Kent State students receive awards for participating in SURE

Kent State University students had the opportunity to participate in the SURE program, which stands for Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, and 23 of the participating students received first-place awards for their research projects.

The SURE program is a summer research opportunity for undergraduate students at Kent State to engage in an eight-week faculty-guided research project while being employed, either full or part time, and receiving a stipend of $3,200 or $1,600 to help offset the costs of research and project supplies. Sponsored by Kent State University’s Division of Research and Economic Development, the program gives students the opportunity to hone in on their interests and career goals while being mentored by faculty and gaining valuable insight into their research. 

According to an article on Kent State University's website, the number of participants in this year’s program was up 50 students from last year. Of the 23 winners, seven of them were chosen to give presentations about their research and findings. 

These winners and their presentations were: Rachel Bricker, a senior studying applied mathematics, whose presentation was titled “Biophysics of Tightly Bent DNA;” Anna Anello, a senior studying computer science, whose presentation was titled “Haptic Mixed Reality Button Press for Parkinson’s Rehabilitation;” Francis Brunner, a senior studying fashion design, whose presentation was titled “It’s All Fluff - Sustainable Textile Development;” Olivia Eader, a senior studying environmental studies, partnered with Kalyn Reichling, a senior studying environmental conservation biology, whose presentation was titled Creativity and Place: The Impact of Environment on Imaginative Play;” Elinor Rayburn, a junior studying psychology, whose presentation was titled “Relations Between Computer Self Efficacy and Gender;” Kurt Binder, a senior studying enology, whose presentation was titled “Can You Save the World with A Chicken? Communal Compost Methods Comparison;” and Angele Nsoure-Engohang, a senior studying biology and pre-medicine.

Students who wish to take part in next year’s SURE program should apply online to be considered for the 2024 program. Students must be in good standing academically and have a faculty recommendation. 

Kent State University has an R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This is a highly esteemed research designation that Kent State University shares with other prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale.

For more information about Kent State University, visit the school’s website.