News

• Congratulations, 2025 SURF Award Recipients!

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The Office of Undergraduate Research is pleased to announce the selection of 46 undergraduate students to receive SURF Awards in support of their summer undergraduate research projects.

Click here to view the full list of Summer 2025 SURF awardees.SURF logo 2

Congratulations, SURF awardees! Your curiosity, initiative, and motivation were evident in your applications and you have an exciting summer of deep engagement with the process of academic inquiry ahead of you. We look forward to hearing about all you learn and discover!

We thank the faculty members who supported SURF applicants in a range of roles: mentors, letter writers, and faculty review committee members. SURF represents a collaborative effort between students and faculty. This program would not be possible without the support and participation of the UConn faculty!

OUR also extends thanks to SURF supporters in the UConn community. We are grateful to the Office of the Provost, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and to the Deans of the Schools and Colleges of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources; Education; Engineering; Fine Arts; Liberal Arts and Sciences; Nursing; and Pharmacy, who all pledged funding to the SURF competition this year. Alumni, parents, and friends of UConn also helped fund SURF awards. This collaborative funding effort ensures that SURF supports a diverse array of undergraduate research endeavors. We are grateful to all of our program partners for making intensive summer research opportunities available to students seeking to enrich their undergraduate experience in this way.

Once again, congratulations to the recipients of 2025 SURF awards, and good luck with your summer projects!

Research Assistant Needed for a Weight Loss Research Study

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Opportunity Description: We are seeking undergraduate student(s) to assist with a digital behavioral weight loss intervention targeting postpartum Black women. The study focuses on promoting changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, with social support delivered through a private Facebook group. The undergraduate research assistant will be involved in managing REDCap surveys, creating infographics using Canva, and designing PowerPoint presentations. All duties will be conducted online, and weekly progress updates will be expected. This position offers a valuable opportunity for students interested in digital health, behavioral interventions, and health equity research. 

Student Qualifications

  • Students from any discipline with an interest in health research may apply
  • Must be available to work during summer
  • Remote work
  • Biweekly meetings
  • Basic knowledge of Canva
  • Interest in learning new technology

    How to Apply
    Please email your interest or any questions to Snehaa Ray at snehaa.ray@uconn.edu

    Mentor: Snehaa Ray, Doctoral Candidate
    Department: Department of Nutritional Sciences
    Email: snehaa.ray@uconn.edu
    Timing: Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: All campuses (remote work)

    The Proactive vs. Reactive Process: Beginning Your Research Journey

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    By Krithika Santhanam, Peer Research Ambassador

    Picture of Jonathan the Husky in the UConn Storrs library with text: "Student Research Blog: The Proactive vs. Reactive Process: Beginning Your Research Journey, By PRA Krithika." with link - https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/2025/03/20/proactive-reactive/.Are you interested in getting involved with research but have no idea where to begin? Have you applied to programs and are unsure where to go from here? Are you interested in finding a different research opportunity that aligns with your WHY? Then you are definitely in the right place! Welcome to a crash course on the proactive versus reactive processes that students tend to take when finding a research opportunity that truly aligns with their passions. Continue reading →

    Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Balancing Research, Jobs, Clubs, & Schoolwork

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    By Michela Brown, Peer Research Ambassador

    Picture of Swan Lake and the Chemistry Building on the UConn Storrs campus with text: "Student Research Blog: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Balancing Research, Jobs, Clubs, & Schoolwork, By PRA Michela."As a senior in college, I’ve come to know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to juggle classes, jobs, club commitments, and leadership roles – let alone adding research to the mix. Some days, it seems like there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done, and the pressure to succeed can feel intense. But let me assure you – everything will be okay. The key is finding balance and giving yourself grace along the way. Here are some strategies that have helped me navigate this journey and a reminder that you are not alone. Continue reading →

    Research Assistant in Survey Research, Substance Use

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    Opportunity Description

    Research assistance with literature reviews, article revision, and/or statistical programming sought. Practical, hands-on experience in searching primary literature, study design, statistical programming, and/or writing articles. Five hours weekly commitment sought. Currently working on analysis of substance use (i.e., cannabis, alternative tobacco use) using nationally representative survey data.

    Student Qualifications
    Interested students should have at minimum an introductory statistics, econometrics or equivalent class. Basic familiarity with statistical programming from such coursework is needed; a desire to learn additional techniques is a bonus.

    How to Apply
    Please email me explaining interest. Provide a resume and please note any relevant coursework.

    Mentor: Stephen Amrock, Assistant Professor
    Department: Medicine
    Email: amrock@uchc.edu
    Timing: Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: UConn Health, Other – virtual possibility

    Research Opportunity – Neurolinguistics and Neurocomputational Work

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    Opportunity Description

    The BrainLens Lab invites applications for research assistant positions focused on exploring the neural mechanisms underlying naturalistic language comprehension across populations with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This project employs a combination of behavioral and neural methodologies to enhance our understanding of how the brain processes language in real-world scenarios.

    Students are expected to conduct literature reviews, participate in data collection, and manage and analyze research data. The position requires less than 9 hours per week, with weekly to biweekly team meetings for progress updates. Course credits are available, and opportunities for publication involvement may arise based on progress and interest.

    Student Qualifications
    Background or strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, or a related field.
    Basic knowledge of statistical approaches and data analysis tools (e.g., R or Python) is a plus.
    Attention to detail and consistency is important.

    How to Apply
    If you are interested, please send an email to Dr. Chanyuan Gu (kmw24003@uconn.edu) with your resume.

    Mentor: Chanyuan Gu, Postdoctoral Fellow
    Department: Psychological Sciences
    Email: kmw24003@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs

    Research Assistant for Autism Intervention Systematic Review

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    Opportunity Description

    Join our systematic review project focused on understanding the effects of interventions on the brain and behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We are conducting a comprehensive synthesis of neuroimaging and behavioral data from studies examining pre- and post-intervention changes in individuals with ASDs.

    As a research assistant, your primary responsibilities will include:

    • Assisting with full-text screening of articles to determine eligibility based on our inclusion criteria.
    • Extracting data related to study design, participant demographics, intervention characteristics, neuroimaging, and behavioral outcomes.
    • Attending weekly team meetings (45 minutes online) to discuss progress, address challenges, and receive ongoing training and support.
    • Ensuring accuracy and consistency in data coding, and resolving discrepancies collaboratively.

    This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain experience in research methods, systematic reviews, neuroimaging, and autism intervention research. Course credit is available for this role; however, monetary compensation is not available.

    Time Commitment: Approximately 4-6 hours per week. Flexible schedule with an expected commitment for the Fall 2024 semester, with the possibility of extension into Spring 2025.

    Student Qualifications
    Required:

    • Junior or senior with interest in neuroscience, psychology, special education, or related fields.
    • Major in psychology, pre-med, neuroscience, education, or related field.
    • GPA of 3.5 or higher.
    • Attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
    • Strong communication and teamwork skills.

    Preferred (but not required):

    • Previous research experience or coursework in neuroimaging, systematic reviews, or autism spectrum disorders.
    • Familiarity with academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus) and citation management software.

    How to Apply
    To apply, please submit your CV, a brief statement of interest, and your weekly availability for Fall 2024 to deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu at your earliest convenience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

    Mentor: Deborah Schneider, Post-Doctoral Research Associate
    Department: Psychological Sciences (BrainLENS)
    Email: deborah.schneider-richardson@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs

    Research Assistant Opportunity – Fact Checker

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    Opportunity Description

    This position will support the publication of a book on the topic of the politics of disability and the US care crisis. The writing relates to the ways ableism (or the devaluation of disability) is embedded into every aspect of our culture and society, which then translates into such things as a lack of care infrastructure and the resulting dependence on the unpaid care work of family members. I am looking for a student who can assist with fact checking for the book, which is an important process in all researched/journalistic writing. Duties will include but aren’t limited to:

    • Checking cited references
    • Cross checking field notes
    • Learning how to use citation software
    • Creating bibliographies
    • General support

    Student Qualifications
    Qualifications:

    • Experience with research
    • Knowledge of fact checking processes

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience working for the school newspaper or in other journalistic endeavors

    How to Apply
    Please email your resume and a brief write up of why you think you are a good fit for this opportunity to Professor Laura Mauldin (laura.mauldin@uconn.edu.

    Mentor: Laura Mauldin, Associate Professor
    Department: WGSS/SCI
    Email: laura.mauldin@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
    Campus: Storrs

    Research Assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning) Research Group

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    Opportunity Description

    As an undergraduate research assistant at ECOM (Expression, Communication, and the Origins of Meaning Research Group), you will play a key role in organizing conferences and talks, contributing to the smooth execution of these academic events. You will also assist with research activities, particularly in conducting literature reviews to support ongoing projects. Additionally, if you have skills in website design, you will help maintain and update the ECOM website, ensuring it effectively communicates our work and events to the academic community. We are especially interested in students from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or related fields, as this role offers valuable experience in both research and event coordination, along with the opportunity to enhance your digital skills.

    Availability: Must be available to work approximately 9 hours per week, with some flexibility to accommodate key event dates. Specific times will be discussed during the interview process.

    Student Qualifications
    Academic Background: Must be an undergraduate student majoring in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, or a related field.

    Research Skills: Ability to conduct thorough literature reviews, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and synthesis of academic materials.

    Event Coordination: Interest in or experience with organizing academic events, such as conferences and talks, is preferred.

    Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in website design and maintenance is desirable but not required.

    Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for coordinating with event speakers, team members, and managing public-facing content.

    Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting, as well as independently on assigned tasks.

    Attention to Detail: Must be detail-oriented, especially in tasks related to research, event planning, and website content management

    How to Apply
    Interested students should submit the following materials to apply for this research opportunity:

    • CV/Resume: Include relevant academic background, coursework, and any previous research or event coordination experience.
    • Short Statement: Provide a brief statement (no more than 300 words) explaining your interest in this position, any relevant skills or experience you bring, and your availability.

    Please send your application materials to Utku Sonsayar utku.sonsayar@uconn.edu

    Mentor: Dorit Bar-On, Professor
    Department: Philosophy
    Email: dorit.bar-on@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025
    Campus: Storrs

    Research Opportunity – Robotics Design

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    Opportunity Description

    The Ruka Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering studies prosthetic and robotic grasping, manipulation, and controls. This position is a research experience focusing on end-effector and test object design. In addition to end-effectors, the choice of test objects is important to comprehensively validate the invention. Working on this project entails designing, building, testing, and iterating using 3D modeling software and additive manufacturing techniques. The student will be expected to work approximately 10hr/week and will primarily include independent design work and regular weekly meetings to discuss progress. Submitting work for publication will be contingent on good progress and interest from the student.

    Student Qualifications
    Experience with Solidworks or other 3D modelling software is necessary. Experience with MATLAB is a plus, as is experience with prosthetics and robotics, but not necessary. Those without prior research experience are encouraged to apply, so long as they are excited to work on creative hands-on design projects that they will help bring to life.

    How to Apply
    Please email Professor Yuri Gloumakov (yuri.gloumakov@uconn.edu), and include your year, major, classes you have taken related to design and engineering, a design portfolio (if you have one), how many hours per week you would like to work, and a brief description of why you are interested in this position. Attaching a resume is optional.

    Mentor: Yuri Gloumakov, Assistant Professor
    Department: Electrical and Computer Engingeering
    Email: yuri.gloumakov@uconn.edu
    Timing: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Ongoing
    Campus: Storrs