A new program financed by the National Science Foundation led by Professors of the University of New Haven offers practical research in sustainable construction for students with learning disabilities, combining technical innovation with inclusive mentoring.
June 11, 2025
When Goli Nossoni, Ph.D. First imagined a new type of undergraduate research experience, it focused on unified and interdisciplinary research involving students, the environment and engineering. More specifically, it was a question of creating an environment where students with learning disabilities could thrive in STEM.
“This idea is based on our conviction that engineers are responsible for meeting the environmental challenges of our time,” said Dr. Nossoni, professor of Civil engineering And the main investigator of the Research Site on the Nationally Funded Science Foundation for undergraduate students (REU) at New Haven University. “And all engineering problems need various ways of thinking.”
Title Build a greener future: Sustainable construction search to authorize students to learning disabilitiesThe three -year REU program aims to do exactly that – the sustainability of sustainability while also supporting neurodivergent students, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia and autism, by mentorship, research and career preparation.
Each summer, eight students from everywhere in the United States, including up to three from the university, will participate in the program. Working alongside the faculty mentors, they will research subjects such as 3D concrete printing, combustion of solid waste, water systems for zero net shelters and rapid construction modeling.
“This program is designed to say:” You belong here, “said Dr. Nossoni. “It offers a powerful opportunity to support neurodivergent students by creating a space where they can consider themselves researchers, managers and Changemakers.”
According to Reihaneh Samsami, Ph.D., PeCo-printing investigator and assistant civil engineering professor, the program is only positioned at New Haven University because of its culture of support.
“This program is designed to create a support environment where students with learning disabilities can prosper,” said Dr. Samsami. “They can contribute to real -world engineering challenges and gain confidence in their future career.”
A critical partner is the University accessibility resource center (ARC), which provides specialized support for students with learning differences. Thanks to this collaboration, the REU program offers enveloping support that helps students develop academically and personally.
The workshops will cover everything, from the ethics of communication and research to self-evocation and navigation STEM careers. Participants will also hear guest speakers – engineers who have a handicap and neurodivergent professionals – who will share their trips.
“Our objective is that each student acquires not only technical skills, but also the confidence and self -awareness he needs to navigate the STEM careers with pride and objective,” said Dr. Nossoni.
“To plead for yourself,” she added. “Talk about what you need. Your contributions are essential to build a greener future – a stronger future due to the various spirits behind. ”
During three summers, the participants in the REU will be directly involved in rigorous and practical engineering projects, some of which address urgent global problems.
“We are taking up the challenges of the real world, including the impacts of war infrastructure, climate change and refugee crises,” said Dr. Nossoni.
One of the objectives is to develop “zero net shelters which can be quickly deployed in the aftermath of natural or human manufacturing disasters,” she continued. “These shelters must be fully autonomous and capable of operating out of network using renewable energies and durable water systems.”
Although the project is focused on civil and environmental engineering, it applies to students from several disciplines, such as chemical And mechanical Engineering,, chemistry,, Construction managementAnd geosciences.
“The integration of various disciplines will strengthen collaboration and innovation,” said Dr. Samsami. And neurodivergent students “provide creative and ready-to-use solutions” which are essential, she said.
For Dr. Nossoni, this program represents more than one grant or a summer initiative. It is part of a broader movement that she hopes that the university will continue to lead.
She noted slow progress in strengthening more inclusive engineering research. “In some cases, it feels like going back.”
To help solve this problem, the REU team will call on students through national recruitment efforts from a wide range of colleges and universities, including those who have fewer research or less access to disability resources. The goal is to create a really inclusive national cohort.
By creating a program that focuses on accessibility, equity and innovation, the faculty hopes to leave a lasting impact on students and the field of engineering as a whole.
“This reu is a model for what the accessible and accessible research programs can look like,” said Dr. Nossoni. “I am deeply grateful for the possibility of directing this effort.”
“As a member of the faculty who lives with a handicap, my advice is as follows,” she added, “you belong absolutely to Stem. The sky is the limit.”