Read about the 2021 recipients of the CUR Biology Division’s small research grants.
Call for applications
The Biology Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is pleased to announce a limited number of research supply grants, up to $250 each, to members of the Biology Division. These grants are intended especially for projects with undergraduates in which a small grant will make a big difference. Grant funds will be given as a stipend and do not need to be used during this fiscal year. Grant recipients are required to acknowledge CUR for support of their research in publications and presentations of work stemming from the support. Mentors for these projects must be individual CUR members or working at an institution with CUR membership.
Application Materials
Please complete an application to apply for the Biology Small Research Grant.
Grants of up to $250 each will be awarded to members of the Biology Division.
Selection criteria
The proposal describes a clear plan for mentoring undergraduate research.
The proposal describes a clear role for undergraduates in the research project.
The proposal describes specific outcomes for the project.
This small grant will make the research more likely to move forward.
This project aligns with the strategic goals of CUR.
The Engineering Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research requests nominations for its mentoring and leadership awards. The Engineering Mentoring and Leadership awards are granted annually to mentors who have influenced undergraduate research through direct mentoring of individuals or groups of undergraduate students in engineering research. The leadership awards are solicited biannually and are meant to recognize sustained leadership in engaging engineering students in research activities.
Early-Career Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award (ECURMA) – awarded annually but recognized biannually
Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award (URMA) – awarded annually but recognized biannually
Leadership in Undergraduate Research Award (LURA) – awarded biannually
Application materials were due by May 15, 2023. Please upload all nomination materials as one combined PDF, 16MB maximum file size.
Mentoring awardees play a major role in advancing undergraduate research in engineering by promoting discipline-specific activities that may include the following:
Demonstrating a strong track record of scholarly products (e.g., journal articles, conference publications/presentations, posters, book chapters) involving undergraduates
Providing mentorship to undergraduate researchers from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities
Supporting students in their efforts to disseminate their research
Encouraging or supporting students to gain broader research opportunities (e.g., internships, REU programs, graduate programs)
Leadership awardees play a major role in advancing undergraduate research in engineering by
Spearheading efforts to institutionalize undergraduate research on their campuses (e.g., curricular initiatives, program development) and across the nation
Securing support for student research activities
Initiating or operating faculty mentoring programs to support undergraduate research
Recognizing and utilizing undergraduate research as a tool to promote diversity and inclusion
Nominee Eligibility
Membership in CUR is encouraged but not required for mentoring award nominees.
Membership in CUR is required for leadership award nominees.
Nominees for the ECURMA should be pretenure or, in the case of non-tenure track positions, have less than 6 years in current position.
Administrator letter of support must be from the nominee’s current institution.
All awards are open to tenure-track, non-tenure track, and staff members.
Nominations No self-nominations are allowed. The nominator does not need to be from the nominee’s current institution; however, the administrator letter of support must be from the current institution. Nomination materials should address the criteria listed above and may also elaborate on the CUR Strategic Plan.
Nomination Process Applications should be compiled into one pdf package containing the following items. Submit nomination materials online as one PDF, 16MB maximum file size.
Nomination letter (2 pages maximum)
Abbreviated CV (3 pages maximum); indicate undergraduate coauthors or presenters if applying for the mentoring award and highlight appropriate activities associated with the leadership award
Letters
For Mentoring Awards: Two student letters that show the impact of mentoring, addressed to the nominator (1-page maximum per letter)
For Leadership Awards: Two recommendation letters from either students or faculty impacted by the candidate’s activities, addressed to the nominator (1-page maximum per letter).
Administrator letter of support (1-page maximum)
Review Process The review committee will consist of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 CUR engineering councilors or prior councilors. Recipients will be notified by June 30, 2023, via email.
If you have any questions, please contact CUR@CUR.org.
Please note that all CUR award recipients are responsible for any and all applicable tax obligations associated with receipt of the award.
The Division of Arts and Humanities is offering four $300 scholarships to support undergraduate student research and creative inquiry projects at any stage of development up to and including presentation. The goal of this funding is to encourage diverse, innovative, and engaged UR in the disciplines defined by CUR as arts and humanities:
American Studies, Archeology, Art History, Classics and Ancient Language, Communications, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Dance, Design, English Literature, Ethnic Studies, Film Studies, History, Jurisprudence, Media Arts, Modern Languages and Literature, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Selected Interdisciplinary and Area Studies, Theater, Visual Arts, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Application Materials
To apply, submit the following
A project narrative of no more than 500 words that includes the aim of the research/creative inquiry, the context of the work, what it will add to the discipline, methods, and projected means of dissemination.
A project timeline, showing a plan of work
A personal statement of no more than 300 words elucidating the student’s qualification to undertake the work and the relevance of the project to the student’s learning goals
A CV of no more than 2 pages focused on the student’s relevant experience, including coursework and non-classroom engagement and learning
A letter of support from the faculty mentor specifically addressing the student’s qualification to undertake the project (this must be provided to the student to submit on their own behalf)
A statement of any past, current, or pending funding specific to this project for this student (e.g. if the CUR scholarship might be used as matching)
Students who are currently enrolled as undergraduates and plan to conduct the research while enrolled are eligible. The scholarship is a one-time award, direct to student. The awards committee will evaluate the applications on the following criteria
Completeness of application
Relevance and feasibility of the project narrative and timeline
Student’s qualification to conduct the project (based on the personal statement and mentor letter)
Mentor’s ability and willingness to support the project (mentor letter)
Deadline to apply was April 24, 2023
Awardees
All CUR Award recipients are responsible for any and all applicable tax obligations associated with receipt of the award.
All students, faculty, mentors, organizations, and institutions honored with becoming a part of the CUR award recipient community, you have the professional and ethical responsibility to maintain the highest professional conduct standards and embody the CUR Code of Ethics for Undergraduate Research in your words, actions, and deeds. In addition, all participants are expected to abide by the CUR Code of Conduct. Expectations for awardees are to show courtesy and civility in both their personal and professional communications while forever representing CUR and the distinguished honor of the specific award rewarded. One must conduct oneself in a manner both professional and ethical.
Questions: Please direct questions toArts and Humanities division chair, Alexa Sand.
Tessa Jennings found a passion for plant sciences as a high school FFA student participating in career development events. That passion has continued to grow as a student at the University of Missouri – especially after being selected as a member of the Freshman Research in Plants (FRIPS) Program in 2018.
For the past two years, Jennings, a junior majoring in plant sciences, has worked in the lab of Antje Heese, an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry.
“Being able to work in Dr. Heese’s lab has been one of the greatest things about my college experience,” Jennings said. “A standout experience for me is being able to see how all of my experiments come together when I am putting together my research presentations. Also, I really like being able to form relationships with my lab members and with other people who I meet through lab events.
“I would also like to acknowledge the FRIPS Program and the Dudley Alexander Undergraduate On-Campus Research Internships Gift Fund, through the CAFNR Undergraduate Research Internships, for making my research possible. I would also like to thank the Heese lab and my mentor, Kelly Mason, who is a biochemistry PhD student, for their continual support.”
Jennings grew up in Ashland, Mo., and while she didn’t have a background in agriculture, joining FFA opened the door to several new possibilities.
“Although I have always lived in a rural community, I wasn’t aware of the importance of the agriculture industry until high school,” Jennings said. “Becoming an active member in the National FFA Organization opened my eyes to agriculture and helped me determine that I wanted to go into this industry. Since then, it only felt natural for me to pursue a degree in plant sciences. I chose Mizzou because I wanted to be close to home, and I knew that CAFNR has an excellent program.”
Jennings applied to and was accepted as a member of the FRIPS Program during her first semester as MU.
“This program is designed to expose new Mizzou students who are interested in a plant biology career to plant research,” Jennings said. “I reached out to Dr. Heese because I was interested in the research that her lab performs on understanding how plants defend themselves against bacterial pathogens on a cellular level, and I have been working in the lab ever since.”
In the Heese lab, Jennings is responsible for research related to how clathrin-coated vesicle components make sure that proteins with immune functions are transported to the area within that cell at which they function. Clathrin is a protein that plays a vital role in coated vesicle formation.
“The Heese lab is interested in vesicular trafficking proteins that affect plant responses and help prevent pathogens from infecting the model plant Arabidopsis and the crop species maize,” Jennings said. “Every year, pathogens can be detrimental to farmers and significantly reduce their crop yield. By understanding how plants respond to pathogens, we can communicate new ways for farmers to prevent crop loss by pathogens. This is especially important for the production of enough food to sustain the rapidly growing world population.”
Jennings said that as a plant sciences student, it took her a little bit to adjust to some of the concepts of biochemistry. Heese said Jennings is now her go-to-person for when lab members have questions about plant anatomy or plant physiology.
“I truly enjoy having Tessa in my lab!” Heese said. “I appreciate that as an undergraduate majoring in plant sciences, Tessa contributes to the interdisciplinary nature that I try to nurture by recruiting students with diverse science backgrounds into my lab.
“Tessa is very observant and astute, in that she has identified growth defects in our mutant plants that eluded others in my lab. Tessa’s joy in working with plants is on clear display when she plates seeds, transplants seedlings into soil or performs plant growth measurements. Because of her ‘green thumb’ and attention to detail when handling our plants, I have asked Tessa last year to help train incoming PhD students in plant propagation techniques.”
Jennings’ undergraduate research work showcases CAFNR’s “RISE” Initiative, which includes Research, International, Service learning and Experiential learning. Jennings’ work falls under the Research section, which opens the door for undergraduate students to gain research experience throughout their time in CAFNR.
“Doing undergraduate research has helped me prepare for my future career in many ways,” Jennings said. “I have learned several techniques that are used in industry. I have learned how to analyze and present my data. I have also become more confident in my abilities to perform research and am becoming more independent.”
“Undergraduate research provides our students with critical hands-on experiences in a real-world setting that allows them to make educated decisions on whether bench research is the correct career path for them,” Heese added. “In addition, authentic bench-based training advances their skill sets and makes our undergraduate students more competitive in the next step of their career, whether it is applying for graduate school or for a job in industry.”
by Logan Jackson
Please visit https://cafnr.missouri.edu/2020/10/an-interdisciplinary-connection/ to read the original article.
In memory of CURPA Councilor Nadine Barlow, a limited number of Undergraduate Research Support Awards (URSA), with a maximum amount of $500 each, will be offered to help undergraduates (1) conduct faculty-mentored research, (2) present their research at national conferences, or (3) publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.
Applicants must be undergraduate students pursuing a physics-related major at the time of the application
Applicants must be enrolled at an institution that has a CUR membership or have a faculty research advisor who is a CUR member
Applications must attach a Support Letter from the applicant’s faculty research mentor.
Preference will be given to:
Applicants that have a commitment from their institution for matching funds (this should be verified in the support letter from his/her advisor)
Applicants from groups typically underrepresented in physics
Applicants who have not previously received a CURPA URSA
Application Procedure
To apply for a CURPA URSA:
Complete the online application form, associated with the appropriate application deadline, that includes:
Applicant and mentor personal information
An abstract describing the research the applicant will be conducting and/or disseminating
An itemized budget and justification for the requested amount (up to $500)
A description of matching funds the applicant will receive from his/her institution (not required but encouraged)
A Motivation Statement (500 words or less) describing why the applicant is seeking an URSA and how s/he will benefit from the experience
Request a Support Letter from your faculty research advisor. The advisor letter should address: (1) the research abilities of the applicant, (2) the benefits of the research experience to the student, and (3) the amount that the institution is matching to support the student. Support Letters will be kept confidential and must be attached via the applicaiton form. Letters must be saved as a .pdf, .doc, or .docx only.
Award Limits and Requirements
Only one URSA application per research project will be considered.
A student may only receive one URSA per academic year
Each awardee can receive up to $500 depending on the budget submitted and the available funds.
Awardees are required to acknowledge the URSA in any poster/talk/paper that results from the funding.
Within 90 days of the receiving the URSA, awardees must submit the following:
copy of poster/talk/paper that the funding supported
description of experience (250 words or less)
Photo or graphical image for the CURPA Newsletter with a caption and credit
All CUR Award recipients are responsible for any and all applicable tax obligations associated with receipt of the award.
All students, faculty, mentors, organizations, and institutions honored with becoming a part of the CUR award recipient community, you have the professional and ethical responsibility to maintain the highest professional conduct standards and embody the CUR Code of Ethics for Undergraduate Research in your words, actions, and deeds. In addition, all participants are expected to abide by the CUR Code of Conduct. Expectations for awardees are to show courtesy and civility in both their personal and professional communications while forever representing CUR and the distinguished honor of the specific award rewarded. One must conduct oneself in a manner both professional and ethical.
Ho Lun had the initial idea of creating a multi-function protective coating that could be used for high temperature fuel cell in aircraft engines. Learning from his previous ASP mentor (Alex Jalbuena) that Dr. Ravi is an open-minded person who recruits students based on their dedication, he decided to start sitting-in in Dr. Ravi’s weekly research meetings and eventually showcase his idea to him. In the beginning, he recommended Ho Lun to work for a senior project team, who studies the corrosion behaviors of titanium alloys for biomedical application, to learn about research. While assisting his team, he dedicated his time toward reading literature, writing a well-developed proposal and actively learning how experiments are conducted. After Spring quarter, he started an undergraduate research team to implement this idea.
Ho Lun’s current research involves characterizing the corrosion and fatigue behaviors of porous alloys for low-temperature electrolysis application, and thereby determining their optimal performance according to their structure and composition. His interests of research also extend to developing protective coatings whose geometry and properties can be controlled via nano-structuring, electroplating, and inkjet printing methods.
He describes ego as being his biggest struggle. As stated earlier, his first official research project was the development of protective coatings for high temperature fuel cells application. This project only lasted 2 months because he discovered that he made an incorrect hypothesis at the beginning of his project. After discussing with Dr. Ravi and his team about this issue, they decided to switch direction before they put too much time on a project that may undermine their reputation. This was a difficult decision to make as he confessed his mistake to his teammates and mentor. Yet, considering the future impact of ego and stubbornness, he decided to face this incidentally honestly and openly. This decision was very significant in his research journey because it not only developed his necessary work ethic as a researcher, but he also stepped out of his comfort zone to become more open to different areas of research, such as low temperature water electrolysis, which later became his current research project.
He will be presenting his research in RSCA 2018, Nace Corrosion 2018 (Phoenix, AZ) and 2018 McNair Scholar Symposium (Berkeley, CA). Ho Lun’s short-term research goal is to understand whether the geometry of materials (shapes, sizes, mass distribution etc) can influence their physical, mechanical and electrochemical properties. The scale of what he desires to accomplish is enormous, and therefore, he needs to focus on developing the necessary skills and knowledge to make such an influence. This goal also defines the scope of his research to focus on characterizing how porous alloys respond differently when they have different porous structures. He aspires to pursue a Ph.D. in materials engineering and become a college professor who can not only conduct research in his area of interest, but also make science and engineering knowledge accessible to the public. So becoming a good researcher is fundamental to his academic and career development.
“How? I know nothing!”- Undergraduates who haven’t started their research.
From his experience as an ASP peer mentor and interaction with his peers, Ho Lun has come to understand that newcomers tend to underestimate themselves and undermine their potential because they do not understand what the professor is doing. Yet, this mindset is wrong. “First of all, no one expects you to know everything before starting a research, or you don’t even need to research as you know everything already. You discover and learn simultaneously as you research. Therefore, if you are interested or even have an idea, just go and talk to the professor. Go ask the professors about their research. You are not making a commitment, simply go and know this person better. What do you got to lose? Secondly, in case you have just started to do research, keep in mind that researching is not taking a class or working for a part-time. You should not limit your research works based on hour per week, because research takes anywhere from 10 to 70 hours per week depending on your progress. You really need to spend a lot of time understanding what you are doing.”
Article courtesy of Dr. Winny Dong and Cal Poly Pomona
The Geosciences Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research has selected Jennifer Collins, professor in the School of Geosciences at the University of South Florida, as its 2020 Undergraduate Research Mentor Awardee. Dr. Collins is the 10th recipient of this annual award that recognizes role models who demonstrate productive and transformative student-faculty mentoring relationships and innovative approaches to undergraduate research. The award will be presented at the Geological Society of America’s Connects Online event on October 26–30, 2020.
Dr. Collins earned her BS Honors degree in physical geography from Lancaster University and her PhD in physics from University College London. She serves as a national councilor for the American Association of Geographers and is a past president of the West Central Florida Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. As a hurricane researcher, Dr. Collins studies the interaction between large-scale climatic patterns such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Madden–Julian Oscillation and seasonal patterns of tropical cyclone activity in multiple oceanic basins.
Dr. Collins is principal investigator of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site “Weather, Climate, and Society” that encourages involvement of first- and second-year undergraduates, community college students, and underrepresented students in analyzing factors that affect decision making in hurricane evacuations. She works to give students experience in the entire scientific enterprise—from initial idea, project process, and publication of results to communication with the public about why the research matters. As one student commented, Dr. Collins encourages “students to creatively step outside typical boundaries.” Her students have embarked on a wide range of careers, including some who have received National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hollings scholarships and served as Udall Fellows, as well as others who are leaders in science communication on television.
Student Quote: “The SURE program provided excellent opportunities to meet and talk with other students who were also experiencing similar struggles with their research. Listening and being able to talk with other students about our struggles helped me realize that I was not alone in how I felt.”
This year’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program had the pleasure of mentoring Citrus College student Rebecca Gio as she began her journey of research. Rebecca was one of fifteen students handpicked from a pool of applicants to join this summer’s 2020 SURE Cohort. The SURE program partners with community colleges and their STEM students for an 8-week program where they participate in high-level faculty-mentored research projects. Students who participate in SURE also have the opportunity to present their culminating research projects at the annual Cal Poly Pomona Creative Activities & Research Symposium (CPP CARS).
Being a computer science major, Rebecca has developed an interest in artificial intelligence. Because of this, Rebecca’s goal throughout her time in the program was to explore her interest and utilize this time to gain experience within her field. Rebecca’s research project was titled: “Synthetic Data Generation for Deep Learning-Based Object Detection.” In this project, she was investigating the use of synthetic data to lower the cost of preparing labeled data for training deep learning models. In particular, an automated pipeline was designed to generate a large dataset of labeled images using realistic 3D models of real-world objects and train deep learning models for object detection tasks. Rebecca also mentioned that her project proposes a deep neural network that is trained with both synthetic and photorealistic synthetic data that can detect objects more efficiently. Rebecca’s project was guided by one of Cal Poly Pomona’s Computer Science Department faculty mentors, Dr. Hao Ji.
Although her project was a success, Rebecca exclaimed that she struggled tremendously throughout the whole program. Rebecca, like many, was completely new to the research realm before the summer program began. She had no experience with any of the software or programming languages that she needed to use for her research. However, with some motivation and determination, Rebecca conquered her struggles by utilizing the support of her mentor and fellow SURE students, and by quickly becoming good friends with Google search.
The SURE program allowed Rebecca to work with other students who were also experiencing similar struggles with their research. She said, “Listening and being able to talk with other students about our struggles helped me realize that I was not alone in how I felt. The support we received on how to write a research paper, how to present, etc. are skills that I will take with me even beyond this summer.”
Rebecca emphasized that the myth that you need to be an A student in order to participate in research is not true at all. In the beginning of her community college journey at Citrus, she had a 0.7 GPA and was placed on academic probation three times. However, with an adjusted mindset and the proper support from faculty and programs, Rebecca was able to change her academics around and obtained a final total GPA of 3.35! Rebecca’s academic journey has truly been remarkable.
Rebecca stated: “To anyone going through something similar, trust me, I know it feels like the world is falling. But looking at all the trips and bumps, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I learned how to get up when I fall, find people who will support me, and reach for whatever I want no matter my circumstance.”
At the end of the SURE program, Rebecca took away three research skills: communication, leadership, and determination. From these skills, Rebecca has built confidence as a student, researcher, and employee. Moreover, Rebecca has learned and grown immensely; her accomplishments embody what the SURE program is all about.
This Fall 2020, Rebecca joins Cal Poly Pomona as a transfer student in Computer Science. The Office of Undergraduate Research would like to congratulate Rebecca on all of her accomplishments thus far. We wish you the best of luck at Cal Poly Pomona! Your determination and achievements will lead you to greatness in the future ahead.
Advice to Students
“Ask questions. If you don’t have enough experience, don’t think that you are not eligible. If you communicate and are not afraid to ask questions, you will do very well even if you don’t have any experience in what you want to do research in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; your team and faculty mentor are there to support you!”
Article courtesy of Dr. Winny Dong and Cal Poly Pomona
On April 12-14, 2021, students from colleges and universities from around the world will participate in the 2021 virtual National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), coming together online to share their research in all academic disciplines. The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), in collaboration with higher education institutions, typically hosts more than 4,000 participants at the annual NCUR to highlight the impressive work of national and international undergraduate researchers, to demonstrate the value of investment in undergraduate research, and to provide professional development and networking opportunities for students and their mentors.
“We are excited about the first virtual NCUR,” said CUR Executive Officer Lindsay Currie. “As students often face funding or scheduling challenges in considering presentation opportunities for their research, a virtual event can provide more flexibility as well as a larger audience. We also look forward to welcoming more international and underrepresented students and providing a dynamic venue for undergraduates, faculty members, mentors, scholars, journalists, and members of the public to learn more about the exceptional contributions of undergraduate researchers.”
In addition to presentation opportunities, the 2021 NCUR will offer a virtual graduate school fair and an array of interactive sessions. For further details on the event, including submission and registration information, visit the NCUR website.
CUR is able to fulfill its mission because of our volunteers! Are you passionate about undergraduate research? Would you like to get more involved? If so, here are the leadership opportunities we have available for our members.
CUR Councilor
To nominate yourself for Councilor, you must have an active CUR membership, have a demonstrated commitment to CUR’s goals, and have the time and interest to serve the larger CUR community. Although most successful nominees for Councilor have been members for a minimum of three years, those new to the organization are also encouraged to run. It is the Council’s goal that the nominees fully represent the undergraduate research community and so attention is paid to diversity with respect to institutional type, area of specialization, identity, and geographic location. Find out more about running for CUR Councilor>>
President-Elect – Executive Board
To nominate yourself for President-Elect, you must have completed at least one 3-year term as CUR Councilor and have an active CUR membership. You should have prior service as division chair, as an officer on the Executive Board, or as another leadership role within CUR that has provided a broad perspective on the organization. You should be very familiar with current Council business, and be familiar with and prepared to provide leadership on CUR’s strategic plan and goal areas. Find out more about running for President-Elect>>
General Representative – Executive Board
The Board seeks individuals who will bring fresh perspectives on how to advance who will bring fresh perspectives on how to advance CUR’s mission and strategic planning goals, including leadership for undergraduate research; diversity, equity, and inclusion; collaboration and community; advocacy and partnerships; sustainability and accountability.
Candidates need not be members of CUR at the time of nomination but must have experience in public or private entities with missions aligned with that of CUR and become members if elected. Find out more about nominating someone to run for General Representative>>
Council Representative – Executive Board
To nominate yourself for Council Representative, you must be a current Councilor with an active CUR membership. The typical nominee has completed at least one term as Councilor, has had prior leadership experience (either within CUR or on your own campus), and can demonstrate active participation in Council business. Find out more about running for Council Representative>>
Treasurer – Executive Board
Candidates for Treasurer must be experienced with reading and evaluating budgets, which will be prepared by the Executive Officer. Prior experience with management and oversight of budgets is desired. The treasurer is an officer on the Executive Board and is expected to participate in all Board activities. A treasurer is elected every three years by members of the General Council to a three-year term. The next election will be in 2021, with nominations due by November 15, 2020. Find out more about running for Treasurer>>
Future Opportunities:
Nominations Vetting Committee
Each year, at least one member of the Nominations Vetting Committee (NVC) is elected by members of the General Council. Nominees must be current CUR Councilors and remain so during their entire three-year term. Divisions without a continuing member may select one individual to stand for election each year. The next election will be held in August 2021, with nominations due in Spring 2021.