2026 IRES Awardees

The 2026 NSF International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) cohort spent two months in Taiwan, combining hands-on research with an immersive international experience.

At National Tsing Hua University in Hsinchu, the students worked alongside researchers in advanced laboratory settings, explored new areas of science and engineering, and gained experience with research methods and equipment beyond what they had previously encountered.

Beyond the lab, the cohort experienced Taiwanese culture, traveled to communities across the island, and built connections with students, researchers, and residents. Explore the 2026 IRES awardees and read their reflections on the research, relationships, and experiences that shaped their summer in Taiwan.

NSF-IRES Awardees

2026 IRES Awardees

Krista Franco	Axel Montoya	Elysia Swinford	Ethan Yager

Krista Franco

“This trip taught me much more than laboratory techniques. I learned about material science, graphene, research practices, and how scientists from another country approach their work.”

Axel Montoya

“This experience was a great motivator for me to want to learn more and pursue knowledge. Being part of such a big research group made me feel very comfortable and motivated to keep showing up and learning more.”

Elysia Swinford

“I hope to maintain a broader perspective on engineering and use these connections as a reminder of the importance of learning from a broad range of cultural perspectives.”

Ethan Yager

“I originally thought I was going to Taiwan just to learn about chemistry, but I ended up learning about the culture, the people, the good and bad parts of living abroad, and a lot about myself.”