Undergraduate Research Program Is Growing, Going Green
Buffalo State’s renowned Undergraduate Research program is broadening its many hands-on opportunities for students and furthering its goal to become more environmentally friendly.
"Undergraduate research is a hallmark program for Buffalo State and its steady growth is a testament to the commitment we make to academic excellence,” said Provost Melanie Perreault. “Here, students have the opportunity to work directly with faculty members on important research and creative projects in ways that would be impossible at larger universities. Our expectation is that every Buffalo State student will participate in at least one high-impact practice during their academic career—undergraduate research is an outstanding option."
The Undergraduate Research Office recently found a new home in Academic Affairs and launched two programs for first- and second-year students—the Early Undergraduate Research Opportunity (EURO) Program and the Second-Year Undergraduate Research (SYUR) Program.
Introduced at the beginning of the spring 2017 semester, the pilot EURO program has already proven popular with students. Twenty first- and second-year students are participating in the program's inaugural round, which pays students to conduct research in wide-ranging disciplines including communication, philosophy, biology, geology, physics, psychology, education, and theater.
While the EURO and SYUR programs are new offerings, one of Buffalo State’s oldest research traditions will soon celebrate a milestone anniversary. Each year, more than 400 students present their research through posters and performances at the Student Research and Creativity Celebration (SRCC).
In anticipation of the event’s 20th anniversary in 2018, the program has made a small but significant name change. The Student Research and Creativity Celebration is now the Student Research and Creativity Conference, reflecting the rigor and reputation of this longstanding event.
"Celebrating students' achievements, contributions to new knowledge, and creation of new works of art remains at the core of the SRCC,” said Jill Singer, director of undergraduate research, professor of earth sciences and science education, and Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Fellow. “But the name change better reflects the event's structure and similarity to professional conferences."
As Buffalo State promotes, supports, and funds undergraduate research in all academic areas—from the sciences to the arts—the SRCC’s new subtheme, “Celebrating Discovery across the Disciplines,” is very appropriate.
The Undergraduate Research Office has also committed to “going green” by moving to paperless applications, proposal submissions, and online conference programs. Last year’s SRCC featured a fully online schedule for the first time. The change proved not only better for the environment, but also more user-friendly allowing visitors to browse SRCC schedules, abstracts, and artists’ statements with ease via mobile devices. The conference will again replace its printed program with an online version this year.
Upcoming Undergraduate Research Events
Undergraduate Research Virtual Information Sessions (registration required)
Student Research and Creativity Conference, April 28–29
- Student deadline: March 16 (note new deadline)
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Faculty mentor deadline: March 18 (note new deadline)
Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Program
- Student input deadline: April 3
- Faculty input and approval deadline: April 5