Picture a world where the engineers of tomorrow are not only crafting revolutionary manufacturing technologies but also fortifying them against sophisticated cyber threats that could halt production lines in an instant. At Oklahoma State University (OSU), this forward-thinking vision is taking shape through an innovative Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Announced on August 27, 2025, and supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), this initiative within the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) unites the critical domains of advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Under the leadership of Drs. Sri Ramesh and Ranji Vaidyanathan, the program confronts a pressing national issue: a projected deficit of 2.1 million manufacturing jobs by 2030. By equipping students with interdisciplinary skills, OSU aims to bridge this gap while preparing a new wave of professionals for high-demand careers.
This REU goes beyond traditional education by immersing undergraduates in a comprehensive learning experience that spans various disciplines. Over a 10-week summer session running from 2026 to 2028, 10 students each year will engage in hands-on projects across diverse fields like aerospace, bioengineering, and energy storage, all while addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in connected systems. The program also emphasizes professional growth through workshops, industry interactions, and exposure to real-world challenges. What sets this initiative apart is its dedication to accessibility, welcoming students from community colleges and regional universities alongside OSU’s own, ensuring that diverse talent gains access to cutting-edge resources and mentorship. This holistic approach not only fosters innovation but also positions participants for success in both industry and advanced research pathways.
Bridging Two Critical Fields
The Fusion of Manufacturing and Cybersecurity
The REU program at OSU stands out by seamlessly integrating advanced manufacturing with cybersecurity, recognizing that the future of industry hinges on this critical intersection. Advanced manufacturing encompasses transformative technologies such as smart systems and additive manufacturing, which are reshaping how products are designed and produced. However, as these systems become increasingly digitized and interconnected, they face heightened risks from cyber threats that could disrupt operations or compromise sensitive data. Dr. Ramesh, the principal investigator, notes that over 94% of manufacturers are already adopting or exploring smart technologies, signaling a growing demand for professionals who can innovate while ensuring digital security. This program trains students to navigate both realms, equipping them with the skills to build efficient systems and protect them from potential attacks, thereby addressing a dual need in modern production environments.
This focus on combining technical expertise with security measures reflects a broader industry trend where digital transformation in manufacturing is no longer optional but essential. The curriculum is designed to expose participants to real-world scenarios where a breach in a manufacturing system could have cascading effects on supply chains or safety protocols. By embedding cybersecurity principles into manufacturing research, the initiative ensures that students understand the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and operational integrity. This dual training is not just about meeting current workforce needs but also about anticipating future challenges as technologies evolve. Graduates of this program will be uniquely positioned to lead in an era where innovation and protection must go hand in hand, making significant contributions to the resilience of industrial sectors.
Addressing Industry Demands Through Dual Expertise
The urgency of blending manufacturing and cybersecurity skills is underscored by the rapid pace of technological adoption across industries. As factories integrate Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automated systems, the attack surface for cyber threats expands, creating vulnerabilities that traditional engineering training often overlooks. OSU’s REU program tackles this gap head-on by embedding cybersecurity challenges into manufacturing projects, ensuring students gain practical experience in mitigating risks while advancing production techniques. This approach aligns with industry projections that anticipate significant workforce expansion to support smart manufacturing, highlighting the need for versatile talent capable of navigating complex, interconnected environments with confidence and competence.
Moreover, the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning prepares students to think critically about how technological advancements can be both a boon and a liability if not properly secured. Participants explore case studies and simulations that mirror real industry dilemmas, such as securing data in cloud-based manufacturing platforms or preventing unauthorized access to robotic systems. This hands-on exposure fosters a proactive mindset, encouraging students to design solutions with security as a foundational element rather than an afterthought. By cultivating this dual expertise, OSU is not only responding to immediate hiring needs but also shaping a workforce that can adapt to the evolving landscape of industrial technology, ensuring long-term sustainability and safety.
Accessibility and Diversity in STEM
Opening Doors to Underrepresented Students
A cornerstone of OSU’s REU program is its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to transformative research opportunities. The initiative specifically targets undergraduates from community colleges, regional universities, and institutions with limited research infrastructure, alongside OSU’s own student body. This deliberate focus aims to level the playing field in STEM education by providing access to world-class facilities and mentorship that might otherwise be out of reach for many. Dr. Ramesh emphasizes that the primary requirements for participation are curiosity and motivation, lowering entry barriers and inviting a wide range of applicants to engage with cutting-edge projects in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
This dedication to diversity goes beyond mere access; it seeks to enrich the research community by incorporating varied perspectives that drive innovation. Students from underrepresented groups bring unique insights that can challenge conventional approaches and inspire novel solutions to complex problems. The program fosters an inclusive environment where participants collaborate across backgrounds, learning from each other while benefiting from personalized guidance from faculty and graduate mentors. By breaking down systemic barriers, OSU not only addresses disparities in STEM opportunities but also builds a stronger talent pipeline for industries facing significant workforce shortages. This approach ensures that the benefits of advanced education and research are distributed more equitably across society.
Fostering a Collaborative and Inclusive Research Culture
In addition to providing access, the REU program at OSU cultivates a collaborative culture that values every participant’s contribution, regardless of their prior experience or institutional background. The initiative is structured to support students through mentorship and peer interaction, creating a sense of belonging that is crucial for success in rigorous academic and research settings. This environment encourages participants to share ideas, ask questions, and tackle challenges collectively, which is particularly impactful for those who may feel underrepresented in STEM fields. The program’s design ensures that all voices are heard, fostering confidence and empowering students to take ownership of their projects.
Furthermore, this inclusive framework extends to the types of projects and professional development activities offered, which are tailored to accommodate diverse interests and career goals. Whether a student aspires to enter industry, pursue graduate studies, or launch an entrepreneurial venture, the program provides relevant resources and networking opportunities to support their path. By prioritizing inclusivity, OSU is not just training individuals but building a community of innovators who reflect the diversity of the broader population. This strategy strengthens the STEM ecosystem by ensuring that talent from all corners is nurtured and prepared to address national challenges in manufacturing and cybersecurity with creativity and resilience.
Hands-On Research and Real-World Impact
Immersive Learning Through Projects
At the heart of OSU’s REU program lies a commitment to immersive, project-based learning that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Over the 10-week summer session from 2026 to 2028, selected students dive into research projects spanning critical areas such as aerospace, bioengineering, construction, and energy storage. These projects are not abstract exercises but are designed to tackle real-world challenges faced by modern industries, particularly in the realm of advanced manufacturing. Supported by state-of-the-art facilities like the Advanced Technology Research Center and the ENDEAVOR Maker Space, participants gain hands-on experience that mirrors the complexities of professional environments, preparing them for immediate impact upon entering the workforce.
The program’s structure ensures that students are not working in isolation but are guided by experienced faculty and graduate mentors who provide tailored support throughout the research process. This mentorship helps participants navigate technical hurdles and refine their problem-solving skills, ensuring that their contributions are both meaningful and relevant. By focusing on tangible outcomes, such as developing innovative manufacturing techniques or identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities in connected systems, the REU instills a sense of purpose and achievement. This practical approach equips students with a deep understanding of how their work can influence industry practices, making them valuable assets in addressing the projected manufacturing job shortfall by 2030.
Translating Research into Industry Solutions
Beyond the immediate learning experience, the REU program emphasizes the translation of research into actionable solutions for industry challenges, particularly at the intersection of manufacturing and cybersecurity. Students are encouraged to think critically about how their projects can address pressing needs, such as improving production efficiency or securing digital infrastructures against emerging threats. This focus on applicability ensures that the skills and insights gained during the program are directly transferable to professional settings, where the demand for interdisciplinary expertise continues to grow. The projects often involve collaboration with industry stakeholders, providing a glimpse into real operational constraints and expectations.
Additionally, the program’s alignment with national priorities, such as workforce development in critical sectors, amplifies the impact of student research. Participants explore cutting-edge topics like smart manufacturing technologies, which are already transforming the industrial landscape, while simultaneously addressing the cybersecurity risks that accompany such advancements. This dual focus prepares them to propose solutions that are both innovative and secure, meeting the immediate needs of manufacturers while anticipating future trends. By fostering this forward-thinking mindset, OSU ensures that its REU graduates are not just problem-solvers but also visionaries capable of shaping the future of industrial technology with practical, impactful contributions.
Building Professional and Industry Connections
Beyond the Lab: Skills and Networking
The REU program at OSU extends far beyond research, placing significant emphasis on professional development to prepare students for diverse career trajectories. Participants engage in workshops focused on essential skills such as effective communication, ethical research practices, and preparation for graduate studies. These sessions are designed to build confidence in professional environments, ensuring that students can articulate their ideas and findings with clarity and integrity. Additionally, interactions with industry professionals and OSU alumni entrepreneurs provide invaluable insights into the practical and innovative aspects of working in manufacturing and cybersecurity, broadening their understanding of potential career paths.
Networking opportunities are a key component of professional growth, with the program facilitating meaningful connections that can shape future opportunities. Students participate in webinars with experts from renowned institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, gaining exposure to cutting-edge developments and research methodologies. These interactions not only inspire participants but also help them build a network of contacts that can support their careers long after the program ends. By embedding these experiences into the curriculum, OSU ensures that students are not only technically proficient but also well-versed in the interpersonal and professional skills needed to thrive in competitive industries.
Exposure to Real-World and Entrepreneurial Environments
Complementing the professional workshops, the REU program offers unique opportunities for students to explore real-world applications through site visits and industry engagements. Trips to notable facilities like Tinker Air Force Base provide a firsthand look at how advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity principles are applied in high-stakes settings. These experiences ground theoretical learning in practical contexts, helping students appreciate the scale and complexity of industrial operations. Seeing these environments in action also sparks inspiration, showing participants how their research could directly influence critical sectors like defense and energy.
Moreover, the program’s inclusion of entrepreneurial perspectives adds another layer of career preparation by exposing students to the startup ecosystem. Conversations with alumni who have launched ventures in related fields offer a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of innovation-driven careers. This exposure encourages participants to think beyond traditional employment, considering how their skills in manufacturing and cybersecurity could lead to groundbreaking business ideas. By blending real-world industry exposure with entrepreneurial insights, OSU equips students with a versatile skill set and a broad vision, preparing them to navigate and succeed in various professional landscapes with adaptability and foresight.
Showcasing Talent and Innovation
Platforms for Recognition
A defining feature of OSU’s REU program is the opportunity for students to showcase their research and gain recognition within the academic and professional communities. At the conclusion of the 10-week session, participants present their findings at an on-campus symposium, providing a platform to demonstrate their hard work and innovative ideas to peers, faculty, and industry representatives. This event serves as a capstone experience, allowing students to refine their communication skills and receive constructive feedback on their projects. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment, as their contributions to advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity are publicly acknowledged and celebrated.
The visibility offered by this symposium extends beyond the campus, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration that can influence future career paths. For many participants, presenting their work in such a formal setting is a pivotal moment that builds confidence and validates their research efforts. The event also facilitates dialogue with potential mentors or employers who attend, opening doors to further academic or professional opportunities. By providing this stage for recognition, OSU ensures that students’ contributions are not only valued within the program but also have the potential to resonate within broader industry and research circles, amplifying their impact.
Elevating Impact at International Levels
In addition to the campus symposium, the REU program offers an extraordinary opportunity for one student each year to present their research at the prestigious Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium in Austin, Texas. This international platform elevates the visibility of participants’ work, placing them alongside leading researchers and industry experts in the field of advanced manufacturing. Such exposure is invaluable, as it positions students as emerging talents in a global context, enhancing their credibility and opening up possibilities for collaboration or further study. This opportunity underscores the program’s commitment to not just training students but also championing their contributions on a world stage.
Participating in such a high-profile event also provides a unique learning experience, as students engage with cutting-edge discussions and innovations that shape the future of their fields. They gain insights into global trends and challenges in manufacturing and cybersecurity, which can inform their own research and career aspirations. This international exposure complements the hands-on training and professional development offered by the program, creating a well-rounded experience that prepares students to compete and contribute at the highest levels. OSU’s focus on providing these platforms for recognition highlights its dedication to fostering talent that can drive meaningful progress in critical industries worldwide.
OSU’s Leadership in Research and Education
Leveraging World-Class Resources
OSU’s REU program is underpinned by the university’s exceptional research infrastructure and established expertise, positioning it as a leader in undergraduate education for advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. The College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology (CEAT) boasts state-of-the-art facilities such as the Advanced Technology Research Center, the ENDEAVOR Maker Space, and the OSU Microscopy Facility. These resources provide an ideal environment for students to conduct meaningful research, even if they lack prior lab experience. Backed by substantial funding from prestigious agencies like NSF, NASA, and the Department of Defense, OSU ensures that participants have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies that mirror professional research settings.
This robust infrastructure is complemented by a faculty with deep expertise in both manufacturing and cybersecurity, offering students unparalleled mentorship. The university’s long-standing partnerships with government and industry stakeholders further enrich the program, providing access to real-world challenges and data that enhance the relevance of student projects. By leveraging these resources, OSU creates a supportive yet challenging environment where undergraduates can push boundaries and achieve significant research outcomes. This commitment to excellence in facilities and guidance solidifies OSU’s role as a hub for innovation, preparing students to address national priorities with skill and confidence.
Shaping the Future of STEM Education
Beyond its immediate resources, OSU’s REU program reflects a broader vision for the future of STEM education by pioneering interdisciplinary training at the undergraduate level. By integrating advanced manufacturing with cybersecurity, the initiative sets a precedent for how universities can address complex, overlapping challenges through targeted research experiences. This model not only prepares students for current industry demands but also anticipates future needs as technology continues to evolve. OSU’s approach serves as a potential blueprint for other institutions seeking to tackle workforce shortages and technological vulnerabilities through innovative educational frameworks.
The program’s success also strengthens OSU’s reputation as a leader in research and education, likely attracting further funding and partnerships that will expand its impact. By focusing on undergraduate talent, particularly from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, the university contributes to a more inclusive and dynamic STEM community. This forward-thinking strategy ensures that the next generation of engineers is equipped with the interdisciplinary skills and real-world experience needed to innovate responsibly. Through this REU, OSU is not just training students but shaping the trajectory of critical industries, demonstrating how education can directly address national and global challenges with lasting solutions.
