The Michigan College/University Partnership (MICUP) program was created by the Michigan State Legislature to help community college students overcome institutional barriers through research opportunities with local universities. As a proud supporter of MICUP, Lawrence Technological University’s College of Arts and Sciences partners with Henry Ford College and Oakland Community College to bring underrepresented students to LTU’s campus for an immersive summer learning experience.
MICUP Scholars join with a Lawrence Tech faculty member for a four-week summer research project spanning diverse topics such as AI, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, programing, health sciences, and the humanities.Scholars prepare for their summer research in an advanced research workshop, where they learn about best practices for conducting research, literature review writing, and creating compelling research presentations. In the summer, Scholars conduct hands-on research in state-of-the-art facilities, engage with faculty and LTU student peer mentors, and present their research experiences in a symposium at the conclusion of the program.
Lawrence Technological University is dedicated to the aim of the MICUP program and the larger King-Chávez-Parks (KCP) Initiative: to support students from economically or academically disadvantaged backgrounds, to drive institutional change within higher education, and to ensure that cutting-edge STEM education and research experiences are accessible to all.
I really enjoyed the program overall and appreciate the skill and knowledge it imparted onto me.”
I really like this program and the opportunities it gives for students. I have learned a lot in a span of 4 weeks, and it was a difficult but great experience. I just wish it was longer and had more time, and I just hope to improve from here and deepen my knowledge.”
I learned more valuable [things] about my concept than I ever knew and I’m grateful for LTU and MICUP for sponsoring such a great event.”
At Lawrence Technological University, we believe the path to innovation begins with opportunity. This year’s theme, “From Community College to LTU Research Labs!” perfectly captures our mission: providing an agile, student-centric environment where the leaders of a technologically driven world are forged.
The MICUP (Michigan/College University Partnership) Scholars Program is the ultimate expression of this mission. It bridges the gap between community college excellence and high-level university research, transforming ambitious students into professional researchers.
In February 2026, LTU welcomed nine elite scholars for an intensive orientation designed to transition them from students to researchers. Hosted in our state-of-the-art facilities, these scholars began a journey rooted in ethical excellence and technical mastery.
Dedicated to increasing access and success for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in STEM, LTU is proud to partner with:
Together, we create a seamless, high-impact transition from associate-level learning to transformative, real-world research at LTU.
“The future belongs to those who can bridge the gap between what is known and what is possible. Our MiCUP scholars are doing exactly that—overcoming barriers and redefining what it means to be a scientist.”
We are proud to welcome the following students for their commitment to academic excellence and ethical scholarship:
Alex Christie, Junior Kengisi, Cameron Kowalke, Georgina Khamo, Justin Kohler, Jude Patto, Joshua Urbno, Sarah Bukaita, and Olivia Walk
Lawrence Technological University and the College of Arts and Sciences represented by Dean Patrick Nelson proudly announces the launch of MICUP Summer 2026 (Year 3) a premier, paid undergraduate research experience designed to empower 15 outstanding community college students from:
MICUP (Michigan College/University Partnership) provides a transformative pathway for talented students particularly those who are academically and economically disadvantaged to transition successfully into four-year STEM degree programs while gaining real-world research experience.
MICUP scholars are paired one-on-one with Lawrence Tech faculty mentors to conduct original research in cutting-edge fields including:
Each mentor–scholar team designs a customized research plan and meets at least four times throughout the program. Scholars complete 40+ hours of guided research and receive:
The core research experience takes place in May 2026, where scholars spend dedicated time on campus working alongside LTU faculty in laboratories, design studios, and computing facilities.
Up to 50% of project work may begin during Spring 2026, with the remaining work completed during the summer program.
Each scholar completes the program with:
A research poster presented at LTU Research Day
A professional PowerPoint presentation delivered on August 7, 2026
Formal recognition at the MICUP Graduation Ceremony and $500 incentive.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| MICUP Workshop | February 2026 |
| Research Month | May 2026 |
| Final Presentations & Graduation | August 7, 2026 |
MICUP 2026 launched with a powerful Year 3 Kickoff Event on December 5, 2025 at LTU, featuring faculty research presentations across engineering, science, computing, and health — showcasing the intellectual environment MICUP scholars will join.
MICUP is more than a summer program — it is a bridge to opportunity, equipping students with the confidence, skills, and mentorship needed to succeed in advanced STEM education and careers.
If you are a motivated student from HFCC, MCC, or OCC with a passion for discovery and a desire to grow as a researcher, MICUP Summer 2026 is your opportunity to step into the future.
Discover. Research. Lead. Transfer. Succeed.
| Faculty Mentor | Department | Research Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Franco Delogu | Humanities, Social Sciences, + Communication | Applying Immersive Virtual Reality to Neuropsychology |
| Dr. Paul Jaussen | Humanities, Social Sciences, + Communication | Detroit Working Class Literature |
| Dr. Matthew Johnston | Math + Computer Science | Exploring Mathematical Models of Infectious Disease Spread |
| Dr. Aleksandra Kuzmanov | Natural Sciences | Environment and Reproductive Health: Exploring the Effects of Plastics on Fertility Using the Model Organism Caenorhabditis elegans |
| Dr. Tao Liu | Math + Computer Science | Play with Voxels – Volumetric Analysis Using 3D CNN |
| Dr. Angela Morris | Nursing | Research in Nursing Methods |
| Dr. Irfana Muqbil | Natural Sciences | From In-Silico Screening to In-Vitro Testing: Identifying Lead Compounds for Anticancer Activity |
| Dr. Shannon Timmons | Natural Sciences | A Search for Safer Plastics: Synthesis of Bisphenol A Analogs for Toxicity Testing |
| Dr. Yelena Vaynberg | Math + Computer Science | Exploring the Intersection of Mathematics and Engineering for the Design and Fabrication of Kinetic 3D Printing Sculptures |
| Dr. Changgong Zhou | Natural Sciences | Experimental Study of Optical Forces on Micron-Sized Particles |
In Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication, we explore what makes us uniquely human. Through ancient and modern texts, social norms, and communication, we uncover how these fields are essential to all careers and human endeavors.
In a world of programming, proofs, and unending figures and unfeeling facts, is there room for a touch of magic? Data drives discovery, innovation redefines intelligence, and when curiosity meets logic, mathematics can be miraculous.
Curiosity drives discovery in biology, chemistry, and physics, guiding us from molecular interactions to chemical reactions and the fundamental laws of nature. Explore what makes you curious.