Conference to focus on increasing, improving undergrad research

Aleks Siemenn ’19 displays his research on oscillating water column systems at last spring’s CURCE Research Fair. (Photo by Elijah Guerrero)

ALBANY, N. Y. (Nov. 14, 2019) — Building research opportunities for undergrads is the focus of a one-day conference organized by UAlbany’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE).

The conference, Methods and Models for Undergraduate Research Across the Disciplines, will feature faculty and panelists from UAlbany and eight other universities across the state, representing 11 different disciplines. Speakers will showcase successful approaches to undergraduate research in the sciences and humanities. The program is funded by a Conversations in the Disciplines grant from the SUNY Provost’s Office.

The event will be held from in the Multi-Purpose Room in the lower level of Campus Center West from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

Faculty, staff, area researchers and graduate students are welcome to attend. The speakers will share the many paths to mentorship, in the classroom, lab, fiel, and abroad, via course-based, internship or federally funded grant programs.

The conference highlights working and rewarding strategies for undergraduate research that are applicable for multiple disciplines. Accomplished mentors will share their methodologies within the fields of biomedicine, psychology, environmental and molecular biology, exercise science, neuroscience, primatology, Asian studies, English, archaeology, gaming and applied political science.

“This conference is a unique opportunity to look over the fence of disciplinary silos and witness the successes of some of New York’s finest academic mentors,” Masson said. “Attending on Nov. 22 will foster ideas for developing or expanding hybrid strategies for undergraduate research programs that can be emulated and adjusted from models in sister fields.”

The day kicks off with refreshments and opening remarks from JoAnne Malatesta, the interim vice provost for undergraduate education, and Marilyn Masson, associate dean for undergraduate research. Lunch will include roundtable discussions with colleagues and presenters, and student researchers from the University will be joining tables to discuss their research, professional and educational experiences.

The conference ends with an open panel discussion by all the presenters, followed by closing remarks by UAlbany Provost Carol H. Kim.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. For more information and the full schedule, visit CURCE.

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