Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE)

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE), under the auspices of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education, strives to encourage and facilitate undergraduate student participation in research, scholarship, and creative activities. Whether it is through coursework, a supervised experience, or hands-on opportunities in the field, UAlbany students who pursue research, scholarship and creative activities can:

• Enhance their academic skills, learning, and success
• Make intellectual or creative contributions to an academic discipline
• Learn about a specific field or career and develop competencies for future success
• Cultivate a network of academic and professional advisors, mentors, and peers
• Attend and present at institutional, regional, and national conferences
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to be exposed to new ideas, cultures, and viewpoints

For more information about how to become involved, visit https://www.albany.edu/ugr/. CURCE hosts events, programs, and workshops in the Fall and Spring semesters. Each year, students have the opportunity to learn and to develop new skills, and access information on topics and themes relevant to their individual development as a scholar.

• Fall Fair - Held annually in October, CURCE invites all students to attend the largest on-campus gathering of academic departments, research centers, institutes, and laboratories. Students have the opportunity to meet with faculty, professionals, and researchers actively recruiting to fill positions for the upcoming Spring and Summer.
• Annual Undergraduate Conference hosted by CURCE - Held annually at the end of the Spring semester, the Undergraduate Conference hosted by CURCE is a University-wide event. Students from all academic majors and class years may submit an application to present their research, scholarship, and/or creative activities. 

CURCE Funding

• Situation Prize for Research: Damian Bazadona '98 graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is the Founder and President of Situation – a digital agency that helps brands build passionate communities through digital-first marketing strategies. In April 2017, Damian announced the Situation Prize for Research as an excellence award for students participating in research, scholarship, and creative activities. Each Spring semester, Undergraduate students are welcome to apply for one of nine $500 awards.

• Sorrell Chesin Research Award: Established in 2018, this excellence award aims to encourage and recognize full-time undergraduate students who are actively engaged in a research experience in the Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, and/or related disciplines) under the direction of a University at Albany faculty member. Students may apply for this award in the Spring semester for awards of at least $250.

• CURCE Strategic Plan Accelerator Grants: Provided through the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan Accelerator program, CURCE offers students access to funding to assist in advancing and/or presenting their projects.

Email CURCE at [email protected] to learn more about opportunities, events, funding, and becoming involved in research, scholarship, and/or creative activities.