Clarkson University Receives $465K National Science Foundation Award for New REU Site on Advanced Sensing Technologies
Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Masudul Imtiaz and Visiting Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Silvana Andreescu have been awarded $464,923 by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Engineering Education and Centers. This funding will support the establishment of a new Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program titled Undergraduate Research in Sensor Development (Design, Manufacture, Analysis) and Implementation Pipeline (SDIP).
Sensors are increasingly used in everyday life, and the industry is experiencing significant growth and adoption by both public and private sectors. The Clarkson REU-SDIP will prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing industry. From 2025 to 2027, the program will host ten undergraduates each summer for a 10-week research experience, with a particular focus on students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This program will enhance students' ability to solve real-world problems and develop into independent researchers through cross-disciplinary training in sensing technologies,” said Imtiaz. “It will also improve students’ interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills through professional coaching and diverse presentation formats.”
Participants will engage in cutting-edge research and professional development activities in advanced sensing technologies, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address critical global challenges in fields such as public health, environmental monitoring, space exploration, defense, photonics, and electronics.
Students will be immersed in all aspects of sensor-related research, including conceptualization, experimental design, testing, data analysis, and dissemination of results. They will gain hands-on experience in sensor design, development, mathematical modeling, manufacturing, and deployment.
Each participant will tackle open-ended research problems, enhancing their technical and critical-thinking skills essential for creating and characterizing sensing systems. Furthermore, students will interact with industry professionals, engage in development activities, attend seminars, and participate in field trips to prepare them for successful, long-term careers in STEM.
“We are thrilled to launch this program and play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and address the growing demands of the industry,” Andreescu said. “By immersing students in the latest advancements and hands-on experiences in sensing technology, we aim to facilitate clear pathways into STEM careers, with a special focus on sensing systems and engineering technologies.”
“We would like to thank the Sponsored Research Services (SRS) for their assistance in proposal submission, the faculty who contributed research descriptions or volunteered as mentors, our industry collaborators, Alan Christian for serving as the project evaluator, Trish Lowney for her invaluable feedback on the proposal, and Clarkson Center directors for their support letters,” Imtiaz and Andreescu said in expressing their gratitude.
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department will provide administrative support for the REU program. To apply for the Summer 2025 cohort, click here.
For more information about this NSF award, click here.
