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The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) serves as a primary centralized office for general undergraduate research and creative work promotion, outreach, advising, referrals, assessment, funding, and mentorship to students and faculty from all the UO’s schools and colleges.
CURE oversees the comprehensive integration of undergraduate research and distinguished scholarships resources -- including student, staff, and faculty presentations and discussion panels -- into recruitment, admissions, and orientation events and programs, as well as the first-year experience, undergraduate curriculum, and alumni, donor, and civic partnerships.
Through its programs and services, the allied offices of Undergraduate Research and Distinguished Scholarships (URDS) help students navigate the hidden curriculum and structural barriers that have disproportionately impacted traditionally underserved students in higher education. URDS strives to inspire students to explore their interests, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for future careers and advanced studies.
students presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
awarded to UO faculty for research mentoring
students received research funding support through CURE
Research Symposium
Adie Fecker, a 2020 Biology graduate and current medical school student, served the keynote speaker for the 2024 Symposium. She presented herself at the Symposium three years in a row.
The 14th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium was held in May. The multidisciplinary showcase empowers undergraduates to share their ideas, discoveries and artistic work with the campus and the local community.
The symposium serves as a pivotal experience for participating students, offering numerous career preparation benefits such as: development of presentation and communication skills, networking opportunities, and resume building.
In addition to the 490 student presenters, a total of 377 research mentors took part in the event. The event awarded over $16,000 to 61 presenters.
Campus Engagement
- URDS units collectively presented to over 2,500 prospective and current students this year through various class visits, workshops, receptions, retreats, information sessions, and events.
- URDS units provided $53,000 in funding to UO faculty for research mentoring to help ensure support and recognition for faculty members. That includes the Faculty Research Mentor Award, which recognized four faculty members this year.
- The Council for Undergraduate Research and Distinguished Scholarships serves as the campus-wide faculty advisory board for CURE, the Office of Distinguished Scholarships, and McNair Scholars. It also provides consultative leadership to centers and departments developing high-impact practices in these undergraduate education spaces. This year, the council focused on strategies for expanding opportunities and capacity for faculty-mentored undergraduate research and creative work in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
- The First-Year Research Experience (FYRE) Award provides first-year students, including first-year transfer students, with $5,000 in research funding support. This early engagement in research enhances students’ academic experience by integrating them into the university’s scholarly community and provides a strong foundation for future research. Six students received the award this summer.
- CURE launched a new Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in Humanities, in partnership with the Oregon Humanities Center, to award $5,000 to five undergraduate students and $1,000 to their research mentors.
Chandlor Henderson, Class of 2025 2024 SURF Recipient
Caitlyn Lloyd, Class of 2025
2024 SURF-Humanities Recipient
Gabriella Samaniego, Class of 2026
2024 FYRE Recipient
Assistant Professor José Meléndez 2024 Faculty Mentor Awardee