The Social Sciences Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research announces the 2021 recipient of its Undergraduate Conference Presentation Award. The recipient is an undergraduate student presenting original research results at a regional or national, discipline-specific meeting, who receives an award of up to $200. The 2021 awardee is the following:
Jakee Smith (University of Arkansas at Monticello; mentor: Carol Strong)
Southern Political Science Association Conference
Smith’s study reviews the various methods of judicial selection among US states and offers a preliminary measure of the effects of contemporary politics and partisan polarization on state judiciary public trust. Its purpose is to discover why states utilize their judicial selection choice, as well as the effect of politicization in the judicial branch in regard to public trust.
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.