September 2, 2025 — As part of its commitment to expanding experiential learning through the Marist 100 strategic plan, Marist University is proud to host the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program in mathematics and data science. The program is made possible by a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to two dedicated faculty members.

Dr. Nguyen, Associate Professor of Mathematics, serves as the project’s Principal Investigator, with Dr. Bejarano, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, as Co-Principal Investigator.

Together, they have earned national recognition for their leadership in advancing STEM education through their project, Statistical Mathematics and Research Training (SMART) REU, which runs from April 2025 through March 2028. The NSF funds many REU sites across the country, but this SMART program is unique to Marist, reflecting the faculty’s vision to provide undergraduate students with rigorous, immersive research experiences.

 
Dr. Gissella Bejarano (left), photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University. Dr. Duy Nguyen (right), photo by Al Nowak/On Location for Marist University.

“We are truly excited about this opportunity to welcome students from across the country to Marist University to engage in research with our faculty in the School of Computer Science and Mathematics,” said Dr. Nguyen, who submitted the successful NSF grant proposal with support from Dr. Bejarano and Marist’s Sponsored Programs and Research Office. “Through close collaboration with faculty, students not only gain valuable research experience but also build lasting friendships and a strong sense of community with both faculty and fellow participants.”

Hosted on the Poughkeepsie campus, the SMART REU provides participants from all over the country with a unique opportunity to engage in original, hands-on investigations guided by dedicated faculty mentors. Projects focus on solving meaningful and challenging problems at the intersection of theoretical mathematics and applied data science, providing students with a foundation in both computational techniques and mathematical rigor.

“Undergraduate students should know that research is always within their reach,” said Dr. Bejarano. “Additionally, as AI becomes increasingly prevalent, diverse perspectives and backgrounds are more important than ever, inspiring unimaginable thought-provoking questions and reminding us of the invaluable insights that lie in our own human experience.”

This year, nine students were selected for the first SMART REU cohort from a highly competitive pool more than 150 applicants. They participated in workshops, Lunch and Learn sessions, and the Jane Street REU Conference in New York City, where they presented their research. Participants said the program gave them their first opportunity to work closely with faculty from start to finish, building confidence and clarity about future academic and career paths.

 
The first cohort of students for the SMART REU Program. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“We are grateful for the generous support from the National Science Foundation, Marist University, and our dedicated faculty mentors—without whom this experience would not be possible,” said Dr. Nguyen.

The SMART REU is part of Marist’s broader commitment to expanding access and excellence in STEM education and cultivating the next generation of leaders in mathematics and data science. With its strong mentoring culture and inclusive programming, SMART aims to inspire students to pursue graduate studies, future research, and careers in mathematical sciences.

Note: This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number 2447324. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.