Number: 2619097
Principal Investigator: Camellia Okpodu
Funds Obligated: $35,394
State: WY