News

Spring 2013 UConn IDEA Awards

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The Office of Undergraduate Research announces the recipients of UConn IDEA Grants in the inaugural competition conducted in Spring 2013. This is first round of the new award program, which provides funding of up to $4,000 for entrepreneurial ventures, community service, traditional research, or other creative endeavors. Proposals for the UConn IDEA Grants represented a variety of disciplines, ranging from fine arts to physics. Congratulations to the eleven undergraduates who have been offered UConn IDEA Grants!

Read about the eleven UConn IDEA Grant projects here.

Thank you to the faculty members who have agreed to supervise the UConn IDEA Grant students in their projects. Thank you as well to the faculty members and program directors who served as the initial UConn IDEA Grant Proposal Review Committee!

Office of Undergraduate Research
June 7, 2013

Call for Undergraduate Research Highlights – CUR Quarterly (Fall 2013)

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Are You an Undergraduate Researcher Whose Work Was Recently Published?

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is looking for submissions for the “Undergraduate Research Highlights” feature of the Fall 2013 issue of the CUR Quarterly. “Highlights” consist of brief descriptions of recent (within the last 6 months) peer reviewed research or publications in scholarly journals. Publications must be in print and include one or more undergraduate co-authors. Let’s share the details of the great scholarly work by UConn undergraduates! Deadline for submission: June 14, 2013.

To be considered for publication as an “Undergraduate Research Highlight”, submissions must conform to a specific format and include the following:

  • Title of the article and full journal citation (inclusive pages);
  • A brief description (3-5 lines) of the research and its significance;
  • Title and department/program affiliation of the faculty member;
  • A brief description of the student co-author including year of study in which the student undertook the work, the opportunity through which the work was undertaken (independent study project, summer project, REU program, senior thesis project, etc.), and the current status of the student (graduate school, employed, still enrolled, etc.);
  • The source of funding for the work.

All submissions must be sent via the electronic submission form available at the following link: http://cur.networkats.com/members_online/submissions/substart.asp?action=welcome&cid=121.

Students with questions regarding the eligibility of their highlight should contact Highlights Editor Nicole Bennet via email at bennettns@appstate.edu. General questions regarding the submissions process should be directed to the CUR National Office at cur@cur.org or 202-783-4810.

Job Opening: Office of Undergraduate Research, Program Coordinator (UCP V)

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University of Connecticut
Office Undergraduate Research, Enrichment Programs
Program Coordinator (UCP V) (Search number 2013524)

Position Description:

The Program Coordinator of Office Undergraduate Research (OUR) contributes to University of Connecticut’s goal of providing undergraduate students with a wide range of opportunities to participate in academic enrichment activities throughout their collegiate careers. The Program Coordinator assists in all aspects of OUR operations.

The OUR is a part of the Enrichment Programs division. It is responsible for working with faculty and administrators based in all schools and colleges to promote and develop opportunities for undergraduate academic enrichment through research and creative activity; conducting open competitions for undergraduate research and creative endeavor awards; the administration of centralized funding for such activities; educating students and faculty about undergraduate research; and publicizing the accomplishments of undergraduate researchers.

The Program Coordinator will work with students, faculty, advisors, and academic administrators on undergraduate research issues. These duties include:

  1. Meet with and provide assistance to students who are interested in undergraduate research.
  2. Create, schedule, prepare materials for, and present workshops on undergraduate research and honors theses to undergraduates.
  3. Assist students in identifying opportunities for and preparing proposals and applications for internal and external research funding, including nationally competitive undergraduate research opportunities and other internships.
  4. Receive and review applications ensuring completeness and make referrals to appropriate personnel for review.
  5. Manage communications with students and advisors regarding outcomes of proposals.
  6. Maintain and enhance the OUR website to ensure accessibility, clarity, and educational value.
  7. Assist in the marketing and communication of OUR activities and funding programs to students, faculty, advisors, and other administrators.
  8. Process applications, paperwork and records. Maintain filing system.
  9. Manage workflow and contribute to quality improvement of forms and application materials.
  10. Process and maintain necessary paperwork, records, and files to support program, including fiscal records. Enhance electronic data systems, where appropriate.
  11. Work with University offices and the Foundation in the disbursement of funds to support undergraduate student research and creative endeavors.
  12. Assist in the execution of undergraduate research exhibitions and symposia (including the annual Frontiers in Undergraduate Research Poster Exhibition), designed to share and publicize undergraduate students’ research achievements. This activity includes advertising exhibitions, securing space, event planning, processing proposals, creating programs, and managing events.
  13. Assist in all functions relating to grant programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fund competition, including updating and creating language for the website, presenting at workshops , assigning reviewers, attendance at meetings and note-taking on the comments for each applicant.  Compile decision letters and work with Study Abroad to ensure compliance with University policies.
  14. Confer with and assist supervisor in the performance of program administration and activities. Assist in preparing program budgets and annual report for approval of supervisor and manage and monitor expenditures. Evaluate effectiveness of programs and recommend improvements or changes to appropriate manager.
  15. Prepare informational and promotional materials for use in outreach activities for all aspects of Office of Undergraduate Research work.
  16. Provide on-site supervision of events, oversee facilities use, provide support and assist in problem resolution.
  17. Assist with assessment efforts, assemble data, write and/or edits reports.
  18. Maintain a collection of resource materials and program information.
  19. May perform office support functions and projects, as assigned.
  20. Limited travel to relevant national conferences, regional events, and UConn regional campuses.
  21. Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Bachelors degree in an appropriate field.
  2. Three to five years’ experience  in a responsible administrative support position that demonstrates knowledge of administrative methods;
  3. Experience in conducting independent research or scholarship;
  4. Demonstrated ability to work independently and regularly exercise sound judgment in addressing program issues;
  5. Ability to efficiently multitask and prioritize workload.
  6. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  7. Familiarity with computers as a skilled user of word processing programs and electronic data systems such as Word, Excel, Access, FileMaker and database reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Graduate degree in appropriate field, preferably in the sciences or social sciences;
  2. Familiarity with competitive grant and award programs;
  3. Experience working with faculty across disciplines;
  4. Experience in an undergraduate research office or honors program or college;
  5. Experience at a large university;
  6. Experience with Peoplesoft and other database software;
  7. Experience with data analysis, database design, and program evaluation;
  8. Experience in designing or updating web pages and social media using relevant software (e.g. Dreamweaver, WordPress, HootSuite).

 To Apply:

For full consideration upload a letter of application, a resume, and a list of 3 professional references with contact information via Husky Hire (http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/).  Include search number on all correspondence. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

 

Job Opening: Office of Undergradute Research, Program Coordinator – IDEA Grants Program (UCP V)

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UCONN IDEA Grants Program, Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), Division of Enrichment Programs (Search number 2013566)

The UCONN IDEA Grants Program Coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Research contributes to the University of Connecticut’s goal of providing undergraduate students with a wide range of opportunities to participate in academic enrichment activities throughout their collegiate careers. UCONN IDEA Grants are available to students through a competitive process. The Program Coordinator will perform advising, administrative, and project-oriented tasks, including relevant research, event, meeting, and communication planning, creation of outreach strategies to undergraduate students, advising of interested undergraduate students, data analysis, along with other program administration and office duties, as required.

Position Duties

This person will work primarily with students and faculty on undergraduate research topics and processes. These duties include:

  1. Providing advising and administrative assistance to students interested in applying for a UCONN IDEA Grant and related opportunities, including supporting them through the application process.
  2. Scheduling and preparing materials for and presenting workshops on the UCONN IDEA Grant program and related opportunities.
  3. Receiving, processing, and reviewing applications ensuring completeness and making referrals to appropriate personnel for review. Maintaining filing system and electronic records.
  4. Managing communications with students and advisors regarding outcomes of proposals.
  5. Assisting in the marketing and communication of UCONN IDEA Grant and related opportunities to students, faculty and administrators.
  6. Managing workflow, drafting online forms, and contributing to quality improvement of forms and application materials.
  7. Processing and maintaining necessary paperwork, records, and files to support grant program, including fiscal records. Enhancing electronic data systems, where appropriate.
  8. Conferring with and assisting supervisor in the performance of program administration and activities.
  9. Evaluating effectiveness of programs and recommending improvements or changes to appropriate manager.
  10. Responsibility for writing and/or editing informational and promotional materials for use in outreach activities, requiring an understanding of the subject matter.
  11. Assisting with assessment efforts, assembling data, drafting and/or editing reports.
  12. Maintain a collection of resource materials and program information.
  13. Limited travel to relevant national conferences, regional events, and UConn regional campuses.
  14. May perform office support functions and projects, as assigned.
  15. Performing related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.
  2. 3-5 years of office experience in a responsible administrative position that demonstrates knowledge of administrative methods.
  3. Ability to provide higher-level administrative office support.
  4. Demonstrated ability to work independently.
  5. Excellent multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
  6. Strong writing and communication skills.
  7. Familiarity with computers as a skilled user of word processing programs and electronic data systems such as Word, Excel, Access, FileMaker and database reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Graduate degree in an appropriate field, including but not limited to higher education counseling or administration, natural or physical sciences, social sciences.
  2. Familiarity with competitive grant and award programs.
  3. Experience working with faculty across disciplines.
  4. Experience in an undergraduate research office or honors program or college.
  5. Experience at a large university.
  6. Experience with Peoplesoft and other database software.
  7. Experience with data analysis, database design, and program evaluation.
  8. Experience in designing or updating web pages, forms, and social media using relevant software (e.g. Dreamweaver, WordPress, wufoo, HootSuite).

Appointment Terms:  This is a grant-funded full-time end-dated position; position end-date June 2015.

To Apply

For full consideration upload a letter of application, a resume, and a list of 3 professional references with contact information via Husky Hire (http://www.jobs.uconn.edu/).  Include search number on all correspondence. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

UConn-TIP Bioscience and STEM Program – Internships for Business and CANR Students

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NEW: Limited Time Opportunity – Summer Internship Opportunities for Undergraduate Students in the School of Business and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Summer internships are now available within the UConn-TIP Bioscience and STEM Summer Research Program (see below) for UConn undergraduate students from the School of Business and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This is an opportunity for exposure and involvement in marketing or business-related activities within a real-world, entrepreneurial biotechnology environment. Continue reading →

Call for Posters – Undergraduate Human Rights Conference

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Are You An Undergraduate Researcher Who Focuses on Human Rights As Part of Your Work?

The Human Rights Institute is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a conference September 19-21, 2013, that will showcase the “Connecticut School of Human Rights”, an interdisciplinary, contextual approach to human rights that has been advanced at the Human Rights Institute of the University of Connecticut over the last ten years.

The Undergraduate Human Rights Conference will kick off with a poster display on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at the Dodd Research Center. The poster display is an effort to bring together undergraduate students from across many disciplines to present and share their research interests. Human rights related events will be held throughout the week, giving students the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about human rights issues.

The Undergraduate Conference encourages interdisciplinary social science, law and humanities approaches to understanding human rights issues. Poster themes may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Economic and Social Human Rights
  • Education and Human Rights
  • Environment Rights
  • Foundations of Human Rights
  • Gender and Human Rights
  • Group Rights
  • Health and Human Rights
  • Human Rights and International Law
  • Humanitarianism
  • Literature and Human Rights
  • Political and Civil Human Rights

Students who wish to present a poster must submit a 200-300 word abstract detailing the content of their presentation and how it would be displayed on a poster along with a short biography to the Human Rights Institute at humanrights@uconn.edu.  Students are encouraged to submit their information as soon as possible.

Visit the Human Rights Institute’s Conference page at http://humanrights.uconn.edu/conferences/ for more information.

CUR Registry of Undergraduate Researchers

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The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) hosts a Registry of Undergraduate Researchers. The purpose of this registry is to facilitate matchmaking between undergraduates with research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, with graduate schools seeking students who are well prepared for research. The Registry is currently open to students and graduate schools in the science, social science and humanities fields listed below.

Any undergraduate student may go to the CUR website to fill out the simple curriculum vitae form. There is no cost for this service. Student information records will be made available to bona fide Graduate Schools and/or Research Programs that contract with CUR for this service. Student information will not be shared with companies or organizations who seek to use it for marketing purposes.

Graduate School representatives may contact students to invite applications and to share information about their research programs and opportunities for financial support. Students who register will be able to update their listing as needed to include summer research information, information about Senior Theses, updated test scores, etc.

The CUR Registry service is a tool that will benefit both students and graduate schools/employers. Students who intend to pursue graduate student should take a minute to register and include a statement of their research interests. Visit CUR at www.cur.org for more information.

Anthropology/Archeology

Arts/Humanities

Biology/Biochemistry

Business

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Economics

Education

Engineering

English and Linguistics

Environmental Studies

Geosciences

Health Professions

History

Journalism and Communications

Mathematics/Computer Science

Physics/Astronomy

Political Science

Psychology

Social Work

Sociology

2013 Frontiers Program Now Available

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We hope that you’re planning to attend the Frontiers exhibition this Friday afternoon or Saturday!

Here’s a link to the program. We have 218 undergraduate students presenting posters for 175 research projects. STEM fields, social science, humanities, and the arts are all well represented. Many students who are presenting their research have received SURF, SHARE, and other Office of Undergraduate Research awards.

frontiers_2013

The artwork for the Frontiers poster was produced by talented Holster Scholars, Kaitrin Acuna and Julianne Norton. The poster was designed by Mallory Matula. Thank you all!

 

2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) Awards

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SURF is the biggest undergraduate research competition administered by the UConn Office of Undergraduate Research. I am delighted to announce that 70 UConn undergraduates have been offered SURF awards for this summer. Members of the faculty review committee commented on how strong the field of 91 applications was this year. SURF applications require research proposals of high quality.

Congratulations to the SURF awardees! Your academic achievements, creativity, and enterprise were ever so evident in your applications. Have fun with your research this summer!

Thank you to the faculty members who supported SURF applicants: mentors, letter writers, and faculty review committee members! SURF represents a collaborative effort between students and faculty. SURF would not exist without the support and participation of faculty members!

Thank you, too, to SURF supporters in the UConn community. Deans of UConn schools and colleges and the Provost’s Office helped to fund the SURF competition this year. Alumni, parents, and friends of UConn also helped fund SURF awards. Our community quilt of funding ensures that SURF supports a diverse array of UConn undergraduate research!

Once again, congratulations to those students offered 2013 SURF awards.

Margaret Lamb, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Undergraduate Research