黑料社

When Goli Nossoni, Ph.D. first imagined a new kind of undergraduate research 黑料社, it focused on unified, interdisciplinary research involving students, the environment, and engineering. Specifically, it was about creating an environment where students with learning disabilities could thrive in STEM.

鈥淭his idea is grounded in our conviction that engineers have a responsibility to address the environmental challenges of our time,鈥� said Dr. Nossoni, professor of civil engineering and principal investigator of the newly funded National Science Foundation- supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates(REU) site at the University of New Haven. 鈥淎nd all engineering problems need diverse ways of thinking.鈥�

Titled Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Construction Research for Empowering Students with Learning Disabilities, the three-year REU program aims to do exactly that鈥攁dvance sustainability while also supporting neurodivergent students, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, through mentorship, research, and career preparation.

Each summer, eight students from across the U.S., including up to three from the University, will take part in the program. Working alongside faculty mentors, they鈥檒l conduct research on topics such as 3D concrete printing, solid waste combustion, water systems for Net Zero shelters, and rapid construction modeling.

鈥淭his program is designed to say, 鈥榊ou belong here,鈥欌�� said Dr. Nossoni. 鈥淚t offers a powerful opportunity to support neurodivergent students by creating a space where they can see themselves as researchers, leaders, and changemakers.鈥�

According to Reihaneh Samsami, Ph.D., P.E., co-principal investigator and assistant professor of civil engineering, the program is uniquely positioned at the University of New Haven because of its culture of support.

鈥淭his program is designed to create a supportive environment where students with learning disabilities can thrive,鈥� said Dr. Samsami. 鈥淭hey can contribute to real-world engineering challenges and gain confidence in their future careers.鈥�

One critical partner is the University鈥檚 Accessibility Resources Center (ARC), which provides specialized support for students with learning differences. Through this collaboration, the REU program offers wraparound support that helps students grow academically and personally.

Workshops will cover everything from communication and research ethics to self-advocacy and navigating STEM careers. Participants will also hear from guest speakers鈥攕uccessful engineers with disabilities and neurodivergent professionals鈥攚ho will share their journeys.

鈥淥ur goal is for each student to gain not only technical skills but also the confidence and self-awareness they need to navigate STEM careers with pride and purpose,鈥� said Dr. Nossoni.

鈥淎dvocate for yourself,鈥� she added. 鈥淪peak up about what you need. Your contributions are essential to building a greener future鈥攐ne that is stronger because of the different minds behind it.鈥�

Over the course of three summers, REU participants will be directly involved in rigorous, hands-on engineering projects, some of which tackle urgent global issues.

鈥淲e鈥檙e addressing real-world challenges, including the infrastructure impacts of war, climate change, and refugee crises,鈥� said Dr. Nossoni.

One goal is to develop 鈥淣et Zero shelters that can be rapidly deployed in the aftermath of natural or human-made disasters,鈥� she continued. " These shelters must be entirely self-sustaining and capable of operating off-grid using renewable energy and sustainable water systems.鈥�

While the project is centered on civil and environmental engineering, it is applicable to students from multiple disciplines, such as chemical and mechanical engineering, chemistry, construction management, and geosciences.

鈥淭he integration of diverse disciplines will strengthen collaboration and innovation,鈥� said Dr. Samsami. And neurodivergent students 鈥渂ring creative, out-of-the-box solutions鈥� that are essential, she said.

For Dr. Nossoni, this program represents more than a single grant or a summer initiative. It鈥檚 part of a larger movement she hopes the University will continue to lead.

She noted slow progress in making engineering research more inclusive. 鈥淚n some cases, it feels like we鈥檙e moving backward.鈥�

To help address this, the REU team will bring in students through national recruitment efforts from a wide range of colleges and universities鈥攊ncluding those with fewer research opportunities or less access to disability resources. The goal is to create a truly inclusive, nationwide cohort.

By building a program that centers around accessibility, equity, and innovation, the faculty hope to leave a lasting impact on both the students and the field of engineering as a whole.

鈥淭his REU is a model for what disability-forward, accessible research programs can look like,鈥� said Dr. Nossoni. 鈥淚鈥檓 deeply grateful for the chance to lead this effort.鈥�

鈥淎s a faculty member who lives with a disability, my advice is this,鈥� she added, 鈥淵ou absolutely belong in STEM. The sky is the limit.鈥�