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Welcome to the REU Site at the University of South Alabama (USA), the flagship of the Gulf Coast! You’ll have an unforgettable experience on the beautiful USA campus and in Mobile, Alabama.
Our objective of this REU Site is to cultivate a positive attitude among undergraduate students toward the detection, measurement, and remediation of microplastics in a coastal region, while also fostering the education of the next generation of engineers in sustainable practices. Any majors can apply!
What Do We Offer for This Program?
World-class mentoring and research experience
$7,000 stipend for 10 weeks during the summer (May 26, 2026 to July 31, 2026)
On-campus housing and dormitory living
Coverage of transportation expenses
Access to various research resources, career readiness programs, industry connections, and networking opportunities
How to Apply for REU SIte at USA?
We accept application for 2026 Summer Through NSF ETAP: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7429/opportunity/11413
Application Window: October 9, 2025 to February 15, 2026
Application Materials: Personal Statement, CV/Resume, Transcripts, Two References, Answers to Additional Questions
If you have any questions or trouble in applying, feel free to contact Dr. Shenghua Wu, Email: shenghuawu@southalabama.edu or Mrs. Lind Marty, Email: mlind@southalabama.edu
2026 REU Cohort Selection Timeline
Notification to selection results: Late February or Early March, 2026
1st Cohort online meeting for confirmed participants: March, 2026
Flight and housing scheduling, and other logistics: April, 2026
Expected to arrive in Mobile, AL: May 25, 2026
*Note: Timeline is subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major should I have to be eligible to apply?
Answer: We welcome students of all majors who are interested in microplastics research and are excited to offer this unique opportunity.
Do I need any prior research experience?
Answer: No, prior research experience is not required to join the program.
How can I apply for this opportunity?
Answer: You can apply for it through the NSF ETAP website: https://etap.nsf.gov/award/7429/opportunity/11413. After you click "Apply Now", you will be asked to register an account if you don't have one, and fill out the information such as personal statement/essay, transcript, and one letter of recommendation.
Can I apply if I am graduating in May 2026?
Answer: The REU program is for undergraduate students only. You are eligible to apply if you will be registered as an undergraduate in the upcoming academic year.
Do I need to be a US citizen?
Answer: You must be a US citizen or a permanent resident, to be eligible for this program.
My university/college operates on a quarter system, but I will not be able to start on May 26, 2026. Am I still eligible to apply?
Answer: Yes, you are still eligible to apply. We evaluate applications based on merit and qualification. If you are selected, we will work with you and accommodate your reasonable needs.
How can I make my application competitive?
Answer: We value each individual's unique interests and skills. We encourage you to take the time to reflect on your experiences and showcase your passion, interests, and potential. In other words, use your personal statement to tell us a compelling story about yourself, and answer those additional questions in great details.
I see the application requires two references. How should I prepare them and what information is needed?
Answer: References provide reviewers with additional information about you. You may consult professors, supervisors, or other professional contacts who know you well and can attest to your skills and qualifications. Once you provide their contact information, the ETAP system will ask them to complete an evaluation of you and upload a recommendation letter.
Besides the stipend and covered costs, what other benefits will I receive?
Answer: If selected, you will become part of the South family. In addition to valuable research experience, you will have opportunities to interact with local industries, participate in site visits, and build meaningful connections with peers and professionals. As always, our South faculty are committed to fostering long-term professional relationships, supporting your success even beyond the summer research period. As a side note, Dr. Wu has worked closely with undergraduate students, many of whom have published papers in top journals. For examples, Luke Montalvo’s 2021 paper has been cited over 300 times as of November 2024. Cade Marty received a national scholarship and delivered an oral presentation at the TRB Conference in 2023. For 2025 Cohort, REU students have published a peer-reviewed journal article titled "Advances in microplastic detection and interception: A state-of-the-art review".
What Projects Will You Get Involved?
Thrust I: Impact and Degradation of Plastics into Microplastics
Thrust I: Impact and Degradation of Plastics into Microplastics
Students will work at sampling locations across the Gulf Coast region to understand the distribution of microplastics and to simulate their pathways and behavior in coastal environments through systematic modeling. This research will include assessments to evaluate the direct and indirect effects on ecologically important aquatic organisms.
Thrust II: Developing Detection and Measurement Techniques for Microplastics
Thrust II: Developing Detection and Measurement Techniques for Microplastics
Students will assess the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, replicability, and operational simplicity of existing techniques for detecting and measuring microplastics and nanoplastics, with a focus on developing innovative technology capable of detecting and capturing microplastics in samples.
Thrust III: Creating Filters to Mitigate Microplastics
Thrust III: Creating Filters to Mitigate Microplastics
Students will investigate the effectiveness of three types of filter media—sand, powdered activated carbon (PAC), and biochar—in removing microplastics and nanoplastics through lab-scale continuous flow column experiments. They will also design and evaluate a pilot-scale filtration system capable of removing microplastics and nanoplastics during tertiary treatment at a wastewater treatment plant.
Thrust IV: Establishing Microplastics Monitoring Systems
Thrust IV: Establishing Microplastics Monitoring Systems
Students will be guided in developing a user-friendly app capable of incorporating real-time data on microplastics and nanoplastics. To support an early warning system for the onset of harmful microplastic accumulation, the research team will regularly update and maintain both the app and website.
Thrust V: Repurposing Collected Microplastics for Alternative Applications
Thrust V: Repurposing Collected Microplastics for Alternative Applications
Students will explore potential reuses for captured microplastics. This includes characterizing the specific gravity of microplastics, determining the optimal proportion of microplastics in plastic-modified asphalt and concrete mixtures to enhance strength and other properties, and assessing environmental impact through leachate testing.
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