Undergraduate Research Center
The URC is devoted to enhancing the undergraduate experience by facilitating students' investigations that make original intellectual or creative contributions within and across disciplines. We provide support for undergraduate research through several avenues:
- Education for undergraduates and mentors regarding research and presentation of that research.
- Resources for information about research and outside funding opportunities for workshops and seminars, and events at which students can present their research
- Support in the form of research scholarships for research projects and for travel to present research at professional meetings.
- Celebration and showcasing of undergraduate research and scholarship on campus, nationally, and internationally.
Mission
The Undergraduate Research Center (URC) is devoted to enabling experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates by facilitating students' investigations that make original intellectual or creative contributions within and across disciplines. The URC directly advances the University's mission to promote learning, community, and scholarship by engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought across disciplines, and generating knowledge.
What is UG Research? What is the URC?
Undergraduate research is "an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline," (Council on Undergraduate Research). The Undergraduate Research Center provides educational resources and funding to help students develop their research skills. The URC has supported students from all majors and departments. Some examples of previous research topics are:
- How cities rebuild after natural disasters or economic crises
- The expression of multiracial identity
- The development of prosthetic limbs for amputees
- The creation of a medical mirror to track vital signs in patients
- Improved water quality in Thailand
- Pollution-fighting effects of trees
