"Research communicates a story, a story about a field, a disciplinary quandary being solved, creates connection, and offers an explanation of cause and effect. Undergraduates who participate in research as research assistants, interns, trainees, and learners are part of the story of research, disseminating knowledge through research communications that take the form of publications and presentations. At the University of Utah, undergraduate research (UR) has a story in itself, one that informs society and the larger state of Utah, of not only the problems being solved, but how research also has a positive impact on citizens when they participate in higher education environments as URs: having hands on experiences with research correlates with improved graduation rates, overall satisfaction with higher education environments because of the meaningful relationships fostered, and world and job readiness apparent. University of Utah students who participate in research are more likely to graduate in 4 to 6 years (60% and 93% respectively). Not only is there a story that undergraduate research offers about why research matters, but there is a larger story that is being told through our students who participate in research: how research is a public good where they engineer solutions, science innovation, and offer new forms of discourse that creates greater connection for humans and the environments we live in.”
Annie Isabel Fukushima, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies, Introduction: The Story Within and Through Undergraduate Research, Range Undergraduate Research Journal, July 2026
Special thanks to the journal staff editor Sara Cody (Program Coordinator, Office of Undergraduate Research) and student editor America Cox (Undergraduate Research Leader, OUR). OUR welcomes our new student editor Em Berkson who assisted with the final review of the issue before it went live. Also thank you to the rest of the Office of Undergraduate Research team who are vital to supporting student success with research: Cindy Greaves, Shelly Parker, and Cade Faragher. And welcome to OUR's new program manager Wallita Ranger.
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Welcome, Wallita Ranger (Program Coordinator) | |
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"Ya’ah’tééh (hello), I am a member of the Diné (Navajo) Nation of Monument Valley, UT, I graduated in 2014 from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since then, I have had numerous jobs providing patient care as a Nurse’s Assistant and Surgical Tech. As well as jobs in mentorship, behavioral health, education, and community health. Previous to this role, I serve as the Program Coordinator of the Native American Research Internship (NARI) and the Native American Community Health Internship (NACHI) at the University of Utah. NARI and NACHI work with Native American and Alaska Native undergraduates who are pursuing careers in biomedical, health care, and STEM fields. I am passionate about providing access to education and healthcare for all. I love working with students on the cusp of their academic futures and helping them realize their full potential. In 2024, I was accepted into the Master of Public Health program at the University of Utah to continue growing my knowledge base. My traditional upbringing and commitment to family and community give me a clear purpose in creating access to quality education and healthcare.
Outside the office and classroom, I am a mother to four beautiful children. Our favorite things to do are swimming, hiking, and going to the library. We love trying new restaurants, seeing movies, and spending as much family time as we can. I also love spending time with my siblings and extended family by attending cultural and community events and going camping."
Wallita Ranger, Academic Program Manager, Office of Undergraduate Research
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Undergraduate Research Symposium |
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July 30 from 8:30am-12:00pm at the Alumni House.
Register by Sunday, July 19, with your research title and a short description.
For more info and to register: https://our.utah.edu/urs
Posters not printed for all students, therefore, check-in with your summer program to confirm who will print your poster.
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| Huntsman Cancer Institute - Medicine
Thursday, July 23rd at 2:00PM
Huntsman Cancer Hospital: Research South (HCI IV)
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Symposium Poster Evaluators
We are looking for interested faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and staff holding research-related degrees to be poster evaluators at the Summer Symposium on July 30 (Time blocks between 8:30AM - 12PM).
Sign up and be raffled to win a prize drawing for $75 gift cards from Amazon, Apple, or DoorDash Registration link: https://ugs.formstack.com/forms/postereval_summer26
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| OUR is hiring an Undergraduate Research Leader! Previous experience required: UROP or SPUR scholar.
Click here to apply!
Deadline to Apply: July 21 at
11:59 PM
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Have Questions or Need Support? |
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Drop in with your questions about applying for funds, research opportunities, and how to get started any Friday during Spring Semester, 12:00-2:00pm via Zoom or in person at 005 Sill Center.
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If you have questions about research opportunities, funding, or any of OURs programs make a research advising appointment with the link below.
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