2026 REU Community
Overview
In 2026, as part of the Iowa State University Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, we sponsored three undergraduate research interns, all of whom aspire to a future career as STEM educators. The REU experience provides opportunities for these students to engage in a hands-on research project with RegenPGC faculty mentors and members of the RegenPGC Graduate Education Community.
2026 Research experience for undergraduates
- Dr. Ken Moore
Performance of Short and Tall Stature Maize in Perennial Groundcover
Alex Haus – Wartburg College
Research Goal: Our goal was to determine the yield between short-stage and tall-stage corn with perennial ground cover.
What was the biggest takeaway from your research experience? My biggest takeaway is that you can’t go into something thinking you already know what you are learning, and that’s what I did this year since I did the same fieldwork last year. I was so confident in what I was going to do and then was confused when we did new things.
Why did you spend the summer with the RET Program? I decided to spend my time at this program again because I loved the connections I made last year, and I wanted to do it again. I thought it would be a good idea to keep learning for upcoming classroom teaching and to get ideas from other qualified teachers.
Why do you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher to be another male role model in the classroom and make an impact on kids’ lives.
Brief Bio. I grew up in Charles City, Iowa, and I am currently living in Waverly while attending Wartburg College, where I am a second-year student working toward a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in middle school math, science, and coaching. This is my second year participating in this internship, and I have gained experience working with elementary and middle school students, especially in math and science. Outside of school, I enjoy fishing, going to the gym, and staying active by going on walks and runs with friends. One interesting fact about me is that I ran a half marathon this May.
- Richard Roth
HOW DO SULFUR AND CEREAL RYE AFFECT EARLY CORN AND SOYBEAN Growth
Kaylee Johnson – University of Northern Arizona
Research Goal: How farmers and scientists know how their work can be affected every day. We may have an idea, but we never know until we try it.
What was the biggest takeaway from your research experience? What was the biggest takeaway from your research experience? My biggest takeaway is to expect the unexpected. You may not always know the answer, but it doesn’t mean you have failed. Why did you spend the summer with the RET Program? I wanted to see how science can play a part in a mathematical classroom. I also wanted to see how I can implement different classroom norms in the future.
Why did you spend the summer with the RET Program?I wanted to see how science can play a part in a mathematical classroom. I also wanted to see how I can implement different classroom norms in the future.
Why do you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher because I want to inspire students to discover that learning can be fun and meaningful. I hope to make a positive difference in the classroom by creating an environment where every student feels accepted, valued, and supported. I want my students to understand the importance of education while also developing a genuine love for learning that will stay with them beyond the classroom.
Brief Bio. I am currently a junior at Northern Arizona University studying Mathematics and Secondary Education with the goal of becoming a high school math teacher. I grew up in Gilbert and later moved to Flagstaff to attend college. Alongside school, I am also a licensed hairstylist and enjoy doing hair part-time while pursuing my degree. I recently began my practicum experience, where I have worked in both science and math classrooms, which has strengthened my passion for teaching and working with students.
Outside of academics and work, I enjoy watching movies and TV shows, working out, and spending quality time with friends and family. Something unexpected about me is that even though I am a huge math enthusiast, geometry is actually my least favorite area of math.
Dr. Raj Raman
Comparative analysis of cover crop and perennial groundcover establishment – RHb, Cereal Rye, and Field Management Interactions
Preston Marrable – North Carolina Ag & Tech University
Research Goal: Conduct a germination study on cereal rye seeds.
What was the biggest takeaway from your research experience? I learned to be more precise and take the lead on certain initiatives in my lab and with co-workers.
Why did you spend the summer with the RET Program? I decided to participate in the RET/REU program this summer to actively expand my horizons, explore new opportunities, and enhance my undergraduate experience.
Why do you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher to be another male role model in the classroom and make an impact on kids’ lives.
Brief Bio. I grew up in Los Angeles while moving around Southern California as a kid. I currently live in North Carolina, and I attend North Carolina Ag & Tech State University as a rising junior. My favorite subjects are English and History. My personal hobbies are cooking, exercise, and listening to music. Something unexpected about me is that I went to Japan last year, and I enjoyed every minute of it.