undergraduate research council

Jump to navigation

Search form

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

• Search Site
• Search Campus Directory
• Search Odum Library
• Online Campus

About Valdosta State

Administration, employment opportunities, majors and degrees, academic resources, admission to vsu, paying for college, blazer athletics, campus life, life at vsu, housing and residence life, student services, alumni & giving, vsu alumni association, make a gift, alumni & friends, strategic priorities, a culture of excellence, resources for.

• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Close navigation

Undergraduate Research Council

 Thank You To Our Wonderful Foundation Sponsors For Making This Possible

  Link for Symposium Archive:  Archive Symposium 2023

Symposium winners:  URC/symposium-winners-2023.docx

What's for Lunch? series  will be hosted from 12-1 PM one Wed. a month. Students and Faculty can attend face-to-face in Ashley 1212 or online.

Dr. De La Garza Benavides, LSAMP

LSAMP: The Power of Mentoring and Community to Develop Scholars

Dr. Manning, Chemistry

Oysters, Corals, Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis, What Do They Have in Common?

  Think Tank is an open forum on anything related to research. VSU community can attend face-to-face in Ashley 1212 or online from 3:00-4:00 PM one WED a month. The entire VSU community is welcome to join us at 3:00- as long as we like.  

 Jan 31

VSU Community Research Bulletin Board can be found  here . Post research opportunities and needs for students and faculty.  Great place for multi-disciplinary interaction and experiential learning opportunities.

Benefits of Participating in Undergraduate Research

• Experiential Learning
• Advance resume
• Develop writing, presentation, and technology skills
• Prepare for medical school, law school, graduate studies, and business opportunities
• Attend regional and national conferences 
• Potential for publication
• Enjoy the community of student and faculty researchers.

Undergraduate Research Symposium 2019

Additional resources and partners.

New Media Center

Odum Library

Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion

Office of Social Equity

VSU Community Research Bulletin Board

• Symposium on Undergraduate Research
• Ashley Hall  Room 1217
• Mailing Address 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31698
• Phone: 229.333.7376

• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
• Staff & Appointments
• Request a Presentation
• Mission, Vision, & Diversity
• Events and Programs Calendar
• News Stories
• Subscribe to the URH Newsletter
• Newsletter Submission Form
• Council on Undergraduate Research
• Getting Started in Undergraduate Research
• How to Pick a Research Topic
• How to Find a Research Mentor
• Letters of Recommendation
• Application Process
• Student Profiles
• Undergraduate Research Library Prize
• Research Picture Submission
• Undergraduate Research Directory
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• URH Academic Year Programs
• URH Summer Research Programs
• All URH Programs
• All UC San Diego Undergraduate Research Programs
• Conference for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH)
• Online Undergraduate Research Symposium (OURS)
• Medical Education for Diverse Students (MEDS) Conference
• Summer Research Conference (SRC)
• Undergraduate Research Conference (URC)
• Conference Preparation
• External Research Conferences and Professional Meetings
• Conference Travel Funding
• Prestigious Scholarships
• Be a Mentor
• Other Ways to Get Involved
• Resources for Mentors
• Outstanding Mentor Awards
• Scholarship on Undergraduate Research
• Alumni Profiles & News
• Undergraduate Research

UC San Diego is now an Enhanced Institutional Member of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), a distinguished national organization with a mission “to support and promote high-quality mentored undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.” URH is especially delighted to be the primary contact between CUR and the UC San Diego research community. Every researcher will benefit from this membership : for administrators and faculty members, there are assessment tools, publications, and national conferences and support networks on creating, maintaining, and evaluating undergraduate research programs; for students, CUR sponsors events showcasing undergraduate research, including the annual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Students, staff, faculty: click below activate your free membership. And watch this space for more news about ways to become an active member of CUR at UC San Diego.   

CUR Resources

Student resources.

Click below to learn more about and access CUR resources for undergraduate researchers such as student journals, presentation opportunities, research opportunities, and more!

Mentor Resources

Click below to learn more about and access CUR resources for undergraduate research mentors such as advocacy, assessment, characteristics of excellence, webinars, and more!

Click below to see a current list of upcoming CUR events such as webinars, seminars, conferences, and more!

Division of Student Success and Well-Being

2023-2024 Student Undergraduate Research Council

Follow the link below to find out more about SURC and how you can give back to the undergraduate researcher community in the next academic year!

Excellence, Innovation, and Distinction

• What is Undergraduate Research?
• Mission and History
• Strategic Plan
• Board of Directors
• CUR Divisions
• Committees + Task Forces
• National Office Team
• Nominations & Elections
• Key Documents
• Year In Review
• Code of Conduct

What Is CUR’s Definition of Undergraduate Research?

Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry is fundamentally a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. With an emphasis on process, CUR defines undergraduate research as: A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge. 

What Are the Benefits of Undergraduate Research?

• Enhances student learning through mentoring relationships with faculty
• Increases retention and graduation in academic programs
• Increases enrollment in graduate education and provides effective career preparation
• Develops critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and intellectual independence
• Develops an understanding of research methodology
• Promotes an innovation-oriented culture
• Develops competencies that speak to career-readiness

How Does CUR Support Undergraduate Research?

CUR, incorporated in 1980, is an organization of individual, institutional, and affiliate members from around the world. CUR members share a focus on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity opportunities for faculty and students. CUR believes that faculty members enhance their teaching and contribution to society by remaining active in research and by involving undergraduates in research and that students engaged in undergraduate research succeed in their studies and professional advancement.

Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide range of volunteer positions. The CUR community continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as we strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses worldwide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research.

CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all its activities and our community.

We are your resource. We are the community. We are mentoring. We are CUR.

• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
• NAU > -->
• Undergraduate Research > -->

Council on Undergraduate Research

As a benefit of the university’s enhanced institutional membership in the Council on Undergraduate Research ( CUR ), our faculty, staff, and students are eligible to join at no cost.

Founded in 1978, the mission of the CUR is to support and promote high-quality, collaborative research and scholarship between undergraduates and faculty.  The CUR believes that faculty members enhance their teaching and contribution to society with active research projects and by involving undergraduates in research.

Membership benefits of the CUR include:

• Access to the members only website. The website contains information such as funding resources, annotated bibliographies of key references on undergraduate research topics, webinar archives, advocacy, and much more.
• Access to CUR’s Undergraduate Researchers Registry. The registry facilitates matchmaking between undergraduates with research experience and graduate schools seeking high quality students.
• Access to the CUR mentor network. The mentor network matches individuals seeking information about undergraduate research programs with experienced, tenured CUR faculty mentors.
• An electronic subscription to CUR Quarterly , the highly-regarded journal focusing on topics related to undergraduate research. Access is also available to the CUR Quarterly Archives.
• A monthly subscription to  CUR E-News , the electronic newsletter addressing current issues in undergraduate research. The newsletter includes topics such as government and policy news from headquarters, as well as updates on future programs and meetings. You may additionally subscribe to other newsletters such as  This Week in Washington  or Deadlines and Upcoming Events.
• Substantial discounts on CUR publications and registration to CUR events, such as the CUR Biennial Conference, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and other CUR Institutes.

Become a member

To become a member, see information on this website and ask to be added to the Northern Arizona University Institutional Enhanced membership.

Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Mailing address, social media.

• Code of Conduct
• CUR Homepage

Latest Discussions

ConnectUR Pre-Conference Workshop Slots still open

Posted in: cur member forum.

There are still openings in all of the ConnectUR Pre-Conference Workshops: JUNE 24, 2024: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM WORKSHOP OPTIONS Beyond Buzzwords: Upholding UR Practices Through Action, Not ...

Best Examples for Undergraduate Research Offices ( ...

Hello everyone! My department and I are exploring options and examples of great undergraduate research options for STEM majors. We are interested in exploring this venue and just wanted to have some ...

Upcoming Events

Geosciences early career undergraduate mentor award deadline.

Jun 1, 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM (ET)

Geosciences Faculty Mentor Award Deadline

Cur award celebration ceremony 2023-2024.

Jun 11, 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM (ET)

Members in Action

Resendes elected as Council on Undergraduate Research treasurer

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2024

“Since my time as an assistant professor, being involved with CUR has provided me with resources, collaborations, professional development and a community of support and innovation outside of my home institution," said Resendes. "As I have watched CUR grow and evolve through my various roles with the organization over the past 10 years, I have seen the amazing impact and potential we can have on undergraduates and faculty alike. I am thrilled to take my commitment to CUR to the next level with this leadership role on the Board of Directors in order to help shepherd the organization as we navigate the future of higher education to achieve CUR’s vision of enriching and advancing society through undergraduate research, scholarship and creative inquiry.”

Resendes has held various leadership roles within CUR including Biology Councilor (2012-2023), Biology Division Representative (2023-present), Faculty Workload, Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure Task Force member (2017-2023), and Foresight Guidance, and Resource Development Advisory Group Committee Chair (2023-2024) in addition to holding a spot on CUR’s previous Executive Board (2017-2023).

She said her proudest accomplishment took place when she held the CUR Biology Division Chair role (2017-2020), in which she was able to provide support and resources to help develop the Mentoring Integration of Research into the Curriculum (MIRIC) program, a successful initiative still ran by the CUR Biology Division. From her many supportive mentors and various held roles, Resendes is a proven passionate equipped leader with skills in futures thinking, budget awareness and understanding, and a vision that will employ the highest level of CUR leadership through her role as treasurer and president.

“As a national leader in undergraduate research, CUR sets a high standard for experiential learning in higher education,” said Dr. Jamie McMinn , vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College. “I am pleased that Dr. Resendes has been selected to serve on the CUR Board, knowing that she brings a strong commitment to undergraduate research and student success to all that she does. Dr. Resendes’ selection further recognizes the great work that Westminster has accomplished in the area of undergraduate research, and we look forward to sharing our successes with and learning from other board members and CUR membership.”

“Dr. Resendes embodies the essence of leadership, dedication and vision within the Council on Undergraduate Research," said Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer. "Her tireless commitment to CUR and undergraduate research for over a decade is a testament to her unwavering passion and devotion. As our newly elected treasurer, Karen brings not only her expertise but also her boundless energy and collaborative spirit to the role. She is a true visionary and team lead, respected by her peers for her integrity, insight and ability to inspire positive change. We are honored to have Karen as part of our CUR leadership, and we look forward to the remarkable contributions she will continue to make in advancing our mission.”

Resendes joined the Westminster faculty as an assistant professor of biology in 2009, achieving rank of full professor in 2021. She earned an undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary and her Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry from Brown University. She performed post-doctoral research at the University of California, San Diego.

More Stories

 This website collects information to improve your experience. Data Privacy Statement

Westminster College’s Resendes Elected as 2024-2025 Council on Undergraduate Research Treasurer

Newswise — Dr. Karen K. Resendes, Associate Dean of Assessment and the First Year Experience, Professor of Biology at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), has been elected to serve as the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Board of Directors’ Treasurer for the membership year 2024-2025. Resendes then will enter a 3-year cycle through the President ladder, serving as CUR Board of Directors’ President for the 2026-2027 membership year. Resendes will become treasurer on June 1, 2024.

Resendes states, “Since my time as an Assistant Professor, being involved with CUR has provided me with resources, collaborations, professional development, and a community of support and innovation outside of my home institution. As I have watched CUR grow and evolve through my various roles with the organization over the past ten years, I have seen the amazing impact and potential we can have on undergraduates and faculty alike. I am thrilled to take my commitment to CUR to the next level with this leadership role on the Board of Directors in order to help shepherd the organization as we navigate the future of higher education to achieve CUR’s vision of enriching and advancing society through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.”

Resendes has held various leadership roles within CUR including Biology Councilor (2012-2023), Biology Division Representative (2023-present), Faculty Workload, Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure Task Force member (2017-2023), and Foresight Guidance, and Resource Development Advisory Group Committee Chair (2023-2024) in addition to holding a spot on CUR’s previous Executive Board (2017-2023). She states her proudest accomplishment took place when she held the CUR Biology Division Chair role (2017-2020), in which she was able to provide support and resources to help develop the Mentoring Integration of Research into the Curriculum ( MIRIC ) program, a successful initiative still ran by the CUR Biology Division. From her many supportive mentors and various held roles, Resendes is a proven passionate equipped leader with skills in futures thinking, budget awareness and understanding, and a vision that will employ the highest level of CUR leadership through her role as treasurer and president.

“As a national leader in undergraduate research, CUR sets a high standard for experiential learning in higher education,” states Dr. Jamie McMinn, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Professor of Psychology at Westminster College. “I am pleased that Dr. Resendes has been selected to serve on the CUR Board, knowing that she brings a strong commitment to undergraduate research and student success to all that she does. Dr. Resendes’ selection further recognizes the great work that Westminster has accomplished in the area of undergraduate research, and we look forward to sharing our successes with and learning from other board members and CUR membership.”

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, explains: “Dr. Resendes embodies the essence of leadership, dedication, and vision within the Council on Undergraduate Research. Her tireless commitment to CUR and undergraduate research for over a decade is a testament to her unwavering passion and devotion. As our newly elected Treasurer, Karen brings not only her expertise but also her boundless energy and collaborative spirit to the role. She is a true visionary and team lead, respected by her peers for her integrity, insight, and ability to inspire positive change. We are honored to have Karen as part of our CUR leadership, and we look forward to the remarkable contributions she will continue to make in advancing our mission”

Founded in 1978, the  Council on Undergraduate Research  (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.

CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.

MEDIA CONTACT

Type of article.

• Experts keyboard_arrow_right Expert Pitch Expert Query Expert Directory
• Journalists
• About keyboard_arrow_right Member Services Accessibility Statement Newswise Live Invoice Lookup Services for Journalists Archived Wires Participating Institutions Media Subscribers Sample Effectiveness Reports Terms of Service Privacy Policy Our Staff Contact Newswise
• Blog FAQ Help

QUICK LINKS

Degrees and programs powered by experience

Undergraduate

NEWS, DISCOVERY, AND ANALYSIS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Explore our global campuses

Find unique opportunities for experience-powered learning and discovery.

Our hub for research and graduate education at the intersection of technology, security, and policy

Explore Arlington

Massachusetts

Established in 1898, our first campus is a comprehensive hub for learning, discovery, and urban engagement

Explore Boston

Home to world-class national security and defense research and a magnet for science-based startups

Explore Burlington

North Carolina

An engine for professional education in the life and health sciences

Explore Charlotte

Our hub in Europe, with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees—including a U.S./U.K. double degree—and world-leading network science research

Explore London

Graduate education and entrepreneurship programming to support the rapidly transforming finance and tech economies

Explore Miami

A vibrant center for coastal sustainability research and innovation

Explore Nahant

Our West Coast undergraduate campus offering unique entrepreneurship and social impact programming, and home to the Mills Institute

Explore Oakland

An engine for economic development with graduate degrees and research in technology, and home to the Roux Institute

Explore Portland

Graduate degrees and research focused on the region’s booming tech industry, and undergraduate summer programs

Explore Seattle

Graduate education for high-tech fields in the heart of California’s Big Tech region

Explore Silicon Valley

Preparing professionals to thrive in high-demand fields in North America’s third-largest tech market

Explore Toronto

Professional education aligned with British Columbia’s rising startup and high-tech ecosystem

Explore Vancouver

#LikeAHusky

Plenty of room to do your own thing. Many ways to feel like a Husky.

17 Division I teams, including varsity esports. 55 intramural sports, and 64 club teams. And a packed DogHouse on game nights. Go, Huskies! 

Take Action

Quick Links

Campus Locations

Today, a vanguard of donors is driving Northeastern’s historic $1.3 billion fundraising campaign. With initiatives that span the globe, accelerating outcomes, we’re creating a better world right now. Learn more about our mission

Copyright 2024 Northeastern University

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

News Roundup Spring 2024

CEGE Spring Graduation Celebration and Order of the Engineer

Forty-seven graduates of the undergraduate and grad student programs (pictured above) in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering took part in the Order of the Engineer on graduation day. Distinguished Speakers at this departmental event included Katrina Kessler (MS EnvE 2021), Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and student Brian Balquist. Following this event, students participated in the college-wide Commencement Ceremony at 3M Arena at Mariucci. 

UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT

The University of Minnesota’s Crookston, Duluth, and Rochester campuses have been awarded the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, joining the Twin Cities (2006, 2015) and Morris campuses (2015), and making the U of M the country’s first and only university system at which every individual campus has received this selective designation. Only 368 from nearly 4,000 qualifying U.S. universities and colleges have been granted this designation.

CEGE contributed strongly to the College of Science and Engineering’s efforts toward sustainability research. CEGE researchers are bringing in over $35 million in funded research to study carbon mineralization, nature and urban areas, circularity of water resources, and global snowfall patterns. This news was highlighted in the Fall 2023 issue of  Inventing Tomorrow  (pages 10-11). https://issuu.com/inventingtomorrow/docs/fall_2023_inventing_tomorrow-web

CEGE’s new program for a one-year master’s degree in structural engineering is now accepting applicants for Fall 2024. We owe a big thanks to DAN MURPHY and LAURA AMUNDSON for their volunteer work to help curate the program with Professor JIA-LIANG LE and EBRAHIM SHEMSHADIAN, the program director. Potential students and companies interested in hosting a summer intern can contact Ebrahim Shemshadian ( [email protected] ).

BERNIE BULLERT , CEGE benefactor and MN Water Research Fund founder, was profiled on the website of the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF). There you can read more about his mission to share clean water technologies with smaller communities in Minnesota. Many have joined Bullert in this mission. MWRF Recognizes their Generous 2024 Partners. Gold Partners: Bernie Bullert, Hawkins, Inc., Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and SL-serco. Silver Partners: ISG, Karl and Pam Streed, Kasco, Kelly Lange-Haider and Mark Haider, ME Simpson, Naeem Qureshi, Dr. Paul H. Boening, TKDA, and Waterous. Bronze Partners: Bruce R. Bullert; Brenda Lenz, Ph.D., APRN FNP-C, CNE; CDM Smith; Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA MN); Heidi and Steve Hamilton; Jim “Bulldog” Sadler; Lisa and Del Cerney; Magney Construction; Sambatek; Shannon and John Wolkerstorfer; Stantec; and Tenon Systems.

After retiring from Baker-Tilly,  NICK DRAGISICH  (BCE 1977) has taken on a new role: City Council member in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. After earning his BCE from the University of Minnesota, Dragisich earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. Dragisich retired in May from his position as managing director at Baker Tilly, where he had previously served as firm director. Prior to that, he served as assistant city manager in Spokane, Washington, was the city administrator and city engineer in Virginia, Minnesota, and was mayor of Chisholm, Minnesota—all adding up to more than 40 years of experience in local government. Dragisich was selected by a unanimous vote. His current term expires in December 2024.

PAUL F. GNIRK  (Ph.D. 1966) passed away January 29, 2024, at the age of 86. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 24, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), where he started and ended his teaching career, though he had many other positions, professional and voluntary. In 2018 Paul was inducted into the SDSM&T Hardrocker Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, joining his mother Adeline S. Gnirk, who had been inducted in 1987 for her work authoring nine books on the history of south central South Dakota.

ROGER M. HILL  (BCE 1957) passed away on January 13, 2024, at the age of 90. His daughter, Kelly Robinson, wrote to CEGE that Roger was “a dedicated Gopher fan until the end, and we enjoyed many football games together in recent years. Thank you for everything.”

KAUSER JAHAN  (Ph.D. 1993, advised by Walter Maier), PE, is now a civil and environmental engineering professor and department head at Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Jahan was awarded a 3-year (2022- 2025), $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The grant supports her project, “WaterWorks: Developing the New Generation of Workforce for Water/Wastewater Utilities,” for the development of educational tools that will expose and prepare today’s students for careers in water and wastewater utilities.

SAURA JOST  (BCE 2010, advised by Timothy LaPara) was elected to the St. Paul City Council for Ward 3. She is part of the historic group of women that make up the nation’s first all-female city council in a large city.

The 2024 ASCE Western Great Lakes Student Symposium combines several competitions for students involved in ASCE. CEGE sent a large contingent of competitors to Chicago. Each of the competition groups won awards: Ethics Paper 1st place Hans Lagerquist; Sustainable Solutions team 1st place overall in (qualifying them for the National competition in Utah in June); GeoWall 2nd place overall; Men’s Sprint for Concrete Canoe with rowers Sakthi Sundaram Saravanan and Owen McDonald 2nd place; Product Prototype for Concrete Canoe 2nd place; Steel Bridge (200 lb bridge weight) 2nd place in lightness; Scavenger Hunt 3rd place; and Aesthetics and Structural Efficiency for Steel Bridge 4th place.

Students competing on the Minnesota Environmental Engineers, Scientists, and Enthusiasts (MEESE) team earned second place in the Conference on the Environment undergraduate student design competition in November 2023. Erin Surdo is the MEESE Faculty Adviser. Pictured are NIKO DESHPANDE, ANNA RETTLER, and SYDNEY OLSON.

The CEGE CLASS OF 2023 raised money to help reduce the financial barrier for fellow students taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, a cost of $175 per test taker. As a result of this gift, they were able to make the exam more affordable for 15 current CEGE seniors. CEGE students who take the FE exam pass the first time at a rate well above national averages, demonstrating that CEGE does a great job of teaching engineering fundamentals. In 2023, 46 of 50 students passed the challenging exam on the first try.

This winter break, four CEGE students joined 10 other students from the College of Science and Engineering for the global seminar, Design for Life: Water in Tanzania. The students visited numerous sites in Tanzania, collected water source samples, designed rural water systems, and went on safari. Read the trip blog: http://globalblogs.cse.umn.edu/search/label/Tanzania%202024

Undergraduate Honor Student  MALIK KHADAR  (advised by Dr. Paul Capel) received honorable mention for the Computing Research Association (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential in an area of computing research.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

AKASH BHAT  (advised by William Arnold) presented his Ph.D. defense on Friday, October 27, 2023. Bhat’s thesis is “Photolysis of fluorochemicals: Tracking fluorine, use of UV-LEDs, and computational insights.” Bhat’s work investigating the degradation of fluorinated compounds will assist in the future design of fluorinated chemicals such that persistent and/or toxic byproducts are not formed in the environment.

ETHAN BOTMEN  (advised by Bill Arnold) completed his Master of Science Final Exam February 28, 2024. His research topic was Degradation of Fluorinated Compounds by Nucleophilic Attack of Organo-fluorine Functional Groups.

XIATING CHEN , Ph.D. Candidate in Water Resources Engineering at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is the recipient of the 2023 Nels Nelson Memorial Fellowship Award. Chen (advised by Xue Feng) is researching eco-hydrological functions of urban trees and other green infrastructure at both the local and watershed scale, through combined field observations and modeling approaches.

ALICE PRATES BISSO DAMBROZ  has been a Visiting Student Researcher at the University of Minnesota since last August, on a Doctoral Dissertation Research Award from Fulbright. Her CEGE advisor is Dr. Paul Capel. Dambroz is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Soil Science at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil, where she studies with her adviser Jean Minella. Her research focuses on the hydrological monitoring of a small agricultural watershed in Southern Brazil, which is located on a transition area between volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Its topography, shallow soils, and land use make it prone to runoff and erosion processes.

Yielding to people in crosswalks should be a very pedestrian topic. Yet graduate student researchers  TIANYI LI, JOSHUA KLAVINS, TE XU, NIAZ MAHMUD ZAFRI  (Dept.of Urban and Regional Planning at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology), and Professor Raphael Stern found that drivers often do not yield to pedestrians, but they are influenced by the markings around a crosswalk. Their work was picked up by the  Minnesota Reformer.

TIANYI LI  (Ph.D. student advised by Raphael Stern) also won the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation (DDET) Fellowship for the third time! Li (center) and Stern (right) are pictured at the Federal Highway Administration with Latoya Jones, the program manager for the DDET Fellowship.

The Three Minute Thesis Contest and the Minnesota Nice trophy has become an annual tradition in CEGE. 2023’s winner was  EHSANUR RAHMAN , a Ph.D. student advised by Boya Xiong.

GUANJU (WILLIAM) WEI , a Ph.D. student advised by Judy Yang, is the recipient of the 2023 Heinz G. Stefan Fellowship. He presented his research entitled Microfluidic Investigation of the Biofilm Growth under Dynamic Fluid Environments and received his award at the St. Anthony Falls Research Laboratory April 9. The results of Wei's research can be used in industrial, medical, and scientific fields to control biofilm growth.

BILL ARNOLD  stars in an award-winning video about prairie potholes. The Prairie Potholes Project film was made with the University of Delaware and highlights Arnold’s NSF research. The official winners of the 2024 Environmental Communications Awards Competition Grand Prize are Jon Cox and Ben Hemmings who produced and directed the film. Graduate student Marcia Pacheco (CFANS/LAAS) and Bill Arnold are the on-screen stars.

Four faculty from CEGE join the Center for Transportation Studies Faculty and Research Scholars for FY24–25:  SEONGJIN CHOI, KETSON ROBERTO MAXIMIANO DOS SANTOS, PEDRAM MORTAZAVI,  and  BENJAMIN WORSFOLD . CTS Scholars are drawn from diverse fields including engineering, planning, computer science, environmental studies, and public policy.

XUE FENG  is coauthor on an article in  Nature Reviews Earth and Environment . The authors evaluate global plant responses to changing rainfall regimes that are now characterized by fewer and larger rainfall events. A news release written at Univ. of Maryland can be found here: https://webhost.essic. umd.edu/april-showers-bring-mayflowers- but-with-drizzles-or-downpours/ A long-running series of U of M research projects aimed at improving stormwater quality are beginning to see practical application by stormwater specialists from the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. JOHN GULLIVER has been studying best practices for stormwater management for about 16 years. Lately, he has focused specifically on mitigating phosphorous contamination. His research was highlighted by the Center for Transportation Studies.

JIAQI LI, BILL ARNOLD,  and  RAYMOND HOZALSKI  published a paper on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursors in Minnesota rivers. “Animal Feedlots and Domestic Wastewater Discharges are Likely Sources of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Precursors in Midwestern Watersheds,” Environmental Science and Technology (January 2024) doi: 10.1021/acs. est.3c09251

ALIREZA KHANI  contributed to MnDOT research on Optimizing Charging Infrastructure for Electric Trucks. Electric options for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks (e-trucks) are still largely in development. These trucks account for a substantial percentage of transportation greenhouse gas emissions. They have greater power needs and different charging needs than personal EVs. Proactively planning for e-truck charging stations will support MnDOT in helping to achieve the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This research was featured in the webinar “Electrification of the Freight System in Minnesota,” hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies. A recording of the event is now available online.

MICHAEL LEVIN  has developed a unique course for CEGE students on Air Transportation Systems. It is the only class at UMN studying air transportation systems from an infrastructure design and management perspective. Spring 2024 saw the third offering of this course, which is offered for juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Research Professor  SOFIA (SONIA) MOGILEVSKAYA  has been developing international connections. She visited the University of Seville, Spain, November 13–26, 2023, where she taught a short course titled “Fundamentals of Homogenization in Composites.” She also met with the graduate students to discuss collaborative research with Prof. Vladislav Mantic, from the Group of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis at the University of Seville. Her visit was a part of planned activities within the DIAGONAL Consortium funded by the European Commission. CEGE UMN is a partner organization within DIAGONAL, represented by CEGE professors Mogilevskaya and Joseph Labuz. Mantic will visit CEGE summer 2024 to follow up on research developments and discuss plans for future collaboration and organization of short-term exchange visits for the graduate students from each institution. 

DAVID NEWCOMB  passed away in March. He was a professor in CEGE from 1989–99 in the area of pavement engineering. Newcomb led the research program on asphalt materials characterization. He was the technical director of Mn/ROAD pavement research facility, and he started an enduring collaboration with MnDOT that continues today. In 2000, he moved from Minnesota to become vice-president for Research and Technology at the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Later he moved to his native Texas, where he was appointed to the division head of Materials and Pavement at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a position from which he recently retired. He will be greatly missed.

PAIGE NOVAK  won Minnesota ASCE’s 2023 Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award for her contributions to society through her engineering achievements and professional experiences.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced ten inaugural (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines awards, with a potential $1.6 billion investment nationally over the next decade. Great Lakes ReNEW is led by the Chicago-based water innovation hub,  Current,  and includes a team from the University of Minnesota, including PAIGE NOVAK. Current will receive $15 mil for the first two years, and up to $160 million over ten years to develop and grow a water-focused innovation engine in the Great Lakes region. The project’s ambitious plan is to create a decarbonized circular “blue economy” to leverage the region’s extraordinary water resources to transform the upper Midwest—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Brewing one pint of beer generates seven pints of wastewater, on average. So what can you do with that wastewater?  PAIGE NOVAK  and her team are exploring the possibilities of capturing pollutants in wastewater and using bacteria to transform them into energy.

BOYA XIONG  has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. The award was presented at the 2024 AAEES Awards Ceremony, April 11, 2024, at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

JUDY Q. YANG  received a McKnight Land-Grant Professorship Award. This two-year award recognizes promising assistant professors and is intended to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to their departments and their scholarly fields. 

Professor Emeritus CHARLES FAIRHURST , his son CHARLES EDWARD FAIRHURST , and his daughter MARGARET FAIRHURST DURENBERGER were on campus recently to present Department Head Paige Novak with a check for $25,000 for the Charles Fairhurst Fellowship in Earth Resources Engineering in support of graduate students studying geomechanics. The life of Charles Fairhurst through a discussion with his children is featured on the Engineering and Technology History Wiki at https://ethw.org/Oral-History:Charles_Fairhurst#00:00:14_INTRODUCTION

Related news releases

• Matthew J. Huber Student Award
• Catherine French, NAE
• Climate Change for Engineers
• Focused on the Road Ahead
• Randal Barnes receives Horace T Morace Award
• Future undergraduate students
• Future transfer students
• Future graduate students
• Future international students
• Diversity and Inclusion Opportunities
• Learn abroad
• Living Learning Communities
• Mentor programs
• Programs for women
• Student groups
• Visit, Apply & Next Steps
• Information for current students
• Departments and majors overview
• Departments
• Undergraduate majors
• Graduate programs
• Integrated Degree Programs
• Additional degree-granting programs
• Online learning
• Academic Advising overview
• Academic Advising FAQ
• Academic Advising Blog
• Appointments and drop-ins
• Academic support
• Commencement
• Four-year plans
• Honors advising
• Policies, procedures, and forms
• Career Services overview
• Resumes and cover letters
• Jobs and internships
• Interviews and job offers
• CSE Career Fair
• Major and career exploration
• Graduate school
• Collegiate Life overview
• Scholarships
• Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance
• Anderson Student Innovation Labs
• Information for alumni
• Get engaged with CSE
• Upcoming events
• CSE Alumni Society Board
• Alumni volunteer interest form
• Golden Medallion Society Reunion
• 50-Year Reunion
• Alumni honors and awards
• Outstanding Achievement
• Alumni Service
• Distinguished Leadership
• Honorary Doctorate Degrees
• Nobel Laureates
• Alumni resources
• Alumni career resources
• Alumni news outlets
• CSE branded clothing
• International alumni resources
• Inventing Tomorrow magazine
• Update your info
• CSE giving overview
• Why give to CSE?
• College priorities
• Give online now
• External relations
• Giving priorities
• CSE Dean's Club
• Donor stories
• Impact of giving
• Ways to give to CSE
• Matching gifts
• CSE directories
• Invest in your company and the future
• Recruit our students
• Connect with researchers
• K-12 initiatives
• Diversity initiatives
• Research news
• Give to CSE
• CSE priorities
• Corporate relations
• Information for faculty and staff
• Administrative offices overview
• Office of the Dean
• Academic affairs
• Finance and Operations
• Communications
• Human resources
• Undergraduate programs and student services
• CSE Committees
• CSE policies overview
• Academic policies
• Faculty hiring and tenure policies
• Finance policies and information
• Graduate education policies
• Human resources policies
• Research policies
• Research overview
• Research centers and facilities
• Research proposal submission process
• Research safety
• Award-winning CSE faculty
• National academies
• University awards
• Honorary professorships
• Collegiate awards
• Other CSE honors and awards
• Staff awards
• Performance Management Process
• Work. With Flexibility in CSE
• K-12 outreach overview
• Summer camps
• Outreach events
• Enrichment programs
• Field trips and tours
• CSE K-12 Virtual Classroom Resources
• Educator development
• Sponsor an event

Westminster College’s Resendes Elected as 2024-2025 Council on Undergraduate Research Treasurer

Dr. Karen K. Resendes, Associate Dean of Assessment and the First Year Experience, Professor of Biology at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), has been elected to serve as the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Board of Directors’ Treasurer for the membership year 2024-2025. Resendes then will enter a 3-year cycle through the President ladder, serving as CUR Board of Directors’ President for the 2026-2027 membership year. Resendes will become treasurer on June 1, 2024.

Resendes states, “Since my time as an Assistant Professor, being involved with CUR has provided me with resources, collaborations, professional development, and a community of support and innovation outside of my home institution. As I have watched CUR grow and evolve through my various roles with the organization over the past ten years, I have seen the amazing impact and potential we can have on undergraduates and faculty alike. I am thrilled to take my commitment to CUR to the next level with this leadership role on the Board of Directors in order to help shepherd the organization as we navigate the future of higher education to achieve CUR’s vision of enriching and advancing society through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry.”

Resendes has held various leadership roles within CUR including Biology Councilor (2012-2023), Biology Division Representative (2023-present), Faculty Workload, Evaluation, Promotion, and Tenure Task Force member (2017-2023), and Foresight Guidance, and Resource Development Advisory Group Committee Chair (2023-2024) in addition to holding a spot on CUR’s previous Executive Board (2017-2023). She states her proudest accomplishment took place when she held the CUR Biology Division Chair role (2017-2020), in which she was able to provide support and resources to help develop the Mentoring Integration of Research into the Curriculum ( MIRIC ) program, a successful initiative still ran by the CUR Biology Division. From her many supportive mentors and various held roles, Resendes is a proven passionate equipped leader with skills in futures thinking, budget awareness and understanding, and a vision that will employ the highest level of CUR leadership through her role as treasurer and president.

“As a national leader in undergraduate research, CUR sets a high standard for experiential learning in higher education,” states Dr. Jamie McMinn, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, Professor of Psychology at Westminster College. “I am pleased that Dr. Resendes has been selected to serve on the CUR Board, knowing that she brings a strong commitment to undergraduate research and student success to all that she does. Dr. Resendes’ selection further recognizes the great work that Westminster has accomplished in the area of undergraduate research, and we look forward to sharing our successes with and learning from other board members and CUR membership.”

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, explains: “Dr. Resendes embodies the essence of leadership, dedication, and vision within the Council on Undergraduate Research. Her tireless commitment to CUR and undergraduate research for over a decade is a testament to her unwavering passion and devotion. As our newly elected Treasurer, Karen brings not only her expertise but also her boundless energy and collaborative spirit to the role. She is a true visionary and team lead, respected by her peers for her integrity, insight, and ability to inspire positive change. We are honored to have Karen as part of our CUR leadership, and we look forward to the remarkable contributions she will continue to make in advancing our mission”

Founded in 1978, the  Council on Undergraduate Research  (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.

CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.

By Todd Waggoner

{"pageNumber":1,"dataList":[{"firstName":"Todd","lastName":"Waggoner","middleName":null,"preferredFirstName":null,"secondLastName":null,"prefix":null,"suffix":null,"gender":null,"sourceCode":"","primaryOrganization":{"contactIds":[],"parentCompanyId":"","description":null,"branchName":null,"tags":[],"acronym":null,"engagementScore":null,"region":null,"id":"55ba0739-8086-4afb-a92e-a7cd68fc5681","customerType":"O","recordNumber":"1","title":null,"name":"Council on Undergraduate Research","addresses":[],"imageUri":"https://myaccount.cur.org/images/no-org-image-available.png","emails":[],"phones":[],"webSite":null,"memberships":[],"category":"","categories":[],"customFields":[],"showInDirectory":false,"links":[],"oldId":null},"committees":[{"committee":{"tags":null,"customFields":[],"terms":[],"name":"Program Review Committee","code":"Program Review Committee","website":null,"id":"e6c62bab-c0e6-41a0-8678-05d402170e01","parentCommitteeId":null,"categoryName":"CUR-Wide Committees","categoryCode":"CUR-Wide Committees","description":"","startDate":null,"endDate":null,"showInDirectory":false,"term":null,"sortOrder":null},"position":"National Office Contact","positionCode":"National Office Contact","code":"","startDate":"2022-07-01T00:00:00","endDate":null}],"securityRoles":[{"name":"Administrators"},{"name":"Staff"},{"name":"CUR Staff"}],"user":{"loginEmail":"[email protected]","mustChangePassword":false,"isApproved":true},"designationData":[],"relationships":[{"relationshipName":"Linked Individual","relatedToCustomer":{"id":"55ba0739-8086-4afb-a92e-a7cd68fc5681","customerType":"O","recordNumber":"1","title":null,"name":"Council on Undergraduate Research","addresses":[{"id":"c995c160-4955-422b-a9e1-fe85bd2831e2","primary":true,"department":null,"line1":"267 Kentlands Blvd # 4021","line2":"","line3":null,"city":"Gaithersburg","state":"Maryland","zipcode":"20878-5446","county":"Montgomery","country":"United States","stateAbbreviation":"MD","stateISOCode":null,"type":"Work","region":null,"latitude":null,"longitude":null,"showInDirectory":false,"congressionalDistrict":null,"countryData":{"id":"baaf60b0-f33f-e311-ab31-1231390e1208","name":"United States","twoLetterIsoCode":"US","threeLetterIsoCode":"USA","code":1},"isPreferredShipping":false,"isPreferredBilling":false,"isBadAddress":false}],"imageUri":null,"emails":[{"primary":true,"address":"[email protected]","type":"Work","showInDirectory":null}],"phones":[],"webSite":null,"memberships":[],"category":null,"categories":[],"customFields":[],"showInDirectory":false,"links":[],"oldId":null},"reciprocalRelationshipName":"Linked Organization","isPrimary":false,"startDate":"2021-09-28T19:21:31.07","endDate":null,"isReciprocalPrimary":true,"hierarchy":""}],"jobRoles":[],"tags":[],"preferredCommunicationType":0,"salutation":null,"engagementScore":null,"expertises":[],"disciplines":[],"id":"1bb43834-8e0d-487f-af2c-04e2c4f53dc3","customerType":"I","recordNumber":"675900","title":null,"name":"Todd Waggoner","addresses":[{"id":"382fa341-ee0e-495c-893b-a342d1a34198","primary":true,"department":null,"line1":"267 Kentlands Blvd # 4021","line2":"","line3":"","city":"Gaithersburg","state":"Maryland","zipcode":"20878-5446","county":"Montgomery","country":"United States","stateAbbreviation":"MD","stateISOCode":"US-MD","type":"Work","region":null,"latitude":39.123351999999997,"longitude":-77.236565999999996,"showInDirectory":true,"congressionalDistrict":"06","countryData":{"id":"baaf60b0-f33f-e311-ab31-1231390e1208","name":"United States","twoLetterIsoCode":"US","threeLetterIsoCode":"USA","code":1},"isPreferredShipping":false,"isPreferredBilling":false,"isBadAddress":false}],"email":"[email protected]","imageUri":"https://myaccount.cur.org/images/9c2d54fe-1d37-4c47-8570-542c83a35f8f.img","twitter":"","linkedIn":"","emails":[{"primary":true,"address":"[email protected]","type":"Work","showInDirectory":true}],"phones":[],"webSite":"","memberships":[{"membershipType":"CUR National Office Team","membershipTypeId":"695825a1-e5d9-4cc8-9b4c-fcd236dbd683","code":"CUR National Office Team","expireDate":"2024-06-30T23:59:59","graceExpireDate":"2024-06-30T23:59:59","inheritedMembershipBenefits":false,"renewalUrl":"","joinDate":"2021-10-11T00:00:00","terminateDate":null,"effectiveDate":"2023-07-01T00:00:00","membershipUniqueId":"40dc7e7e-d12a-ec11-b76a-0003ff66d8d0","termsList":[{"startDate":"2021-10-11T00:00:00","endDate":"2022-06-30T23:59:59"},{"startDate":"2022-07-01T00:00:00","endDate":"2023-06-30T23:59:59"},{"startDate":"2023-07-01T00:00:00","endDate":"2024-06-30T23:59:59"}],"status":null,"terminationReason":null}],"category":"","categories":[],"customFields":[{"name":"event__goals_for_participation","caption":"Event - Goals for Participation","value":"test"},{"name":"event__experience_mentoring_undergraduates","caption":"Event - Experience Mentoring Undergraduates ","value":"test"},{"name":"event__use_of_nace_competencies","caption":"Event - Use of NACE Competencies","value":"None"},{"name":"event__familiarity_with_nace_competencies","caption":"Event - Familiarity with NACE Competencies","value":"Not at all familiar"},{"name":"event__policies_and_procedures","caption":"Event - Policies and Procedures","value":"Todd"},{"name":"event_participant_list","caption":"Event - Participant List","value":"Yes"},{"name":"ind_source_self_reported","caption":"How did you hear about CUR","value":""},{"name":"primary_division","caption":"Select a Primary Division","value":""},{"name":"event__dietary_restrictions","caption":"Event - Dietary Restrictions","value":"Vegetarian"},{"name":"event__emergency_contact","caption":"Event - Emergency Contact","value":"bbb"},{"name":"event__cohort_group","caption":"Event - Cohort Group","value":"Todd"},{"name":"academic_rank","caption":"Academic Rank","value":"Not Applicable"},{"name":"career_stage","caption":"Career Stage","value":""},{"name":"current_title","caption":"Current Title","value":""},{"name":"highest_credential","caption":"Highest Credential","value":""}],"showInDirectory":true,"links":[],"oldId":null,"isDeceased":false}]}