On July 22, 2025, nine undergraduate researchers presented their findings from the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Summer Program at the Turbomachinery Laboratory. Their summer was spent conducting hands-on research led by five professors, including four faculty members from the Texas A&M Mechanical Engineering Department, four of whom are also affiliated with the Texas A&M Turbomachinery Laboratory.
The REU Program, originally funded by the National Science Foundation and continuing at the Turbo Lab in 2025 through other funding, encourages exceptional undergraduates to pursue graduate school. Universities across the United States, including Texas A&M University, provide a space for these undergraduate students to participate in STEM research and experience life as a graduate student. Over the last 15 years of hosting undergraduate researchers, the Turbomachinery Laboratory has boasted a 70% success rate among REU participants who ultimately end up in graduate school. “From feedback from the students and the faculty mentors, many of the REU participants have already decided to pursue advanced degrees—some with A&M and some at their home institutions,” shares Dr. Eric Petersen, director of the Turbomachinery Laboratory.
The faculty involved in the 2025 REU program were professors Dr. Marcia Cooper, Dr. Eric Petersen, Dr. Adolfo Delgado, Dr. Waruna Kulatilaka and Dr. Anastasia Muliana. Their guidance and support were crucial in completing the wide array of projects the students took on, including: “a study on the effect of wall coating on lubrication oil coking at high temperatures; modeling of wave propagation in solid composite materials; the setup and characterization of a new bearing test rig; emission spectra from the laser-induced breakdown of metals; the effect of a new fire suppressant on flame propagation; and a new light gas gun for studying solid object impacts on soft materials.”
Participating students developed essential hard and soft skills, including communication, problem-solving and teamwork, alongside gaining state-of-the-art lab experience by utilizing basic scientific and engineering principles. They presented their work to both technical and non-technical audiences through oral presentations at the Turbomachinery Laboratory and at a poster session hosted by the Texas A&M College of Engineering.
The REU Summer Program emboldens young engineers to advance the future of engineering through inspiration, insight and training from competitive collegiate institutions. The research conducted this summer by participating students has the potential to help our most essential machines in the modern world, from gas turbine engines to rocket motors, to become more energy efficient and safer.
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ABOUT THE TURBOMACHINERY LABORATORY
The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Turbomachinery Laboratory makes a vital impact on turbomachinery and related industries through research, education, and professional workforce development. Visit turbolab.tamu.edu for more information.
Media Contact:
Kristen Smith
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