Cassidy Soard, a chemistry major, spent the last 10 weeks of summer at the University of Mississippi.

From May 30-Aug. 9, Soard worked on and presented her research at Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).

About the REU

Soard worked with Dr. Davita Watkins, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, to develop NIR nanopolymers via electropolymerization.

Soard hopes this will lead to a safer form of bioimaging.

Before the REU, Soard didn’t have much experience in a lab. That quickly changed.

“The REU taught me so much,” Soard said. “I entered the lab with no knowledge of organic chemistry or experience in synthesis.”

At the end of the REU, Soard presented on the research she worked on.

What is an REU?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds universities to work with undergraduate research in a variety of subjects, including chemistry.

REUs let faculty mentors bring in 12 students from around the United States to mentor and work on research for eight weeks during the summer. These students are among the best chemistry majors in the country.