Inaugural Program in Crime Analytics Wraps Up 10-Week Program for Undergraduate Visitors

Seven students from around the country came to the U of A earlier this summer for the inaugural "Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Crime Analytics" program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation. Housed by the Department of Sociology and Criminology, REU students engaged in several of the ongoing, funded research projects of the Terrorism Research Center, led by Jeff Gruenewald, and the Arkansas Health Equity and Access Lab, led by Michael Nino. 

REU students spent approximately 10 weeks at U of A attending workshops, lectures, and hands-on trainings on topics such as data collection, data management, research design and method, data analysis, research design, and data visualization. Students were provided unique opportunities to develop skills in data analytics, build social networks, and research some of today's most critical issues, including those related to violent extremism and health inequities in America. 

Students also had the chance to connect with other U of A faculty from across the campus and explore some of what Northwest Arkansas has to offer, including museums, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. When asked about her experience, Rebecca Vazquez, an REU student from California State University–East Bay, said, "It was a very fun experience! It exposed me to something very different from what I have learned in other classes and helped me apply those skills in practice." 

The NSF-REU Program in Crime Analytics has received funding for two additional years. Recruiting for Summer 2025 program will begin later this year. 

For more information about the NSF-REU Program in Crime Analytics, please visit the Terrorism Research Center website.