Advancing Student Research 

Newly Named CURCE Celebrates Mission with Open House Thursday 

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement holds events throughout the semester for students to showcase and learn more about research, scholarship and creative activities. Pictured above is the Fall 2017 Fair. (Photo by Paul Miller)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 4, 2018) — New name, same inspiring mission. The new Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE), previously known as Undergraduate Research (UGR), is making a change this semester to continue to promote inclusivity of all majors, minors and concentrations.

“The transition from UGR to the Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement has been a topic of conversation for several years, but with the launching of the Strategic Plan, we saw an opportunity to be active collaborators and partners in advancing the mission, vision and priorities for the University at Albany, specifically those related to student success and research excellence,” said Jeanette Altarriba, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education.

CURCE is expected to serve as the hub for students to learn more about research, scholarship and creative activities. Resources such as workshops, training programs, research fairs and other events will help students make intellectual and creative contributions to their academic disciplines.

“Faculty consistently provide students with opportunities that complement the classroom experiences. It is in collaboration with the faculty that we will prepare our students to be successful, engaged citizens,” Altarriba said.

The new Center will officially launch with an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, in the Lecture Center outside of the CURCE office at LC-30. There will be food, giveaways, a photo booth and more information about CURCE. A formal dedication and ribbon-cutting will begin at 2:30 p.m. with opening remarks from Dr. Altarriba, Provost James Stellar and President Havidán Rodríguez on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

CURCE is designed to work with students across all academic fields, recognizing and encouraging in-depth scholarship in the creative arts as well as the sciences and technical fields, continuing and expanding the work long done by UGR.

“When I came to the University and began working on my research thesis, I didn’t know where to begin since it was such a large school with so many options. UGR helped me seek out different labs that were specific to my studies and future goals,” senior Human Biology major Natasha Permaul said. “It has helped me play more of an active part in my student community and has also helped me to become more of a distinguished medical school applicant.”

Last spring, Permaul had the opportunity to present her findings at the Life Sciences Research Symposium.
“This experience prompted me to become an expert on my specific area of interest. This was my first time formally presenting my research and I learned the proper techniques of doing this.”

Currently in her final semester, Permaul serves as a research ambassador with CURCE, an experience she’s loved having while studying here at UAlbany.

“People should take advantage of CURCE because it can be used as a stepping stone in the field of research. Using CURCE helped my transition into a research lab to be smoother. The Center is always open to me for any questions I have and continues to be a place where I can find help if I need it.” 

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