Program Overview

Preparing the next generation of researchers to contribute to the alternative protein sector and the broader US bioeconomy requires the integration of research, technical skill development, mentoring, and exposure to translational pathways. BITES (Biomanufacturing Innovation and Training for Engineering Future Food Proteins) prepares undergraduate students for emerging opportunities at the intersection of biotechnology, engineering, food science, manufacturing, and sustainability through mentored research, professional development, and industry interactions that connect fundamental discovery with real-world challenges in biomanufacturing and food production.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for the BITES Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Current Enrollment: You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student in good standing at a U.S. college or university.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or hold a current visa to be eligible for the financial stipend and housing support provided by this program.
• Commitment: You must commit to the full 10-week in-person program duration (May-July) in Raleigh, NC. Due to the intensive nature of the program, participants are expected to be full-time (40 hours/week) researchers on campus.
• Students must attend weekly lab meetings.
• Students must prepare and submit a written report of the work done.
• Students must give an oral presentation of work performed at the REU site.

Benefits

• Work with active research faculty in their laboratories on projects spanning cultivated-meat biomanufacturing, precision fermentation, process monitoring and automation, food manufacturing, computational modeling, sustainability assessment, and societal systems analysis.
• Benefit from regular interactions with an assigned sustainable protein industry mentor in addition to weekly professional development.
• Receive a $7,000 stipend and on-campus housing.
• Students are eligible to apply for funding to travel to a conference.

Research Projects

Descriptions of 2027 Research Projects Coming Soon

How to Apply

Along with your application, you must submit:

• Resume/CV (up to two pages)
• Unofficial transcript
• Personal statement
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member at your institution