From new researchers to lifelong Bostonites, the 2026 REU cohort made the most of their summer experience in and out of their BU labs.
By Danny Giancioppo | Photos by Danny Giancioppo and Kelly Peña
Following one of our largest cohort years to date, 21 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) participants entered this summer with a diversity of prior research experience. This year, our REUs were split into two different program focuses: Integrated Nanomanufacturing (INM), led by Professor Xin Zhang; and Translational Biophotonics (TBP), led by Professor Darren Roblyer.
As with every year, the REUs are exposed to not only top-of-the-line research, but the city of Boston and its many charms. From walking the Charles River esplanade to exploring Faneuil Hall, this year’s cohort was enchanted by what our home city has to offer, informing many of them of the benefits to becoming a full-time student at Boston University, should they seek a graduate degree.
At the start of the program year, we asked the REUs what they were looking forward to, what prior research experiences they may have had, and what goals they sought to achieve in the next ten weeks. At the end of the semester, we checked in again to see how their program went, and what lessons they took away from their research at Boston University.
Let’s hear from them!
What Drew You to This REU Program?
Grant Baker: I am very interested in the intersection of biology and photonics, but unfortunately there are no labs at my university doing research in this area.
James Fasy: The research really aligned with my interests and I love Boston.
Khloe Nguyen: Boston University is my top choice for transferring. As I approached the end of my first year of community college, I knew I had to get myself here–even if it’s just for the summer. I also respect BU’s rigorous learning environment and their emphasis on interdisciplinary research.
Angie Lam: I had a friend mention this program and she encouraged me to apply. The project I got into was really interesting as well, something I’ve never dived deep into, so it’ll be a fun journey.
What are You Most Looking Forward to Doing in the Lab This Summer?
Lenny Castillo: Overall, I hope to gain deeper understanding of the research process and become more confident working independently in a laboratory setting. I want to strengthen my technical, analytical, and scientific communication skills. I also hope this experience helps me prepare for graduate studies and a future career in neuroengineering and biomedical research.
Kamryn Higa: I am most looking forward to just talking with my mentor and the rest of the lab to absorb any and all advice they can give me whether that be lab techniques or career pathways or just life advice in general!
Boubacar Diallo: I am most looking forward to learning about photolithography, chips, and semiconductors. This will give me the foundational skills to enter the chip industry, if that is what I decide down the line.
Michael Flores: I’m looking forward to meeting the professor and graduate students, learning what life is like in a Ph.D program, and participating in interesting research. I’m also looking forward to graduate school seminars and to experience life in Boston.
Have You Been to Boston Before? What are You Hoping to do This Summer?
Katelyn Fu: Nope! I want to see everything, I’ve never been to the east coast.
Samantha Gauthier: No I have not! I am hoping to explore as many things as I can. I want to attend some concerts and try new foods.
Andrew Alden: I last visited Boston almost 10 years ago, seeing my grandparents. This summer, I hope to spend more time with them, while exploring the Cambridge area of the city, specifically Harvard and MIT.
Isha Goyal: I have been to Boston several times before and I am hoping to just make some new friends through the REU programing and find other people that are passionate about research.
Photonics Center faculty, graduate students, and alumni filled the REUs program run with seminars and learning opportunities within the Center and beyond, including facility tours, hands-on trainings, and seminars going over graduate school, industry innovations, and the translational aspect of research.
Following ten weeks of programming, REUs––alongside this year’s RETs and NTU students––present the cumulation of their laboratory research in a poster session to the Photonics Center community, where their hard work and growth is celebrated!
While these ten weeks can seem to fly by, each REU does an amazing amount of work, and leaves with a new perspective on their future and its many possibilities.
How do You Feel the Program Went?
Sophie Golanov: My favorite assignment was probably taking 2P images. The fact that I had access and the ability to learn and use 2 photon microscopes was incredibly exciting. [The REU] helped me narrow down my own interests in research, and I have found greater motivation for what I want to do in research.
Cyrus Ngan: I enjoyed working with the nonlinear microscopy system. While the calibration procedure seemed extensive at times, it was quite satisfying to see the expected signals pop up on the screen once everything was aligned. The REU program went beyond my expectations. It struck the perfect balance between high-caliber lab work and practical lessons in professional skills, such as networking and communication.
Arianna Roland: I feel like the REU program went really well. It wasn’t what I was anticipating at all in the best ways possible. My favorite bit of research was learning about the pneumatics mechanic and actuators.
Ohunayo Adewumi: The REU program was a really rewarding experience and exceeded my expectations. I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to work quite independently while still receiving guidance from my mentors.
What was Your Favorite Lab or Learning Experience?
Erik Camper: I liked the small lectures that my mentor and PI would give me on how to be a better engineer. One of the most important lessons was how to organize tasks. It helped me a lot with project management.
Joshua Maroney: Testing print diameters with the smallest nozzle. The lines were so cute!
Orcun “OJ” Pekacar: I enjoyed a smaller project we started exploring in which we are seeing if implementing a new material into our silicone matrix makes it better to use in the robot. It is still ongoing but we have conducted some preliminary tests.
What was Your Favorite Thing to do in the City?
Kiana Coles: I had a great summer in Boston. I enjoyed exploring a new part of the city every weekend, and I particularly enjoyed the esplanade.
Manali Catherine Ghurye: [Boston] is just Houston in a different font. A walkable, maybe more safe Houston. My favorite thing to do was probably paint pottery at The Clayroom. Studio fee was $10, bowl was $26 […] Lovely experience.
Kamryn Higa:
