Tulane Launches NSF-Funded Summer Research Program

The 10-week initiative integrates lab research with real-world impacts.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tulane University is launching a new National Science Foundation-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates program this summer. The 10-week Tulane Use-Inspired Research and Entrepreneurship Program will pair 10 faculty members from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with eight U.S. students to conduct rigorous laboratory research with a focus on real-world applications and impacts.

Why it matters

The program reflects Tulane's shift towards 'use-inspired research' that aims to develop prototypes and new technologies that can directly benefit people's everyday lives, rather than just curiosity-driven research. It serves as an important bridge between academic research and real-world impact.

The details

The program will include weekly seminars and skill-building workshops, in addition to the hands-on research. Tulane sees it as a stepping stone for students pursuing graduate education or careers in research and development, helping them learn about innovation and how to frame their work in terms of value creation and social benefit.

  • The 10-week program will run this summer.

The players

Noshir Pesika

Associate professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering and director of the Tulane Use-Inspired Research and Entrepreneurship Program.

Claiborne Christian

Executive director of commercialization at the Tulane Innovation Institute.

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What they’re saying

“Rather than doing just curiosity-driven research, this is going to be use-inspired research, which in itself is meant to develop prototypes that can eventually lead to new technologies.”

— Noshir Pesika, Associate professor (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

“The whole idea behind applied research is ... so that people can directly benefit from it in their everyday lives. That's part of what this program is training people to do.”

— Claiborne Christian, Executive director of commercialization (The Tulane Hullabaloo)

What’s next

The program will run for 10 weeks this summer, after which the hope is that students who participate will go on to become leaders in developing new technologies to benefit society.

The takeaway

Tulane's new summer research program reflects the university's shift towards 'use-inspired research' that aims to have real-world impacts, rather than just academic curiosity. By integrating hands-on lab work with entrepreneurship and commercialization training, the program is preparing the next generation of researchers and innovators to tackle challenges and create solutions that can directly improve people's lives.