From reducing greenhouse gases to tracking asteroids and studying “forever chemicals,” student researchers shared the results of a summer’s worth of scientific discovery during East Texas A&M University’s annual Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Symposium on Aug. 6.

Classrooms in the Science Building were filled with faculty members, family, friends and fellow students as participants in the university’s National Science Foundation-funded summer REU programs presented original research in chemistry, biochemistry, physics and astronomy. Hallways were lined with research posters, and attendees engaged presenters with thoughtful questions following each presentation.

The symposium marked the culmination of 10 weeks of faculty-mentored research. Student projects explored topics including removing heavy metals from wastewater using algae-derived materials, developing sensors for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), creating materials for organic solar cells, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through methane reforming, studying asteroid rotation, analyzing exoplanets and investigating white dwarf stars. Throughout the presentations, students acknowledged the support of the National Science Foundation, East Texas A&M and their faculty advisors.

The event included remarks from Dr. Mustafa Mashal, incoming vice president for research and economic development, and his predecessor, Dr. Brent Donham. Both emphasized the importance of undergraduate research and encouraged students to continue pursuing opportunities to advance scientific knowledge.

“This year’s symposium was well attended with a lot of family members showing up to support,” said Dr. Ben Jang, Regents Professor of chemistry. “The symposium was a great success.”

Jang said the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry worked to recruit participants into East Texas A&M’s degree programs, with two students already committed to enrolling this fall and others considering future enrollment.

In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dr. Kent Montgomery praised the work of community college student Caysen Mayo, whose asteroid research will contribute to a paper being submitted to the Minor Planet Bulletin.

“Caysen was an outstanding REU student,” Montgomery said. “He quickly learned the techniques and procedures for collecting and analyzing astronomical data. Getting published as an undergraduate is a great accomplishment, and he should be proud of the work he did this summer.”

For students considering careers in chemistry, physics, astronomy, engineering and other STEM fields, the symposium offered a glimpse of the research opportunities available at East Texas A&M. By working alongside faculty mentors on real-world scientific challenges, students gain hands-on experience presenting their discoveries while contributing to projects with the potential to advance knowledge in their fields.