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Campus Support for Collaborative Research:� Engaging Students through the SURF Program

Kyla Esguerra, Interim Director

Office of Undergraduate Research

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Undergraduate Research:

A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge

Council on Undergraduate Research

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Undergraduate Research as High Impact Practice

  • Increased Graduation/Retention: Students in UR graduate at much higher rates and significantly narrows achievement gaps
  • Deeper Learning: Students develop enhanced research, communication, and critical thinking skills
  • Stronger Career Pathways: Students are better prepared for graduate school and the workforce, with clearer career goals.

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Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) at UWM

  • Provides student hourly support ($14/hour) for undergraduate research assistants to collaborate on faculty-led research
  • Applications due three times a year : April 1, August 15, December 1
  • ~500 awards made/annually; ~350 unique students
  • Research mentor initiates application; adds student as collaborator
  • Defines objectives, student tasks, and proposed outcomes
  • OUR provides professional development for students (abstract writing, poster presentation workshops)
  • Student presents results at UWM Undergraduate Research Symposium with other possible presentations

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SURF Student Voices

  • Examples of SURF projects

  • How has participating in the SURF program impacted your learning?

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Questions?

Contact:

Kyla Esguerra

kylam@uwm.edu

414-229-2641

Office of Undergraduate Research

Bolton 192

M-F, 9am-4:30pm

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Closing Slide – UW-Milwaukee Logo