Students engage passions in summer research projects

At Augustana College, summer isn't just a break from classes — it's a perfect time for cutting-edge research and academic exploration.

That’s why Augustana students have the opportunity to pursue their interests on campus through innovative research and in-depth projects over the summer. With the mentorship of Augustana faculty on campus, students are supported as they engage in experiential learning and scholarship.

These students bring to life Augustana’s top commitments: engaged learning, maximizing student potential and connecting through partnership. Hats off to these featured students and every Augustana student who dug deep this summer to make the most of their chance to explore career options and make a difference.

Engineering, physics and math students work on neutron detection project

As a part of the MoNA (Modular Neutron Array) collaboration, Hanna Gebremariam '26, Mackenzie Lauridsen '26 and Luke Dalzell '26 worked with Dr. Nathan Frank, professor of physics, to manufacture and test chips for the Next Generation Fast Neutron Detector.

This on-campus research opportunity allowed them to gain research experience, collaborate with other institutions and explore future research and educational opportunities.

Education students study social media addiction

Secondary math education majors Kelly Devert '25, Nickie Kettler '25 and Sarah Marshall '25 spent the summer at Augustana researching social media addiction.

Supported by Dr. Frank, they integrated the mathematical models from the research into a board game that they can use with students in their future classrooms.