REU Program

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
IDEA Incubator for Porous Materials: Integrating Discovery, Engineering and Art 

The IDEA Incubator is an exciting program that seeks to nurture innovations in porous materials by ‘Integrating Discovery, Engineering and Art’ (IDEA). We invite talented students from diverse backgrounds to participate in a 10-week immersive experience at the University of Kansas, conducting semi-independent research and team-based learning.  To learn more about the program and details on applying, see our flyer below or visit the full website at https://idea-incubator.org/ and the CPE department website at https://cpe.ku.edu/reu.

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REU IDEA Incubator

REU Researchers who worked in the Shiflett Research Group are shown below.

Abby Harders
Rising Senior studying Chemistry and Mathematical Sciences at Bethel College in Newton, KS.

What is your research this summer focused on?

I am researching the solubilities of R-32 (difluoromethane) and R-125 (pentafluoroethane) in ionic liquids in order to recycle the component with the lower global warming potential (R-32) from the component with a high global warming potential (R-125) in the refrigerant mixture R-410a. 

What do you hope to take from this REU experience? How will this summer help attain your goals?

My purpose for participating in this REU program is to open doors for obtaining a PhD in Chemical Engineering. Although my majors are in math and chemistry, I am passionate about research and chemical engineering and want to continue this research in graduate school. I aspire to attend the University of Kansas and continue working with Dr. Shiflett. This program has given me an opportunity to prove myself as a dedicated researcher and scientist.

What is your favorite thing about Lawrence & KU? What fun activities have you enjoyed so far?

My favorite thing about Lawrence is the variety of food options down town. I also have started practicing yoga at Westside Yoga which I thoroughly enjoy.

Sierra Staatz
Rising Sophomore studying Chemical Engineering and Biological Engineering at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.

What is your research this summer focused on?

My project investigates separating contaminants from natural gas, specifically nitrogen. To create an effective molecular sieve, I study the characteristics of zeolites in different cation compositions to observe if they would be effective in gas separation.

What do you hope to take from this REU experience? How will this summer help attain your goals?

This research has been a wonderful experience because it has shown me how there is more than meets the eye in our world. Within Chemical Engineering, there are a large range of opportunities to research that are extremely fascinating, but I did not see that until KU’s REU. This REU has not just helped understanding of research, but it has also boosted my curiosity and given myself the confidence to fulfill that desire.

What is your favorite thing about Lawrence & KU? What fun activities have you enjoyed so far?

I like bonding with the other REU students. My favorite thing about Lawrence is all of the trails available to explore and beautiful scenery.