SHyNE REU 2025: Wrapping Up a Summer of Research

Wrapping Up the Summer 2025 SHyNE REU Program

What a summer! The 2025 SHyNE Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program wrapped up this month, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible work our students accomplished. Over the course of ten weeks, four undergraduates from across the country dove into cutting-edge nanoscience and nanotechnology research here at Northwestern.

Each student took on a unique project with their faculty and graduate student mentors:

• Miguel A. Alvarado (Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL) explored superconducting qubit performance with his project “Novel TiN–Al₂O₃–TiN Josephson Junction for Improved Superconducting Qubit Performance.”
• Noah Zheng (Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO) studied materials for extreme environments with “Coarsening Kinetics of Nanoporous, Tantalum-Based UHTCs.”
• Collett L. Atkins (Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA) investigated planetary science with “Spatial Relationship between Olivine High Pressure Polymorphs in Shocked L6 Chondrites.”
• Richard Kariuki (University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI) focused on energy materials with “Investigating Different Electrode Materials to Pair With CsH₂PO₄.”

Beyond the lab, the students joined professional development workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities, all while building lasting friendships and connections.

 We capped off the program with a going-away party on August 14, 2025, where mentors, staff, and students gathered to celebrate the summer’s achievements.

A huge congratulations to Miguel, Noah, Collett, and Richard for their hard work and curiosity throughout the summer. We can’t wait to see where your paths lead next!