Stephanie Naufel

Stephanie Naufel, a senior majoring in bioengineering in ASU's Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, is in Baltimore this summer to participate in the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU).

Naufel is one of only 12 students from universities throughout the country selected for the highly competitive program taking place from June 1 through August 7 at Johns Hopkins University.

More than 300 applicants vied for a spot in the program, which consists of a 10-week nanobiotechnology research experiments program and culminates in a university-wide poster session for students to present their work.

“This program has been a great immersion into the life of a graduate student,” Naufel says.

“We have been experiencing the trials and triumphs of research, and have been able to take advantage of the resources Hopkins has to offer.”

Launched in 2006 and funded by the National Science Foundation, the program supports students with an allowance for travel and housing, and a $4000 stipend, to provide them specialized training in the growing field of nanobiotechnology.

“Sitting in lecture gives a good introduction to new material, but you truly get an understanding of concepts from problem solving in the lab,” Naufel says.

“I have picked up new skills and refined old ones, which will help my research at ASU and beyond.”TThe program isn’t just about research. Students attend social events, professional development seminars, laboratory tours and other outings.   

“It has definitely been great for networking and meeting students who share my interests,” Naufel says.