Through the BioNetworks Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) program, WCJC students Keemia Aria and Cesar Flores will spend more than two months on research projects involving developmental biology and gene networks under Rice University professors.
SUGAR LAND, TEXAS – Two students enrolled at Wharton County Junior College’s Sugar Land campus have been accepted into Rice University’s prestigious summer research program. Through the BioNetworks Research Experiences for Undergrads (REU) program, WCJC students Cesar Flores and Keemia Aria will spend more than two months on research projects involving developmental biology and gene networks under Rice University professors.
This is the second year in a row that WCJC students have been accepted into the program. The REU program is funded by the National Science Foundation Directorate for Biological Sciences.
WCJC Instructor of Biology Dr. Ben Johnson recommended Flores and Aria for the program.
“I am super excited for Keemia and Cesar to get to participate in this,” Johnson said. “This (program) provides them with invaluable opportunities to both gain research experience in a field that they are considering pursuing as well as bringing content covered in their academic courses to life.”
Flores is a biomedical engineering major and Aria is a biology major.
“This is a big opportunity academically and professionally,” said Flores.
“This is very exciting and offers good exposure for seeing different paths for our careers,” added Aria.
Aria and Flores will live on the Rice Campus and earn a $6,500 stipend during the program, which lasts from May 26 to Aug. 1. Both students intend to transfer to either Rice or the University of Texas following their time at WCJC.
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