The Oklahoma State University Rural Renewal Initiative welcomes participants for the 2026 Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduate Scholars Program (REEU).

Undergraduate students selected from across the country will live in rural Oklahoma communities for 11 weeks and work with OSU faculty mentors and community leaders on research and service projects that address rural issues, identifying research-based solutions.

The REEU Program includes a week-long training that introduces students to rural community development, research methods and a strengths-based approach to understanding community growth.

Sadie LaRue, who will be working with youth in Altus during the summer program, learned about the REEU program through her academic network and is excited to gain hands-on experience while working in a new community. LaRue hopes to pursue a career in microbiology and applied for the REEU program because of its focus on rural outreach and community impact.

“I am passionate about connecting with others and making science more accessible,” LaRue said. “Leading K-12 STEM initiatives in Altus is an opportunity to give back and create meaningful experiences for students in rural areas.”

The following 2026 Research and Extension Experience for Undergraduates participants were recruited nationwide and will join communities across Oklahoma in late May.

• Sadie LaRue — University of Georgia — Altus, youth STEM education
• Norma Tovar — Texas A&M University — Altus, rural veterinarians
• Ella Wood — Texas Tech University — Sallisaw, leveraging AI in rural communities
• Logan Seger — University of Oklahoma — Wilburton, religion in rural Oklahoma
• Bo Hardy — Texas Tech University — Wilburton, rural economies
• Chyanne Williams — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University — Langston, uplifting youth in Oklahoma's historic Black towns
• Ethan Ashford — Mississippi State University — Langston, addressing the needs of Black agricultural producers
• Jolee Szafran — Texas A&M University — Enid, youth leadership and civic engagement
• Josh Panuganti — University of Georgia — Enid, health and wellness awareness relating to diabetes

“Growing up in a small town, I’ve seen how important programs like this are for bringing opportunities and resources into rural communities,” LaRue said. “I hope my work can help spark curiosity in students and show them the possibilities within science and agriculture.”

The REEU Scholars program is an extension of OSU’s original rural internship experience.

REEU participants will present their research findings at the Rural Renewal Symposium Oct. 27-28 at The Lodge at Sequoyah State Park in Hulbert.

Applications for next years’ REEU Program will be available at https://ruralrenewal.okstate.edu/reeuprogram in August.

Story By: Elisabeth Moser | elmoser@okstate.edu