Alumni

Former Participants

Since its inception in 1987, the NSF-sponsored KU Chemistry REU Program has hosted over 300 undergraduates from Universities & Colleges across the US. They've been joined by numerous undergraduate researchers from KU and other schools.

Scroll down for information about each summer cohort.

2025 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Aubrey Brown NSF CHE-2349329	Carthage College, Kenosha, WI	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas starting Fall 2026
Ashleigh Caldwell NSF CHE-2349329	Murray State University, Murray, KY	Michael Johnson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas starting Fall 2026
Raina Fair Landgrebe Scholar	University of Kansas	Misha Barybin	Expects to graduate in May 2027
Ellison Gee	University of Kansas	Steve Soper	BS Mechanical Engineering (2026)
Austin Groth NSF CHE‐2349329	Midwestern State University, TX	Steve Soper	BS Chemistry and Math (2026)
Autumn Harris NSF CHE-2349329	Langston University, Langston, OK	Meredith Hartley	Expects to graduate in May 2027
Patryk Hupert KU Glover Scholar	University of Kansas	Sue Lunte	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Washington starting Fall 2026
Spencer Moffitt NSF CHE-2349329	Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH	Rebecca Whelan	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry in Europe starting Fall 2026
Jamie Neumann NSF CHE-2349329	University of Wisconsin Eau Claire	Aaron Teator	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis starting Fall 2026
Daisy Orozco NSF CHE-2349329	MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, KS	Tim Jackson	BS Chemistry and Biology (2026)
Jermiah Polk NSF CHE‐2349329	Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX	Jon Tunge	BS Biochemistry (2026)
Keimarya Rivera NSF CHE-2349329	Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA	Cindy Berrie	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Tennessee, Knoxville starting Fall 2026
Landon Scott NSF CHE-2349329	Baker University, Baldwin, KS	Ward Thompson	BS Chemistry (2026)
Lily Tackett KU Glover Scholar	University of Kansas	Rebecca Whelan	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill starting Fall 2026
William Viator NSF CHE-2349329	Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA	Manar Shoshani	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Texas A&M University starting Fall 2026

2024 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Braden Allphin NSF CHE-2349329	Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS	Steve Soper	Pursuing PhD in Biochemistry at Kansas State U.
Roberto Aponte NSF CHE-2349329	Pontifical Catholic University, Ponce PR	Jon Tunge
Chase Courbot	University of Kansas	Chris Elles	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at NC State
Audrey Davis NSF CHE-2349329	Drury University, Springfield, MO	Ward Thompson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Purdue University
Dylan Ford NSF CHE‐1950293	Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA	Tim Jackson	Manufacturing Associate at KBI Biopharma (Durham, NC)
Emily Gordon NSF CHE-2349329	Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO	Cindy Berrie	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Sophie Juliana NSF CHE-2349329	Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO	Meredith Hartley	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Birendra Karki	Maryville University, St. Louis, MO	Chris Elles
Mike Kim Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas	Heather Desaire	Pursuing MD at KU School of Medicine (Starting Fall 2026)
Jonah Ludiker	University of Kansas	Brian Laird
Darya Moiny	University of Kansas	Rachael Farber	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Texas, Austin (starting FA26)
Trisha Nair	University of Kansas	Rebecca Whelan	Pursuing MD at University of Kansas School of Medicine
Neel Patel NSF CHE-2349329	University of Tennessee, Chattanooga	Rachael Farber
Jeshua Ruiz NIH U-RISE (5 T34 GM 145525-02)	University of Puerto Rico, Humacao	Aaron Teator
Rene Sabala NSF CHE-2349329	California State University, Chico	Misha Barybin	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Ibrahim Sufi	University of Kansas	Ward Thompson	Senior at KU
Colleen Thach	University of Kansas	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Brown U. (starting FA25)
Aidan Thomas NSF CHE-2349329	Mid‐America Nazarene University, Olathe KS	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Karissa Wilson NSF CHE-2349329	Bethel College, North Newton, KS	Michael Johnson

2023 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Broxterman, Claire	Bethel College, North Newton KS	Paul Hanson	Pursuing MD at KU-Wichita
Elliott, Ashlynn NSF CHE‐1950293	State University, Lake Charles LA	Meredith Hartley	Pursuing PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at KU
Ferris, Bridget NSF CHE‐1950293	Austin College, Sherman TX	Ward Thompson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Washington U. in St. Louis
Fore, Kathryn NSF CHE‐1950293	Le Tourneau University, Longview TX	Rachael Farber	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Florida State U.
Graf, Gabriel NSF CHE‐1950293	Austin College, Sherman TX	Tim Jackson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Duke University
Herrera, Gabriella N SF CHE‐1950293	Southwestern College, Winfield, KS	Rebecca Whelan	Research Assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kearney, Jodie KU/DCU Exchange	Dublin City University, Dublin Ireland	Mike Johnson	Pursuing PhD in Neuropharmacology at University College Dublin
Lin, Tan NSF CHE‐1950293	Appalachian State University, Boone NC	Jon Tunge	Officer Candidate - US Navy
Moro, Nathalie NSF CHE‐1950293	Cameron University, Lawton OK	Cindy Berrie	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Baylor University
Oyebadejo, Anjolaoluwa (Favour) Richter Grant (Hanover)	Hannover College, Hanover IN	Minae Mure
Paranjothi, Cecilia Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at CalTech
Shippy, Reagan	University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MO	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Surtan, Javan NSF CHE‐1950293	Mid‐America Nazarene University, Olathe KS	Steve Soper	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Weghorn, Carben NSF CHE‐1950293	University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, La Crosse W	Misha Barybin	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU
Will, Matthew NSF CHE‐1950293	John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR	Aaron Teator	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Duke University

2022 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Eleazar Abraham Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Teruna Siahaan	Pursuing PhD in Cancer Biology & Genomics at U. Southern California
Jaina Bemis NSF CHE-1950293	Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau MO	Aaron Teator	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Claire Broxterman NSF CHE-1950293	Bethel College, North Newton KS	Paul Hanson	Pursing MD at KU-Wichita
Nathanael (Ian) Campbell NSF CHE-1950293	Hendrix College, Conway AR	Ward Thompson	Software Developer
Michel Evertsen NSF CHE-1950293	Grand View University, Des Moines IA	Meredith Hartley	Inside Sales Manager at Eurofins Nutritional Analysis Center (Des Moines, IA)
Brian Faintich Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Marco Caricato	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at U. Chicago
Natalie Lind NSF CHE-1950293	Fort Lewis College, Durango CO	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Brandon Nguyen	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Tim Jackson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at UC Berkeley
Kelise Reddish NSF CHE-1950293	Clayton State University, Morrow GA	Misha Barybin	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Russell Rhoads NSF CHE-1950293	University of St. Mary, Leavenworth KS	Heather Desaire	Staff Scientist at ARA (Albuquerque, NM)
Audrey Rips‐Goodwin KINBRE	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Lisa Sharpe‐Elles/Tera Fazzino	Pursuing PhD in Computational Neuroscience at Washington U (St. Louis)
Ian Smith NSF CHE-1950293	Bradley University, Peoria IL	Jon Tunge	Associate Chemist at Veloxity Labs (Peoria, IL)
Isabel Solowiej NSF CHE-1950293	Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OH	Paul Hanson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Michigan
Jamie Somers KU/DCU Exchange	Dublin City University, Dublin Ireland	Chris Elles	Pursuing PhD in Physics at Trinity College Dublin
Nyla Weatherington NSF CHE-1950293	Alabama State University, Montgomery AL	Steven Soper	Research Associate at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (Huntsville, AL)
Gavin Wolfmule NSF CHE-1950293	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Sue Lunte	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Purdue University

2021 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Bartlett, Elizabeth NSF CHE-1950293	College of Saint Benedict St. Joseph Minnesota	Ward Thompson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Benitez, Gabriel NSF CHE-1950293	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction Colorado	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Applied Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines
Campbell, Nicholas NSF CHE-1950293	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville Georgia	Meredith Hartley	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Florida
Castaneda, Robert	University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas	Chris Elles	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of North Carolina
Chua, Aleesa NSF CHE-1950293	Colorado College Colorado Springs Colorado	Heather Desaire	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Cosner, Emma Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at CalTech
Dopp, Claire Beckman Scholarship	University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas	James Blakemore	MS Chemistry 2024 (University of Rochester)
Faintich, Brian Landgrebe Scholarship	University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas	Misha Barybin	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Chicago
Foley, Mac	Newman University Wichita Kansas	Carey Johnson	Planning to attend Dental School
Gideon, Anthony NSF CHE-1950293	Clayton State University Morrow Georgia	Misha Barybin	Biochemist at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories - Planning PhD studies starting Fall 2024.
Goeks, Julia NSF CHE-1950293	Ripon College Ripon Wisconsin	Chris Elles	MS Materials Science & Engineering (2023) U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Gordon, Mattalyn NSF CHE-1950293	University of Central Arkansas Conway Arkansas	Steven Soper	MS Chemistry (2025) University of Kansas
Lininger, Alec NSF CHE-1560279	Rockhurst University Kansas City Missouri	Paul Hanson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
McEntee, Caitlin NSF0077087	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville Missouri	David Weis	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Noga, Sarah Beckman Scholar	University of Kansas Lawrence Kansas	Joanna Slusky	Pursuing PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sanford, Grace NSF CHE-1560279	University of Saint Mary Leavenworth Kansas	Tim Jackson	Pursuing JD at Washburn University School of Law
Smith, Emma NSF CHE-1950293	Bethel University Saint Paul Minnesota	Jon Tunge	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Yale University

2019 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Adelaide, Darragh KU/DCU Exchange	Dublin City University, Dublin Ireland	Mei He	County Councilor, Dublin
Anderson, Micah NSF- CHE 1560279	Jackson State University, Jackson Mississippi	James Blakemore	PharmD (2024) UMKC
Barybin, Anton	University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas	Sue Lunte	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at MIT
Gonzalez, Phasin NSF-CHE 1560279	Stetson University, Deland Florida	Steven Soper	MD (2024)
Feden, Lauren NSF-CHE 1560279	Hastings College, Hastings Nebraska	Misha Barybin	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Minnesota
Grande, Ashley	University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas	David Weis	BS Chemistry (2021). Current: Sterility Assurance Validation Associate at Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Bloomington, IN)
Hendricks, Dylan NSF-CHE 1710613	Northwestern College, Orange City Iowa	Carey Johnson	MS (2023) U. Iowa College of Public Health
Hessefort, Logan NSF-CHE 1560279	University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg Missouri	Tim Jackson	PhD Chemistry (2025) Arizona State U. - Currently Founder of Stealth Startup.
Hunt, Christian NSF-CHE 1560279	Southern Nazarene University, Bethany Oklahoma	Cindy Berrie	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Oklahoma State U.
Joseph, Khayla NSF-CHE 1560279	Tabor College, Hillsboro Kansas	Kristin Bowman-James	Research Technician at UT Southwestern Med. Ctr.
Landry, Patrick NSF-CHE 1560279	Louisiana Tech University, Ruston Louisiana	Ward Thompson	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Lynam, Delaney NSF-CHE 1560279	Northwest Missouri State, Maryville Missouri	Marco Caricato	Pursuing master's in music performance at University of Nebraska - Omaha
McQuillan, Tara NSF-CHE 1560279	University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth Kansas	Jon Tunge	PhD in Neuroscience (2025) University of Kansas Medical Center
Negron, Samantha NSF-CHE 1560279	California State University, San Marcos California	Sue Lunte
Plouch, Eleda NSF-CHE 1560279	Hope College, Holland Michigan	Paul Hanson	PhD Chemistry (2025) Emory University. Currently Patent Scientific Advisor at Smith Gambrell Russell
Snyder, Alexa NSF-CHEM 1710613 & NSF-CHEM 1560613	Augustana University, Sioux Falls South Dakota	Carey Johnson	PhD Biochemistry (2025) Emory U. School of Medicine
Stiel, Jonah KU Beckman Scholar	University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas	James Blakemore	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at UC Irvine
Super, Jon Salary Release Funds 2112009-099	University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas	Jon Tunge	Pursuing PhD in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill
Vander Laan, Katherine	University of Kansas, Lawrence Kansas	Marco Caricato

2017 Participants

Name/Funding	School	Mentor	Status
Arvidson, Jacob	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Misha Barybin	PhD Chemistry (2023)- University of North Texas.
Borkowski, Ashley NSF CHE-1560279	Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville GA	Cindy Berrie	PhD Chemistry (2023) University of Kansas - Currently Postdoc at Argonne National Lab
Craven, Mark	Dublin City University, Dublin Ireland	Kristin Bowman-James	PhD Pharm. Chem. (2024) - University of Kansas - Current - postdoc at KUMC
Davis, Cara (Loomis)	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Audrey Lamb	PhD Biol. Chem. (2024) U. Michigan Medical School
Eades, Austin NSF CHE-1560279	Fort Lewis College, Durango CO	Michael Rubin	PhD Cancer Biology (2024) U. Kansas Medical Center
Gavin, Sarah EPSCoR	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Hui Zhao	BS Physics (2018), University of Kansas
Guadalupe, Karina NSF CHE-1560279	California State University, San Marcos CA	Carey Johnson	PhD Biochemistry (2025) - University of California, Merced
Harmon, Whitney	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Chris Elles	PhD Chemistry (2023) University of Iowa - Current Postdoc at Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Keister, Mattea (Miller) Beckman Scholar	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Lisa Timmons	MD (2024) Johns Hopkins SOM.
King, Daniel NSF CHE-1560279	St. Olaf College, Northfield MN	James Blakemore	MS (2020) U. Minnesota; PhD Chemistry (2024) U. Chicago
Maldonado, David NSF CHE-1560279	U. Texas Permian Basin, Odessa TX	Misha Barybin	Pursuing MD at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara
Neal, Trevor NSF CHE-1560279	Westminster College, Fulton MO	Brian Laird	BA Chemistry and Physics (2018). Current: Owner at Agoge Training Body and Mind
Rivera, Travis NSF CHE-1560279	Worcester State University, Worcester MA	Tim Jackson	R&D Technician at Incom Corporation, Boston area
Kyler, Ross NSF CHE-1560279	Southern Nazarene University, Bethany OK	Caricato/Kuczera	BS Chemistry 2018. Current: Senior Associate Scientist at EMD Electronics (Tamaqua, PA)
Schoneich, Sonia	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Sue Lunte	PhD Chemistry (2023) University of Washington
Stewart-Jones, Eleanor	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Tim Jackson	PhD Chemistry (2025) Yale University
Uhlir, Rachel NSF CHE-1560279	University of Mary, Bismarck ND	Yong Zeng	MS Chemistry (2021) St. Louis University. Current: Math/Science Teacher at Chesterton Academy of St. Louis.
Vasquez, Bryan	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Mario Rivera	Senior Assoc. Scientist at Catalent Pharma Solutions
Walker, Nicole NSF CHE-1560279	Western Illinois University, Macomb IL	Michael Johnson
Wood, Zachary	University of Kansas, Lawrence KS	Misha Barybin	PhD Chemistry (2024) U. Southern California. Current: Senior Analytical Scientist at DOD Technologies

View More Past Participants