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SAES: Supporting Academic Excellence in STEM

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Students presenting research in a classroom with posters in the background

The SAES program provides funded opportunities for STEM faculty and students to participate in undergraduate research projects. Gain hands-on research experience, collaborate with faculty mentors, and participate in projects that support academic and career success in STEM fields.

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Students: Get Paid Research Experience in STEM

The SAES program is currently seeking undergraduate STEM students for paid independent research opportunities. Students work alongside a faculty research advisor to design and complete a research project while gaining valuable hands-on experience for future careers and education in STEM fields.

You Do Not Need:

  • A research topic already selected
  • A faculty advisor already chosen
  • Previous research experience

Already Have an Idea?

  • Have a faculty mentor in mind? Reach out to them directly.
  • Have a research topic already? Include it in your application form.
  • Share your area of interest in the application, and we'll help connect you with a faculty mentor.

Fill out the form here if interested. 

Faculty: Bring Undergraduate Research Into Your Courses

We are also looking for interested faculty members to participate in one or more funded opportunities for this undergraduate research initiative. This is an excellent way to implement high-impact, active learning in your courses, which can positively impact students’ professional futures. 

Complete the form here if interested.

SAES Research at Minneapolis College

Student presents research at Minnesota State Capitol and stands in front of their presentation poster board

Turning Pond Plants into Sustainable Solutions

Jewel Ferguson partnered with the Minneapolis Board of Parks and Recreation and faculty mentor Nicholas Deacon to investigate whether duckweed harvested from Loring Park Pond could be safely reused as compost for urban agriculture after its role in absorbing pollutants.

Student stands next to their poster presentation at the ABRCMS 2025 Conference

Examining the Diet–Periodontitis Connection

Ekeoma Ukaga reviewed research linking diet and periodontal disease, finding that diets high in processed foods and refined sugars increase the risk of periodontitis by promoting inflammation.

Student presents his poster research in a classroom

Understanding Cybersecurity Risk Across Systems

Tenzing Thendup worked with faculty mentor Brian Huilman to study cybersecurity vulnerabilities across multiple platforms. His research examined how reporting practices differ and how aging technology can contribute to security risks.

Student presents in front of classroom with a large projector screen behind him.

Headline: Studying the Post-COVID Commute

Seth Bose used IPUMS ATUS data to study commuting before and after COVID-19. Longer commutes were linked to higher wages but poorer health, suggesting telework may be reshaping commuting patterns.

More News 

Questions? Contact Us.

Renu Kumar
Director and P.I. 
renu.kumar@minneapolis.edu

Wendy Naughton 
Co-P.I. 
wendy.naughton@minneapolis.edu