Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE)

At the University at Albany, research and creative engagement is a central part of our mission. For students, this means an expansive world of opportunities. Students work with researchers on multi-disciplinary, groundbreaking inquiries both in and out of the classroom.

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (CURCE), under the auspices of the Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Education, is a resource for all undergraduates who wish to explore the research excellence of our campus. UAlbany students who engage in 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
• Apply for and receive funding through CURCE's Student Awards & Funding mechanisms
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to be exposed to new ideas, cultures, and viewpoints

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 to 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 Student Conference hosted by CURCE - Held at the end of the Spring semester, the Student Conference 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

• Abele Research Fund: Generously donated by Kenneth W. Abele and Thelma Miller Abele ’38, full-time matriculated undergraduate students who are working with a UAlbany affiliated faculty member in the physical and natural sciences and/or social and behavioral sciences are eligible to apply for this award in both the Fall and Spring semester.

• Greenwald Research Fund: Generously donated by Lita and Stephen Greenwald ‘40, full-time matriculated undergraduate students who are working with a UAlbany affiliated Faculty member in the physical and natural sciences and/or business finance or corporate management are eligible to apply for this award in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

• Moyer Research Fund: Generously donated by Robert W. Moyer, full-time matriculated undergraduate students who are working with a UAlbany affiliated faculty member in the physical and natural sciences and/or social and behavioral sciences are eligible to apply for this award in both the Fall and Spring semesters.

• Situation Prize for Research-Community, Cause and Advocacy: 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.

• Undergraduate Research Scholarships: Generously donated by Clyde ’28 and Virgina Roosa ’32 Slocum, Adelaid Schmid ’38, and Adrienne Zimberg ‘83, full-time matriculated undergraduate students who are working with a UAlbany affiliated faculty member in any academic discipline or research content area are eligible to apply for this award in both the Fall and Spring semester.

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

For more information about CURCE: https://www.albany. edu/ugr/.