Program 'bridges the gap'

This summer, Drs. Carrie Hammer and Lauren Hanna welcomed undergraduate students Addison Duncan and Megan Broecker from Purdue University as part of the Bridging the Gap Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) program. The eight-week summer research experience provided the students with the opportunity to participate in hands-on research, develop professional skills, and explore careers in animal and agricultural sciences.

Throughout the summer, Addison and Megan participated in hands-on learning activities at the NDSU Equine Center. In addition to Drs. Hammer and Hanna, the students were mentored by Department of Animal Sciences faculty members Tara Swanson and Mattia Gunkelman, as well as graduate research assistant Jada Riley. Each student completed an independent research project related to precision health technologies, culminating in presentations of their research findings at the program's end-of-summer research symposium at Pennsylvania State University.

The Bridging the Gap REEU program is a collaborative effort among NDSU, Penn State University, Clemson University and Tarleton State University, providing students with immersive research experiences and opportunities to build connections with faculty and peers across institutions. Funding for this experience is supported by the Education and Workforce Development program focused on Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates, project award no. 2023-68018-40320, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. We were proud to host Addison and Megan this summer and look forward to following their future success.

--Dr. Lauren Hanna