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Engaging Minds. Empowering Students. Are You Ready?

April 7-9, 2025

David L. Lawrence Convention Center  |  1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. Overall, this conference offers a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and offers student career readiness development. 

Why Participate?  We encourage student researchers to participate in NCUR to forge new connections, advocate for undergraduate research, build students' professional profiles, expand on their resumes, hone in on their essential career skills, and much more. We encourage faculty, mentors, and the undergraduate research community to participate in NCUR to continue to advocate and celebrate the community as well as expand upon their professional development from various mentoring sessions. 

Let your curiosity lead the way:

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2024 Midstates Consortium Undergraduate Research Symposium in Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Sciences

This is a call for applications to the 2024 Midstates Consortium  Undergraduate Research Symposium in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Sciences . 

The 2024 version of this long running symposium will be held at Washington University on  November 15th and 16th . The symposium features high quality undergraduate research presentations. Entry is selected (based on the application) and the symposium typically has around 120-130 attendees, the majority of whom are undergraduate researchers, the rest being faculty from various schools within the consortium  (Wash. U, University of Chicago, Lawrence University, and Beloit, Carthage, Colorado, Grinnell, Gustavus Adolphus, Hope, Knox, Macalester and St. Olaf colleges). Apart from the keynote and award lectures (which start off the symposium) all presenters will be undergraduate students.

Undergraduate Research students are encouraged to submit an application to present either in oral or poster form. The application form can be found at:  https://www.mathsciconsortium.org/uncategorized/dates-of-2024-undergraduate-research-symposia/

The deadline for applications is Saturday September 27th 2024 .

Header photo by Roman Mager on Unsplash .

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Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research ( OUR ) supports student engagement in the research and creative activity of the university.

The OUR ’s major initiatives include

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• Texas Student Research Showdown , a video competition for student researchers to tell their stories to a general audience
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• Outreach to faculty on the benefits and incentives of mentoring undergraduate researchers

Harvard’s Institute of Politics Announces Fall 2024 Resident Fellows

Introduction

CAMBRIDGE, MA - The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School today announced the appointment of six Resident Fellows who will join the IOP for the Fall 2024 semester. The fellows bring diverse experience in politics, elected office, polling, journalism, and economic development to address the challenges facing our country and world today.

"We are thrilled to welcome this Fall's cohort of Resident Fellows to Harvard to engage and collaborate with our students and community, and to get their thoughts and insight in the final few months of this year's historic election. Their diverse experiences will no doubt inspire our students to consider careers in public service and prepare them to provide essential political leadership in the months and years ahead," said IOP Director Setti Warren .

"We are excited to have such a remarkable group of Fellows at the IOP this Fall. They bring varied perspectives on how to best approach some of our country's most consequential challenges, and I am confident our students will gain important insight into the fields of politics, civic engagement, journalism, and more," said Michael Nutter , Chair of the Institute of Politics' Senior Advisory Committee, and former Mayor of Philadelphia.

"We are thrilled to welcome the incredibly accomplished members of the 2024 Fall Fellows Cohort as we begin the fall semester prior to the incredibly important U.S. election. As we close out the 'biggest election year in history,' our world remains in the throes of a major period of democratic backsliding. American voters, including many Harvard students, will once again face the possibility of reactionary backsliding and threats to fundamental rights. Closer to home, we are keenly aware of the threats to free speech on campus. While this semester will bring renewed challenges to and debates concerning those fundamental rights, we are hopeful that study groups will remain a source of vibrant, productive, and gratifying discussions on Harvard's campus. In that spirit, this semester's cohort of Fellows will bring in critical perspectives from the varied worlds of governing, policymaking, polling, reporting, and campaigning to equip students with the tools necessary to create a better tomorrow. We are confident that this cohort of Fellows will help this program to remain a bastion of freedom of speech and civil discourse on Harvard's campus," said Éamon ÓCearúil ‘25 and Summer Tan ‘26 , Co-Chairs of the Fellows and Study Groups Program at the Institute of Politics.

IOP Resident Fellows are fully engaged with the Harvard community. They reside on campus, mentor a cohort of undergraduate students, hold weekly office hours, and lead an eight-week, not-for-credit study group based on their experience and expertise.

Fall 2024 Resident Fellows:

• Betsy Ankney: Former Campaign Manager, Nikki Haley for President
• John Anzalone: One of the nation's top pollsters and strategists, and founder of Impact Research, a public opinion research and consulting firm
• Alejandra Y. Castillo: Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development
• Asa Hutchinson: Former Governor of Arkansas and 2024 Presidential Candidate
• Brett Rosenberg: Former Director for Strategic Planning, National Security Council and Deputy Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, Department of State
• Eugene Scott: Host at Axios Live, and former reporter who has spent two decades covering politics at the local, national and international level, including at the Washington Post and CNN

Brief bios and quotes can be found below. Headshots are available upon request.

Betsy Ankney Ankney is a political strategist with over 15 years of experience on tough campaigns. She has been involved in campaigns and Super PACs at the national and state level and played a role in some of the biggest upsets in Republican politics. She has been an advisor to Ambassador Nikki Haley since 2021, serving as Executive Director for Stand for America PAC and most recently as Campaign Manager for Nikki Haley for President. After starting with zero dollars in the bank and 2% in the polls, the campaign defied the odds, raised $80 million, and Nikki Haley emerged as the strongest challenger to Donald Trump. Ankney served as the Political Director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the 2020 cycle. She advised senate campaigns across the country, working directly with candidates and their campaigns on budgets, messaging, and fundraising. Prior to her work at the NRSC, Ankney managed multiple statewide campaigns, including Bruce Rauner for Governor in Illinois and Ron Johnson for Senate in Wisconsin. For her work on Ron Johnson’s race, she was named “Campaign Manager of the Year” by the American Association of Political Consultants for 2016. Ankney got her start in politics at the 2008 Republican National Convention and served in various roles at the Republican National Committee as well as on multiple campaigns and outside efforts. She serves on the boards of The Campaign School at Yale and The American Association of Political Consultants. She is from Toledo, Ohio and attended Vanderbilt University.

"I am honored to be a part of the fantastic program at the Harvard Institute of Politics. As we enter the final stretch of one of the wildest and most unpredictable election cycles in modern history, I look forward to having conversations in real time about our political process, what to look for, and why it matters." – Betsy Ankney

John Anzalone Anzalone is one of the nation’s top pollsters and messaging strategists. He has spent decades working on some of the toughest political campaigns in modern history and helping private-sector clients navigate complex challenges. He has polled for the past four presidential races, most recently serving as chief pollster for President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign. In that role, he helped develop the messaging and strategy that drove paid communications, major policy rollouts, speeches, and convention thematics. He has also polled for the campaigns of President Obama and Hillary Clinton, and has helped elect U.S. senators, governors, and dozens of members of Congress. Anzalone works with governors across the country, including current Governors Gretchen Whitmer (MI) and Roy Cooper (NC). He polls regularly for the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Senate Majority PAC, and AARP. With more than 30 years of experience in message development and strategic execution, he has been called on by key decision-makers, executives, and CEOs to provide counsel in a changing world and marketplace. He has extensive experience using research and data to break down complex subjects into digestible messages that resonate with target audiences. He grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan, and graduated from Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is married and has four children, two dogs, and lives in Watercolor, Florida.

"After a 40-year career in politics I am so excited to give back by sharing and mentoring politically active and curious students, but also to have an opportunity to learn from them myself. During the next three months we will be living the 2024 elections together in real time. There is nothing more exciting than that regardless of your political identity." – John Anzalone

Alejandra Y. Castillo The Honorable Alejandra Y. Castillo was nominated by President Biden and sworn in as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development on August 13, 2021, becoming the first women of color to hold this position. Ms. Castillo led the Economic Development Administration (EDA) between August 2021-2024 through an unprecedented moment of growth and opportunity. As the only federal agency focused exclusively on economic development, she guided EDA’s the implementation of over $6.8 billion dollars in federal funding, powering EDA and its mission to make transformational placed-based investments to support inclusive and equitable economic growth across America. Spanning over two decades of public service and non-profit work, she has served in three Presidential administrations --Biden, Obama and Clinton. Her career has also included a drive to shattering glass ceilings and providing inspiration to multiple generations of diverse leaders. Castillo is an active member in various civic and professional organizations, including the Hispanic National Bar Association, the American Constitution Society, as well as the Council on Foreign Relations. Castillo holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook; a M.A. in Public Policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin; and a J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law. A native of Queens, NY., the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic.

"I am excited to join this Fall semester IOP Fellowship class and have the opportunity to engage with students and faculty members across the University. The IOP fellowship presents a great forum to discuss and evaluate the future of U.S. industrial strategy and economic growth in light of the historic federal investments in place-based economic development during the last three years. I am honored to join my colleagues in making this an exciting and informative semester for students." – Alejandra Y. Castillo

Asa Hutchinson Governor Asa Hutchinson is a former Republican candidate for President of the United States. He served as the 46th Governor of the State of Arkansas and in his last election, he was re-elected with 65 percent of the vote, having received more votes than any other Republican candidate for governor in the State’s history. As a candidate for President, Hutchinson distinguished himself as an advocate for balancing the federal budget, energy production and enhanced border security. He also was a clear voice for the GOP to move away from the leadership of Donald Trump. Hutchinson’s time as governor is distinguished by his success in securing over $700 million per year in tax cuts, safeguarding the retirement pay of veterans from state income tax, shrinking the size of state government, creating over 100,000 new jobs and leading a national initiative to increase computer science education. The Governor’s career in public service began when President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the youngest U.S. Attorney in the nation for the Western District of Arkansas. In 1996, he won the first of three consecutive terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his third term in Congress, President George W. Bush appointed Governor Hutchinson to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration and later as the nation’s first Undersecretary of Homeland Security for Border Protection. He is a former Chairman of the National Governors. He grew up on a small farm near Gravette. He and his wife, Susan, have four children and seven grandchildren. Governor Hutchinson is currently CEO of Hutchinson Group LLC, a security consulting firm.

"After 8 years as Governor it is time to teach and mentor. I am honored to have the opportunity this fall to share my experiences and perspective but to also learn from the students and my colleagues who will also be resident fellows at the IOP. The timing is historic with our democracy facing a critical choice this fall as to the direction of our country." – Asa Hutchinson

Brett Rosenberg Rosenberg is a foreign policy expert who has served in the White House, Department of State, and Senate. During the Biden Administration, Rosenberg was the inaugural Deputy Special Coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, President Biden’s and the G7’s flagship program designed to meet infrastructure needs in low- and middle-income countries. At the White House, Rosenberg served on the National Security Council as Director for Strategic Planning, working on shaping and realizing approaches to issues spanning from international economics to Western Hemisphere engagement, as well as helping to write the National Security Strategy. Prior to her service in the Biden administration, Rosenberg was Associate Director of Policy for National Security Action, where she remains a senior advisor. Rosenberg began her career in Washington as a legislative aide to then-Senator Kamala Harris, where she advised the senator on a range of domestic and economic policy issues. Rosenberg is a Nonresident Scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and her writing has appeared in outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The New Republic, and McSweeneys. She received her A.B. in History from Harvard College and her PhD (DPhil) in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.

"What a privilege it is to be part of this incredible community in this incredible moment. I can't wait to learn from the students, faculty, and other fellows as we dive in together to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the United States and the world." – Brett Rosenberg

Eugene Scott Eugene Scott is a host at Axios Live, where he travels the country interviewing political and policy leaders. He was previously a senior political reporter for Axios covering 2024 swing voters and voting rights. An award-winning journalist, Scott has spent two decades covering politics at the local, national and international levels. He was recently a national political reporter at The Washington Post focused on identity politics and the 2022 midterm election. Following the 2020 presidential election, he hosted “The Next Four Years,” then Amazon’s top original podcast. He also contributed to “FOUR HUNDRED SOULS: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019,” which topped the New York Times’ bestseller list. In addition to writing, Scott has regularly provided political analysis on MSNBC, CBS and NPR. Scott was a Washington Correspondent for CNN Politics during the 2016 election. And he began his newspaper career at the Cape Argus in Cape Town, South Africa not long after beginning his journalism career with BET News’ “Teen Summit.” Scott received his master’s degree from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and his bachelor’s from the University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media. He is a D.C. native and continues to live in the Nation’s Capital.

"Learning from and with the professionals that visited the IOP during my time on campus was one of the highlights of my time at the Kennedy School. I am eager to help lead students in understanding the press and this country as we navigate the final weeks of arguably the most consequential election of our time." – Eugene Scott

Additional information can be found here .

About the Institute of Politics Fellows Program The Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School was established in 1966 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. The Institute’s mission is to unite and engage students, particularly undergraduates, with academics, politicians, activists, and policymakers on a non-partisan basis to inspire them to pursue pathways in politics and public service. The Institute blends the academic with practical politics and offers students the opportunity to engage in current events and to acquire skills and perspectives that will assist in their postgraduate pathways.

The Fellows Program has stood as the cornerstone of the IOP, encouraging student interest in public service and increasing the interaction between the academic and political communities. Through the Fellows Program, the Institute aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn from experienced public servants, the space to engage in civil discourse, and the chance to acquire a more holistic and pragmatic view of our political world.

For more information on the fellowship program, including a full list of former fellows, visit: iop.harvard.edu  

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We are always identifying and building new resources, so if you know of a great resource or opportunity, please let us know.

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Council on undergraduate research.

Did you know that the University of Arizona has an enhanced institutional membership with the Council on Undergraduate Research?

This means UArizona faculty, staff, and students can join the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) at no cost. Simply follow the link below and complete a short form.  After your enhanced membership benefits have been activated, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with nearly 14,000 members to discuss issues, ideas, and share resources on undergraduate research.
• Explore a Member Resource Library of over 100 resources, tips and tricks for virtual learning and teaching, and other valuable content to strengthen your undergraduate research experiences.
• Access a subscription to the CUR scholarly journal, Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research.
• Access exclusive member-only programs such as CUR Conversations on evolving hot topics.
• Utilize discounts for event registration and publication purchases.

To activate your membership, fill out the form at   https://www.cur.org/what/membership/join/enhanced_benefits/ 

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) works with agencies, foundations and faculty to promote undergraduate research opportunities. The organization represents more than 14,000 individuals at over 650 colleges and universities. 

CUR members will have access to: the CUR Quarterly journal and other publications; discounts for workshops, consulting and program reviews; and the ability to participate in meetings, such as CUR's mini-conference and annual business meetings.

The enhanced institutional membership offering is part of a campus-wide effort to increase undergraduate research opportunities while sharing the University of Arizona's accomplishments on the national stage.

The University of Arizona's CUR enhanced institutional membership is sponsored by the Office of Societal Impact within Research, Innovation, and Impact (RII) and Student Engagement and Career Development (SECD).  

You can find out more about CUR on their website: www.cur.org

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Kennesaw State University is an enhanced institutional member of CUR, which means that every member of the KSU community – faculty, students, staff, and administrators – can activate their institutional membership benefits for free. There are numerous benefits to joining (listed here for faculty/administrators and here for students).

Students, becoming a scholar in your field means joining professional organizations, and CUR is an excellent starting point for you – especially because it’s free!

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Undergraduate Research Experiences for STEM Students

Successes, challenges, and opportunities.

Undergraduate research has a rich history, and many practicing researchers point to undergraduate research experiences (UREs) as crucial to their own career success. There are many ongoing efforts to improve undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education that focus on increasing the active engagement of students and decreasing traditional lecture-based teaching, and UREs have been proposed as a solution to these efforts and may be a key strategy for broadening participation in STEM. In light of the proposals questions have been asked about what is known about student participation in UREs, best practices in UREs design, and evidence of beneficial outcomes from UREs.

Undergraduate Research Experiences for STEM Students provides a comprehensive overview of and insights about the current and rapidly evolving types of UREs, in an effort to improve understanding of the complexity of UREs in terms of their content, their surrounding context, the diversity of the student participants, and the opportunities for learning provided by a research experience. This study analyzes UREs by considering them as part of a learning system that is shaped by forces related to national policy, institutional leadership, and departmental culture, as well as by the interactions among faculty, other mentors, and students. The report provides a set of questions to be considered by those implementing UREs as well as an agenda for future research that can help answer questions about how UREs work and which aspects of the experiences are most powerful.

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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. Undergraduate Research Experiences for STEM Students: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities . Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24622. Import this citation to: Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager

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Participating in undergraduate research at UC San Diego is a rewarding experience that provides many benefits:

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If you are interested in getting involved with undergraduate research, but need guidance on how to start, we are here to help! Below we detail common factors and opportunities to consider when you're narrowing down your research options and completing the application process.

Important!  Getting involved with undergraduate research is not a linear process (step 1, step 2, etc). The information below is in a list to help you easily find what you need, but the process of getting involved with research is not the same for every opportunity or program. T he order of the steps will vary across opportunities .  For example, depending on the program, you may need to find a faculty mentor prior to applying to the program, after applying to the program, or a faculty mentor will be assigned to you. Use the information below as applicable and necessary.

Personal factors to consider

When considering research programs or other research opportunities, it is important to know your wants, needs, and eligibility. Below are a list of questions to think about and answer to help you when you start researching, narrowing down, and applying to opportunities. Consider current and future interests when answering the questions. 

• What goals do you have in mind (e.g. gain technical skills, gain experience for medical school applications, etc.)?
• What skills do you want to gain?
• What skills do you have to offer?
• UC San Diego
• Other university
• Out-of-state
• When do you want to do research? 
• Academic year and/or summer?
• Which quarter(s)? 
• How many experiences do you want to complete?
• What other time commitments do you have in your life?
• Pay as an employee
• Scholarship/stipend
• Research/class credits
• Co-curricular record
• What field(s) do you want to do research in?
• Do you want to do research individually or with a group? (This often, but not always, depends on the field/professor).
• Do you want to work on your own project or a professor/PI's project? (This often, but not always, depends on the field/professor).
• Citizenship
• Race/ethnic identity
• Family income
• Student status (number of course units you have)
• Career goals
• Education goals (bachelor's, master's, doctorate, medical school, etc.)
• Are you a first-generation student? (your parent(s) didn't earn a 4-year degree)

Research opportunities

There are many ways to find and participate in research at UC San Diego and elsewhere. Here are some of the ways to explore your options. These apply to all fields and interest areas, including interdisciplinary options. 

Hint:  When researching opportunities, look for those geared towards your chosen field as well as those open to "all fields."

• Search the Undergraduate Research Hub's programs
• Search the All UC San Diego Undergraduate Research Programs database
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• Student organizations
• Mentoring programs
• Opportunities outside for UC San Diego (FAQ)
• Opportunities abroad (FAQ)

Field specific factors

The information below is based on common experiences of our students; however, some students have converse experiences.  Use the information to guide your pursuit of conducting undergraduate research, but understand that your experience may be different.

Arts, humanities, and social sciences

For arts, humanities, and social sciences (e.g., music, literature, sociology) students, it is common to work with a professor individually, whether through a formal opportunity/program or through volunteering. Our information on finding a mentor can help you find a faculty member to work with. 

In these fields, it can be easier to pursue your own research project.

In addition to the research opportunities listed above, you may be able to

• Volunteer for a professor with similar research interests
• Ask a professor if you can do research for 199 credit (without a formal program)

Engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences

For engineering, life sciences, and physical sciences (e.g., engineering, biology, physics) students, it is common to work in a lab / with a research group on a ongoing project, whether through a formal opportunity/program or through volunteering. 

In addition to the research opportunities listed above, you may also want to

• Look for undergraduates listed (this indicates that they are open to working with undergraduates)
• Reach out to an undergraduate and/or graduate student to learn details about this research group
• Find contact information for this research group and contact them about opportunities

Evaluate opportunities

Consider multiple options! Don't limit yourself to one program. You can apply to multiple options at a time and can participate in different options throughout your undergraduate career.

Important!  After you decide on the opportunities that you want to consider, research what is required to apply.

• How they align with your answers to the questions in the "things to consider" list above
• Eligibility
• Requirements
• Application due dates
• Application documents (e.g. personal statement, letter of recommendation, transcripts)
• Application processes
• Research group requirements and expectations (if applicable)

Other steps: picking a topic, picking a mentor, applying, etc.

Remember: Getting involved with undergraduate research is not a linear process (step 1, step 2, etc). The information below is in a list to help you easily find what you need, but the process of getting involved with research is not the same for every opportunity or program. The order of the steps will vary across opportunities.

• Choose a research topic
• Find a faculty research mentor
• Ask for a letter of recommendation
• Reach out to the writing hub  for help
• Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) application process  
• For non-URH opportunities, visit their websites for application instructions.
• Review our FAQs  for commonly asked questions
• Contact a URH staff member with any further questions!

The Research Guide

Anahi Ibarra is a UCSD Alumna that created a research flip-book guide for her TRELS Spring 2020 research project, specifically for first generation college students. She hopes this PDF guide can help all students interested in research and provide resources on how to get involved on campus.

Check out the Guide!

Undergraduate Research Hub

CONNECT WITH THE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH HUB:

• LinkedIn  

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Main navigation, senior leadership.

Christian Hardigree , J.D., Regional Chancellor

Christian Hardigree was named regional chancellor of USF's St. Petersburg campus in May 2022. She previously served as the founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University (MSU) in Denver, which is the third largest and only open-access institution of higher education in Colorado.

At MSU, Hardigree led the transition to a free-standing school and developed/implemented departmental structures, school strategic plan and initiatives, and other deliverables. She secured more than $3,775,000 in external funds to support the school and led faculty through curriculum redesign of six degrees and majors, eight minors and nine certificates. 

Prior to her role at MSU, Hardigree served as the founding director and professor of the Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. She oversaw more than 260 majors with a total enrollment of more than 1,500 students. She also worked for Parnell & Associates as a senior litigation attorney and partner focusing on employment discrimination, arbitration, mediation and labor-management relations. In 2012, she was selected as a faculty institute senior teaching fellow at University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she also received the Sam and Mary Boyd Distinguished Professor for Service Award in 2011 and the Boyd Distinguished Professor for Teaching Award in 2010.

A researcher and frequent conference presenter, Hardigree received her juris doctorate from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and a bachelor of science, cum laude, from William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Jacob L. Diaz , Ed. D., Regional Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success & Dean of Students

Dr. Jacob Diaz grew up in a bilingual home in San Diego, California and is a proud to share that he is a product of the California Community College system which he credits for instilling in him the confidence and hope in achieving a college degree. 

Currently, at the University of South Florida Saint Petersburg campus, he serves as the Regional Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Success & Dean of Students where he provides strategic vision and oversight of a diverse portfolio of areas including Student Life and Engagement, Housing and Residence Education, Student Conduct and Ethical Development, Student Outreach and Support, Office of Veterans Success and as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. He is also engaged in the community as a member of the board of 2-1-1Tampa Bay Cares whose mission is to connect community to critical health and human services. Diaz' undergraduate degree in English Literature is from the University of California, Santa Barbara and both Master's and Doctoral degrees are from the University of Vermont.

Dean of Students 

Patti Helton , Ph.D., Regional Vice Chancellor of Student Success

Dr. Patti Helton joined USFSP in July 2016 after 13 years as Associate Vice Provost for Student Life and Senior Adjunct Faculty at the University of Denver.  She also worked at Eastern Mennonite University for 17 years as an Assistant Professor and Vice President for Student Life.  She has served as a Senior Student Affairs administrator for 31 years.

Helton provides comprehensive leadership for Student Success which includes 20 departments and a staff of approximately 100.  She earned her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Virginia; a M.Ed. in Kinesiology and Health Science from Stephen F. Austin State; and a B.S. in Health and Physical Education from Oklahoma City University.

Student Success 

Mai Jenney , Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance

As Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance, Mai Jenney is responsible for budget planning and analysis, coordination with the University System Budget Director, and the execution of budgets financial analyses and financial transaction reviews for the campus.  Jenney also assists the Regional Vice Chancellor of Administration & Finance to ensure long-term alignment of financial and physical resources with the strategic direction of the institution and create and maintain transparency and communication opportunities with internal and external constituents regarding resources.

Jenney began her career at USF St. Petersburg as an Academic Advisor for the College of Business.  She then left to pursue an accounting career at a marketing company.  After four years with the company, Jenney returned to USF in 2011 as a Fiscal & Business Analyst working for the College of Arts & Sciences.  In November 2013, she moved to Administrative & Financial Services working as a Budget Analyst, Senior Analyst, Campus Budget Director, and now her current role.

A proud USF St. Petersburg alumna, Jenney earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance in 2005 and an MBA in 2020.

Administrative & Financial Services 

Lisa Morrell , Events Manager

Lisa Morrell Laubach serves as the Events Manager for the Regional Chancellor's office overseeing the design, coordination and execution of events while promoting the university's mission and objectives.  With vast experience working in the hospitality industry,  she is a business development professional with a strong commitment to providing top notch customer service to every task she undertakes.  As the former Director of Client Services for Unique Venues, she has worked with hundreds of collegiate conference programs throughout North America providing consultative services to help grow external conference rental and intern housing revenue while simultaneously acting as the events manager, planning and coordinating national conferences, tradeshows and celebrations. She has provided education and support to various collegiate hospitality associations spanning over 15 years. Her attention to detail and passion for hospitality can be seen in every event planned. Lisa is an avid runner and proud mother of three daughters.

Brenda Lyons , Special Assistant to the Regional Chancellor

Brenda Lyons joined USF in 2017 and serves as Special Assistant to the Regional Chancellor. She proactively manages and coordinates the daily functions of the Chancellor, including scheduling and communicating with internal and external constituents. She serves as the coordinator and communication liaison to the USF St. Petersburg campus Board, Chancellor’s Cabinet and Leadership Teams. Lyons also serves on the Administrative Advisory Council (AAC), an organization that advises the President on matters of interest. A New York native, Lyons earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management from Stony Brook University.

Caryn Nesmith , Community Relations

Caryn Nesmith is director of Community Relations at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. Prior to this role, she was special assistant for strategic initiatives to the regional chancellor. In that capacity, she oversaw development and execution of new projects and programs on campus and in the community that advance the university’s mission and the regional chancellor’s priorities.

Before joining USF, Nesmith spent 13 years as a consultant creating and executing communications strategies for international policy on behalf of U.S. and foreign government clients, including overseas assignments as a media advisor and senior strategist in Iraq, Colombia, and the Philippines. In 2012, she moved to Tampa Bay to work at U.S. Special Operations Command on MacDill Airforce Base where she led a Strategic Engagement team in the International Liaison Division.

In her early career, Nesmith was a journalist in Puerto Rico at the San Juan Star and the Caribbean Bureau of The Associated Press. She has worked with non-profits focused on empowerment of communities: as a civil society coordinator in the mountains of Peru with the international non-profit CARE; as a teacher in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador with World Teach, and as an event coordinator throughout North America with Up With People.  

Nesmith earned a Master’s Degree in International Relations with a concentration in Latin America and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland.

Community Relations 

Carrie Johnson O'Brion , Assistant Regional Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Communications and Strategic Initiatives

Carrie Johnson O'Brion is the Assistant Regional Vice Chancellor for Marketing, Communications and Strategic Initiatives for USF’s St. Petersburg campus. O'Brion is a longtime St. Petersburg resident and has more than 20 years of experience as a communications professional, including seven years as a reporter and editor with the Tampa Bay Times. Prior to joining USF’s St. Petersburg campus in August 2018, she oversaw internal and external communications for BluePearl Veterinary Partners, a division of Mars Inc. and the country's largest provider of specialty and emergency veterinary care with more than 80 hospitals in 25 states. O'Brion has experience working with executive leadership to develop strategic messaging, creating and implementing company-wide communications plans, overseeing communication platforms and a proven record of management and team building.  She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Colgate University and a master’s degree in communication from Johns Hopkins University. She is very active in the community and has served as president of the boards of SPCA Tampa Bay and the Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association of Tampa Bay.

Communications & Marketing 

E. Howard Rutherford , Associate Vice President of Development University Advancement

E. Howard Rutherford joined the USF St. Petersburg campus Advancement Team as Associate Vice President after 3 years with the Office of Gift Planning as Senior Director of Development and after 5 years with the College of Marine Science (CMS) as Director of Development. Rutherford assists in leading the facilitation of gifts across the USF St. Petersburg campus. Before returning to USF, Rutherford had a 13-year tenure as President/CEO with The Pier Aquarium d/b/a Marine Exploration Center. 

Rutherford is a collaborative, community leader and has held board leadership positions at the local, state and national levels. His abilities in leadership, strategic implementation and working in complex work environments has helped him to build trust both inside and outside the institutions he has represented. 

As founding Co-Chair, Rutherford helped to establish the St. Petersburg Science Festival . Currently, he serves as an advisor to the Science Festival Alliance at MIT, an international organization fostering a professional community dedicated to more and better science and technology festivals. Rutherford is also President of the St. Petersburg Sunrise Rotary Club, Vice President of the Suncoast Estate Planning Council and Second Vice President of USF St. Petersburg campus Town and Gown.

Rutherford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Chemistry from Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, FL and attended graduate school at USF's College of Marine Science.

Advancement 

Kevin Sheehy , Regional Vice Chancellor for Administration & Financial Services  

Sheehy joined USF St. Petersburg in April 2024. He previously worked at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was most recently Assistant Vice Chancellor of Auxiliary Operations and Finance, a position he held since 2007.  In this role, he provided oversight of financial operations, including capital projects, budget creation and reporting of Business, Hospitality and Auxiliary Services.  

Sheehy began his career at United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), in Pittsburgh, Pa., working his way up from District Automotive Accountant to Finance Supervisor over seven years. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration from Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, Pa. 

As Regional Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, Sheehy serves as the chief financial and operating officer for USF St. Petersburg. He also provides oversight and leadership to multiple units including Financial Services, Resource Management (Budget Office), Purchasing, Facilities Services, Emergency Management, University Police, Parking & Transportation Services and Campus Computing. 

Thomas Smith , Vice Provost of Academic Affairs 

As Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Thomas Smith serves as a campus liaison to the USF Provost’s Office, providing leadership and vision for academic affairs priorities and how that vision is implemented on the St. Petersburg campus. Working with the other campus deans and stakeholders, Dr. Smith supports the academic units and centers in St. Petersburg and serves on the Regional Chancellor’s cabinet, focusing on communication, collaboration, and ensuring campus connectivity. 

Dr. Smith has been at USF St. Petersburg for more than 23 years. A human rights expert, he has published widely on research interests, including international humanitarian law, Turkish politics, and foreign policy. Dr. Smith is also the Campus Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and formerly the Associate Dean of the Judy Genshaft Honors College. He is a co-founder of the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs, now a flagship event that attracts thousands each year and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Holocaust Museum. He earned his undergraduate degree in anthropology from the College of William and Mary and his master's and Ph.D. in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia.

Academic Affairs 

Aurélio Manuel Valente , Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies

Dr. Aurélio Valente comes to USF St. Petersburg from National Louis University in Chicago, where he most recently served as Executive Director of Strategy and Academic Operations. He was previously the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Governors State University in Illinois.

In his role as Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, Valente is the primary contact for academic colleges and departments for undergraduate programs of study at USF St. Petersburg. He supervises the director of the Debbie Nye Sembler Student Success Center, the academic advocates, and the advising and professional staff in the Academic Advising Opportunity Center. Valente also works to support retention and graduation initiatives and ensure that campus personnel are using university-wide data and analytics platforms.

Valente earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth; his master’s in education from Suffolk University and doctorate in higher education from Florida State University.

Undergraduate Studies 

Laura Zuppo , Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success

Laura Zuppo serves USFSP as the Regional Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Success for the Enrollment and Transitions teams. She also serves as the campus Student Ombuds. She joined USF in 2020 and has worked in higher education administration since 1999. In her current role at USF St. Petersburg, she serves on the Chancellor’s Cabinet and is part of the Student Success Division where she works to support all new and continuing students in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. She previously served as a higher education consultant and as Assistant Dean for Strategic Enrollment Management at Stetson University College of Law. Zuppo earned both the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Higher Education Administration. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Higher Education at USF.