2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This research is belong to the category of Evidence-Based Practice and Research brief. The Great Lakes Wind Energy Challenges (GLWind) REU site is funded by the NSF Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC), co-hosted by Cleveland State University (CSU) and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio. Between 2023 and 2025, the program received approximately 200 applications and admitted 29 undergraduate students to a ten-week intensive summer research experience. REU students engaged in ongoing wind energy research with faculty mentors at CSU and CWRU, attended weekly seminars on wind energy and professional development, toured utility-scale wind turbines, and presented their work at the CWRU Summer Intersections Symposium as well as at national and international conferences. Several participants continued their research beyond the program and co-authored journal publications with their faculty mentors. In addition to research experience, REU students also had opportunities to explore Cleveland’s rich cultural activities and historical landmarks. Annual program evaluations were conducted to provide PIs and faculty with feedback on needed changes and potential improvements, ensuring continuous program enhancement.

The GLWind REU program broadly advertised the research opportunities via multiple channels, with a particular focus on recruiting students from non-R1 universities without established engineering research programs, as well as from community colleges and liberal arts colleges. Over three years, the program supported 27 students, plus 2 additional students through local funding. The program received 50, 45, and 95 applications, respectively, through the NSF ETAP website, resulting in admission rates of 18%, 20%, and 10%. Among admitted students, 39% were rising sophomores, approximately 60% came from non-R1 universities and 55% were women. Of the 18 students in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, seven continue to pursue their undergraduate degrees, five are currently enrolled in STEM graduate programs in fields related to engineering, four are employed in industry R&D positions, and two are actively seeking career opportunities. The program’s educational outcomes demonstrate success in preparing a diverse group of talented U.S. students to apply the research and communication skills gained through the REU experience to broader STEM fields. In addition, the program developed a structured and personalized mentoring model for undergraduate students, which will be disseminated to the broader engineering education community through the ASEE conference.