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. 

2024 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Braden Allphin NSF CHE-2349329Fort Hays State University, Hays, KSSteve SoperPursuing PhD in Biochemistry at Kansas State U. (starting FA25)
Roberto Aponte NSF CHE-2349329Pontifical Catholic University, Ponce PRJon Tunge 
Chase Courbot University of KansasChris EllesPursuing PhD in Chemistry at NC State (starting FA25)
Audrey Davis NSF CHE-2349329Drury University, Springfield, MOWard ThompsonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Purdue University
Dylan Ford NSF CHE‐1950293Ursinus College, Collegeville, PATim JacksonResearch Assoc. Synoligo Biotech, North Carolina.
Emily Gordon NSF CHE-2349329Colorado College, Colorado Springs, COCindy BerriePursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Sophie Juliana NSF CHE-2349329Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MOMeredith HartleyPursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Birendra KarkiMaryville University, St. Louis, MOChris Elles 
Mike Kim (Landgrebe Scholarship)University of KansasHeather DesaireSenior at KU
Jonah LudikerUniversity of KansasBrian LairdSenior at KU
Darya MoinyUniversity of KansasRachael FarberSenior at KU
Trisha NairUniversity of KansasRebecca WhelanPursuing MD (starting FA25)
Neel Patel NSF CHE-2349329University of Tennessee, ChattanoogaRachael Farber 
Jeshua Ruiz NIH U-RISE (5 T34 GM 145525-02)University of Puerto Rico, HumacaoAaron Teator 
Rene Sabala NSF CHE-2349329California State University, ChicoMisha BarybinPursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Ibrahim SufiUniversity of KansasWard ThompsonSenior at KU
Colleen ThachUniversity of KansasJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at Brown U. (starting FA25)
Aidan Thomas NSF CHE-2349329Mid‐America Nazarene University, Olathe KSJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Karissa Wilson NSF CHE-2349329Bethel College, North Newton, KSMichael Johnson 
Chem REU group photo of 2023 participants

2023 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Broxterman, Claire 2112707‐906Bethel College, North Newton KSPaul HansonPursuing MD at KU-Wichita starting Fall 2025
Elliott, Ashlynn  NSF CHE‐1950293State University, Lake Charles LAMeredith HartleyPursuing PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at KU
Ferris, Bridget NSF CHE‐1950293Austin College, Sherman TXWard ThompsonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Washington U. in St. Louis
Fore, Kathryn NSF CHE‐1950293Le Tourneau University, Longview TXRachael FarberPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Florida State U.
Graf, Gabriel NSF CHE‐1950293Austin College, Sherman TXTim JacksonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Duke University
Herrera, Gabriella NSF CHE‐1950293Southwestern College, Winfield, KSRebecca WhelanResearch Assistant at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Kearney, Jodie 2112703‐906Dublin City University, Dublin IrelandMike Johnson 
Lin, Tan NSF CHE‐1950293Appalachian State University, Boone NCJon Tunge 
Moro, Nathalie NSF CHE‐1950293Cameron University, Lawton OKCindy BerriePursuing PhD in Chemistry at Baylor University
Oyebadejo, Anjolaoluwa (Favour) 2112719 & Richter Grant (Hanover)Hannover College, Hanover INMinae Mure 
Paranjothi, Cecilia Landgrebe ScholarshipUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at CalTech (starting FA25)
Shippy, Reagan 2112008‐099University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MOJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Surtan, Javan NSF CHE‐1950293Mid‐America Nazarene University, Olathe KSSteve SoperPursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Weghorn, Carben NSF CHE‐1950293University of Wisconsin—La Crosse, La Crosse WMisha BarybinPursuing PhD in Chemistry at KU (starting FA25)
Will, Matthew NSF CHE‐1950293John Brown University, Siloam Springs, ARAaron TeatorPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Duke University
Chem REU group photo of 2022 participants

2022 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Eleazar Abraham
Landgrebe Scholarship
University of Kansas, Lawrence KSTeruna SiahaanPursuing PhD in Cancer Biology & Genomics at U. Southern California
Jaina Bemis
NSF CHE-1950293
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau MOAaron TeatorPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Claire Broxterman
NSF CHE-1950293
Bethel College, North Newton KSPaul HansonPursing MD at KU-Wichita starting Fall 2025
Nathanael (Ian) Campbell
NSF CHE-1950293
Hendrix College, Conway ARWard ThompsonSoftware Developer
Michel Evertsen
NSF CHE-1950293
Grand View University, Des Moines IAMeredith HartleyInside Sales Manager at Eurofins Nutritional Analysis Center (Des Moines, IA)
Brian Faintich
Landgrebe Scholarship
University of Kansas, Lawrence KSMarco CaricatoPursuing PhD in Chemistry at U. Chicago
Natalie Lind
NSF CHE-1950293
Fort Lewis College, Durango COJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Brandon Nguyen
 
University of Kansas, Lawrence KSTim JacksonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at UC Berkeley (starting Fall 2025)
Kelise Reddish
NSF CHE-1950293
Clayton State University, Morrow GAMisha BarybinPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Russell Rhoads
NSF CHE-1950293
University of St. Mary, Leavenworth KSHeather DesaireStaff Scientist at ARA (Albuquerque, NM)
Audrey Rips‐Goodwin
KINBRE Fellowship
University of Kansas, Lawrence KSLisa Sharpe‐Elles/Tera FazzinoPursuing PhD in Computational Neuroscience at Washington U (St. Louis)
Ian Smith
NSF CHE-1950293
Bradley University, Peoria ILJon TungeResearch Technician at Midwest Bioprocessing Center (Peoria, IL)
Isabel Solowiej
NSF CHE-1950293
Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, OHPaul HansonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Michigan
Jamie Somers
 
Dublin City University, Dublin IrelandChris EllesThird year Applied Physics major at DCU
Nyla Weatherington
NSF CHE-1950293
Alabama State University, Montgomery ALSteven SoperHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.  Plans to be a pediatrician.
Gavin Wolfmule
NSF CHE-1950293
University of Kansas, Lawrence KSSue LuntePursuing PhD in Chemistry at Purdue University
Chem REU group photo of 2021 participants

2021 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Bartlett, Elizabeth
NSF CHE-1950293
College of Saint Benedict
St. Joseph Minnesota
Ward ThompsonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Benitez, Gabriel
NSF CHE-1950293
Colorado Mesa University
Grand Junction Colorado
James BlakemorePursuing PhD in Applied Chemistry at Colorado School of Mines
Campbell, Nicholas
NSF CHE-1950293
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville Georgia
Meredith HartleyPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Florida
Castaneda, Robert
 
University of Kansas
Lawrence Kansas
Chris EllesPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of North Carolina
Chua, Aleesa
NSF CHE-1950293
Colorado College
Colorado Springs Colorado
Heather DesairePursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Cosner, Emma
Landgrebe Scholarship
University of Kansas
Lawrence Kansas
James BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at CalTech
Dopp, Claire
Beckman Scholarship
University of Kansas
Lawrence Kansas
James BlakemoreMS Chemistry 2024 (University of Rochester)
Faintich, Brian
Landgrebe Scholarship
University of Kansas
Lawrence Kansas
Misha BarybinPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Chicago
Foley, Mac
 
Newman University
Wichita Kansas
Carey JohnsonPlanning to attend Dental School
Gideon, Anthony
NSF CHE-1950293
Clayton State University
Morrow Georgia
Misha BarybinBiochemist at Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories - Planning PhD studies starting Fall 2024.
Goeks, Julia
NSF CHE-1950293
Ripon College
Ripon Wisconsin
Chris EllesMS Materials Science & Engineering (2023) U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Gordon, Mattalyn
NSF CHE-1950293
University of Central Arkansas
Conway Arkansas
Steven SoperMS Chemistry (2025) University of Kansas
Lininger, Alec
NSF CHE-1560279
Rockhurst University
Kansas City Missouri
Paul HansonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
McEntee, Caitlin
NSF0077087
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville Missouri
David WeisPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Kansas
Noga, Sarah
Beckman Scholarship
University of Kansas
Lawrence Kansas
Joanna Slusky  Seeking PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sanford, Grace
NSF CHE-1560279
University of Saint Mary
Leavenworth Kansas
Tim JacksonPursuing JD at Washburn University School of Law
Smith, Emma
NSF CHE-1950293
Bethel University
Saint Paul Minnesota
Jon TungePursuing PhD in Chemistry at Yale University
Chem REU 2019 participant in the lab

2019 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Adelaide, Darragh
NIH NIGMS P20GM1000372 /
Hamilton Access Scholarshop &
DCU/KU Lunte Prgm 2112703
Dublin City University, Dublin IrelandMei HeCounty Councilor, Dublin
Anderson, Micah
NSF- CHEM 1560279
Jackson State University, Jackson MississippiJames BlakemorePharmD (2024) UMKC
Barybin, Anton
Adams KUEA 32373-CLASDP0006
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasSue LuntePursuing PhD in Chemistry at MIT
Gonzalez, Phasin
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Stetson University, Deland FloridaSteven SoperMD (2024)
Feden, Lauren
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Hastings College, Hastings NebraskaMisha BarybinPursuing PhD in Chemistry at University of Minnesota
Grande, Ashley
NSF-CHEM
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasDavid WeisScientist at Simtra BioPharma Solutions (Bloomington, IN)
Hendricks, Dylan
NSF-CHEM 1710613 & NSF-CHEM 1560279
Northwestern College, Orange City IowaCarey JohnsonMS (2023) U. Iowa College of Public Health
Hessefort, Logan
NSF-CHEM 1560279
University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MissouriTim JacksonPhD Chemistry (2025) Arizona State U. - Currently Founder of Stealth Startup.
Hunt, Christian
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Southern Nazarene University, Bethany OklahomaCindy BerriePursuing PhD in Chemistry at Oklahoma State U.
Joseph, Khayla
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Tabor College, Hillsboro KansasKristin Bowman-JamesResearch Technician at UT Southwestern Med. Ctr.
Landry, Patrick
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston LouisianaWard ThompsonPursuing PhD in Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Lynam, Delaney
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Northwest Missouri State, Maryville MissouriMarco CaricatoPursuing master's in music performance at University of Nebraska - Omaha
McQuillan, Tara
NSF-CHEM 1560279
University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth KansasJon TungePhD in Neuroscience (2025) University of Kansas Medical Center
Negron, Samantha
NSF-CHEM 1560279
California State University, San Marcos CaliforniaSue Lunte 
Nguyen, Tyler
DCU/KU Lunte Exchange Program 2112703
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasBlanaid White 
Plouch, Eleda
NSF-CHEM 1560279
Hope College, Holland MichiganPaul HansonPhD 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 DakotaCarey JohnsonPhD Biochemistry (2025) Emory U. School of Medicine
Stiel, Jonah
KU Beckman Scholars Award 1000900
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasJames BlakemorePursuing PhD in Chemistry at UC Irvine
Super, Jon
Salary Release Funds 2112009-099
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasJon TungePursuing PhD in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill
Vander Laan, Katherine
NSF-CHEM
University of Kansas, Lawrence KansasMarco Caricato 

2017 Participants

Name/FundingSchoolMentorStatus
Arvidson, JacobUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSMisha BarybinPhD Chemistry (2023)- University of North Texas.  
Borkowski, AshleyGeorgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville GACindy BerriePhD Chemistry (2023) University of Kansas - Currently Postdoc at Argonne National Lab
Craven, MarkDublin City University, Dublin IrelandKristin Bowman-JamesPhD Pharm. Chem. (2024) - University of Kansas - Current - postdoc at KUMC
Davis, Cara (Loomis)University of Kansas, Lawrence KSAudrey LambPhD Biol. Chem. (2024) U. Michigan Medical School
Eades, AustinFort Lewis College, Durango COMichael RubinPhD Cancer Biology (2024) U. Kansas Medical Center
Gavin, SarahUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSHui ZhaoBS Physics (2018), University of Kansas
Guadalupe, KarinaCalifornia State University, San Marcos CACarey JohnsonPhD Biochemistry (2025) - University of California, Merced
Harmon, WhitneyUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSChris EllesPhD Chemistry (2023) University of Iowa - Current Postdoc at Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Keister, Mattea (Miller)University of Kansas, Lawrence KSLisa TimmonsMD (2024) Johns Hopkins SOM. 
King, DanielSt. Olaf College, Northfield MNJames BlakemoreMS (2020) U. Minnesota; PhD Chemistry (2024) U. Chicago
Lorenzo, EmmalineUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSBrian Kelleher (DCU)PhD Chemistry (2023) Northwestern U.
Maldonado, DavidUniversity of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa TXMisha Barybin 
Neal, TreavorWestminster College, Fulton MOBrian LairdPursuing BS in Aeronautial Engineering - M.U.S.T
Rivera, TravisWorcester State University, Worcester MATim JacksonR&D Technician at Incom Corporation, Boston area
Kyler, RossSouthern Nazarene University, Bethany OKCaricato/KuczeraLaboratory Technician at Versum Materials in Broken Arrow OK
Schoneich, SoniaUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSSue LuntePhD Chemistry (2023) University of Washington
Stewart-Jones, EleanorUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSTim JacksonPhD Chemistry (2025) Yale University
Uhlir, RachelUniversity of Mary, Bismarck NDYong ZengMS Chemistry (2021) St. Louis University
Vasquez, BryanUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSMario RiveraSenior Assoc. Scientist at Catalent Pharma Solutions
Walker, NicoleWestern Illinois University, Macomb ILMichael JohnsonSeeking PhD in Chemistry - University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Wood, ZacharyUniversity of Kansas, Lawrence KSMisha BarybinPhD Chemistry (2024) U. Southern California.  Current: Senior Analytical Scientist at DOD Technologies