WKU News

Nolan French and Carrie Updegraff have been accepted to participate in highly competitive National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU). French will conduct research in computational physics at Michigan State University and Updegraff will conduct research in “Smart Cities” at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

The NSF REU program provides funding for competitive summer research programs in STEM and social science hosted at universities around the United States. Those selected for REUs typically receive a stipend for 10 weeks of research, plus room and board at the hosting university. In addition to gaining valuable research experience, REU participants also benefit from building their academic networks and clarifying their interests. 

Nolan French is a rising senior and first-generation college student studying Physics and Chinese. A member of the Chinese Flagship Program and a graduate of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, he has conducted research in solid state physics with mentors at WKU.  

While at the Gatton Academy, French was selected for the National Security Language Initiatives for Youth (NSLI-Y) and spent 8 months studying Chinese language in Taiwan before continuing undergraduate enrollment at WKU. He plans to develop his language and research skills in tandem to drive collaborative discovery in materials. 

Carrie Updegraff, daughter of Renee and Bruce Updegraff of Bowling Green, is a rising senior and first-generation college student studying electrical engineering. Graduate of the Gatton Academy 

In “Exploring intelligent technologies shaping future Smart Cities,” Updegraff will work with a faculty mentor in the Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno to explore technological advancements and engineering foundations shaping future Smart Cities—cities that use smart technologies to make its critical infrastructure and services more intelligent, interconnected and efficient. 

“OSD has previously helped me study abroad (twice!), and I knew they would be able to help me with questions when I started the REU application process,” said Updegraff. “Working with OSD made me more confident to apply to other programs. I initially applied for only two, but after working with Dr. Grimsley to strengthen one application, I applied to three more programs. It was one of those that I was selected for!” 

"Ms. Updegraff is a dedicated student—one  of the hardest workers in my classes—and I am most impressed by her persistence,” said Dr. Mark Cambron. “She has been highly involved in the Society of Women Engineers and the Mahurin Honors College, and I look forward to her continued growth as an electrical engineer.” 

Updegraff plans to pursue graduate study focused on power systems or medical device research. 

About the National Science Foundation (NSF): The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense. It fulfills this mission primarily by making grants to fund programs like the Research Experiences for Undergraduates. 

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): OSD mentors students applying for national scholarships to fund “academic extras” such as study abroad, research, professional experience, and more. From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, OSD helps students make more possible. By conceptualizing and revising the stories they tell in application essays, students better understand their strengths, interests, and purpose—and explore multiple possible pathways to that work. 

Contact: melinda.grimsley@wku.edu