Spring 2023 promises to be an exciting semester for undergraduate research at the University of Utah. Every year, partners of the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research (UCUR) host a statewide conference for students to present their research. And in February 2023, UCUR is coming to the U.
A truly remarkable event of cutting-edge research, UCUR features the next generation of scholars. UCUR is modeled after the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and is organized by a committee of representatives from educational institutions across the state. The conference celebrates academic, professional and personal achievements resulting from undergraduate research projects or creative endeavors. Undergraduate research experience is a high-impact practice. It provides mentoring relationships for undergraduate researchers and opportunities to present their findings as part of a collaborative research process.
The first UCUR was hosted by the U in 2007, co-chaired by Jill Baeder, former associate director of the U’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (renamed the Office of Undergraduate Research in 2012), Steve Roens, professor in the U’s School of Music and Joyce Kinkead, Utah State University distinguished professor of English.
Since its inception, UCUR has been hosted by Utah Valley University, Westminster College, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Utah State University, Brigham Young University and Utah Tech University (formerly Dixie State University).
“UCUR is the embodiment of statewide collaboration and investment in impactful experiences through undergraduate research where research presentations afford students the opportunity to present to their peers and professionals; reflect on research through speaking and presenting on their methods, design and findings; and synthesize complex ideas for a generalized audience,” said Annie Isabel Fukushima, associate dean of undergraduate studies and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “Attending UCUR at Utah Tech University in 2022, I was moved by the energy of the students, the dynamism in their research and the multiple fields represented. I was proud to be there representing the institution and honored to be co-chairing the conference with my team.”
The Office of Undergraduate Research’s Fukushima, Cindy Greaves and Megan Shannahan are UCUR 2023’s co-chairs.
In a joint letter to the Conference on Undergraduate Research, Taylor Randall, U president; Martell Teasley, interim senior vice president for academic affairs; and Thomas Chase Hagood, senior associate vice president for academic affairs, said, “Undergraduate research is an integral part of the university’s mission to prepare students for a dynamic world and global workforce. … Students who experience high impact practices like research are more likely to persist towards timely completion and make better-informed decisions about their future.”
The U and the Office of Undergraduate Studies are honored to host UCUR 2023 on Feb. 17, and invite all students across the state of Utah to submit their abstracts by Nov. 1, 2022.
To submit an abstract, click here.
For more information on UCUR 2023, click here.