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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

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.

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

SURF Student Voices

Questions?

Contact:

Kyla Esguerra

414-229-2641

Office of Undergraduate Research

Bolton 192

M-F, 9am-4:30pm