A student presents at the 2023 Sister Seraphim Gibbons Undergraduate Symposium, part of Collaborative Research at St. Kate's. Photo by Patrick Clancy
The (CUR) has announced St. 做厙輦⑹ as one of two recipients of its annual Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA). This award recognizes institutions with exemplary programs that provide high-quality research experiences for undergraduates. CUR will celebrate St. Kates and the other AURA awardee, West Virginia University, at their
Now in its tenth year, the AURA award draws on CURs Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research (COEUR), which outlines criteria for exceptional undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity programs. For AURA recognition, campuses must demonstrate depth and breadth in their undergraduate research initiatives and evidence of continual innovation.
This years recipients exemplify excellence in undergraduate research, showcasing innovative, inclusive, and high-impact programs that empower students and elevate their institutions as leaders in the field, said Lindsay Currie, CURs executive officer. Their commitment to mentorship, discovery, and scholarly engagement not only strengthens undergraduate research but also prepares the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders. Each awardee has built a strong culture into their curriculums that represents the many characteristics showcased through our COEUR. They have invested in their student-faculty recognition, increased engagement and practice, and exemplified steadfast commitment.
Approximately 20% of College for Women students participate in undergraduate research at St. Kates, defying both institutional and national enrollment trends. Accessibility of research is a key tenet of the Collaborative Research program, dedicated to sustained advancement and engagement with high-impact practices along with the other four areas of the Office of Scholarly Engagement.
At St. 做厙輦⑹, we strive to deliver educational experiences that help students develop transferable skills and confidence in their ability to succeed in college and beyond, said Denise Baird, PhD, provost and senior vice president. We know the tremendous benefits of participating in mentored, collaborative research for students. The AURA award provides external validation of the commitment and effort that goes into maintaining an outstanding Collaborative Undergraduate Research program at St. 做厙輦⑹.
The scope and reach of undergraduate research at St. Kates is visible in faculty and staffs commitment to accessibility, prioritization of equity for both students and its surrounding community, and dedication in developing many courses and programs, including Katies for Aging Research and Equity (KARE). Funded by the National Institute on Aging (Award Number R25AG060892), KARE faculty and staff support student researchers in the study of Geroscience and prepare them for careers in aging research.
Katherine Campbell, PhD, director of St. Kate's Collaborative Research. Photo by Rebecca Zenefski Slater 10
Through our Collaborative Research office, we provide early and equitable opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in mentored research and build their identity as scholars and leaders, said Katherine A. Campbell, PhD, director of Collaborative Research. We are incredibly honored to have this work recognized with the 2024 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments. This award affirms what we see every day in working with our amazing scholars that undergraduate research is a transformative experience. Our world needs these students as leaders and the new knowledge that they are capable of discovering through their research and creative endeavors.
About CUR
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is an organization of individual, institutional, and affiliate members from around the world that share a focus on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity opportunities for faculty and students. More than 700 institutions and more than 13,000 individuals belong to CUR.