February represents a ton of exciting activities that illustrate the importance of research on policy and practice. The Office is proud to share that this is a 26-year collaboration between Utah State University and the University of Utah, Research on Capitol Hill. We are grateful to the partners at the VPR’s Office, Government Relations, and the Office of the President. For this day at Capitol Hill the Office of Undergraduate Research competitively selects students through a committee process; University of Utah undergraduates who are selected present their research in the form of a poster-presentation to their state representatives for Research Day on Capitol Hill, February 26, 2026 from 9AM - 1PM in the Capitol Hill rotunda.
This year, students will represent the University of Utah conducting research with faculty mentors in dentistry, engineering, health, humanities, medicine, science, and social and behavioral sciences. Their research cuts across societal priorities including biology, cancer, heart disease, DNA and genetics, mental health, career motivations, learning, violence, and the environment, to name a few. They are not only representing dynamic research, but also the high impact of investing in research where 93% of students funded to participate in research graduate in 6 years and 61% graduate in 4 years at the University of Utah.
The event is open to the public, and a great way for students to connect with leaders of the state to share their research and positive experiences they have with faculty mentors at the University of Utah. Thank you to the Office of Undergraduate Research team, particularly Cindy Greaves, as well as gratitude to Natalie Tippets and VP Jason Perry with Government Relations, Athena Dupont and AVP Alexa Sand with Utah State University, and Amanda Ashley with the Office of the VPR.
For 20 years, the annual Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research (UCUR) has brought together students, faculty, and mentors from across Utah to celebrate curiosity, creativity, and discovery. This year Weber State University is hosting UCUR on Friday, February 27 at their Ogden campus. The Office of Undergraduate Research is excited to be supporting more than 90 University of Utah students from all disciplines presenting their research and creative work. Click here for more info.
Annie Isabel Fukushima, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
and Director, Office of Undergraduate Research
The University of Utah
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2026 Spring Research Tours |
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Ready to take the next step in your research journey? Curious about what research looks like across campus? Join one of our Research Tours to visit active labs, meet faculty, and learn how to get started.
Sign up for an upcoming tour today.
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"The guides were incredible and it was such a good time. I think it could be especially helpful for honors students or students exploring career options."
- Undergraduate Student
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| STARS Lab – Department of Materials Science & Engineering
March 5, 2026 · 11:30 AM · WBB 509
The STARS Lab uses high‑speed impact testing and advanced characterization techniques to study how processing influences material structure and performance.
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Shiri Lab – Interfacial & Transport Physics, Mechanical Engineering
March 26, 2026 · 1:30 PM · MEK 2337
Learn how researchers investigate transport behavior at material interfaces to uncover new physical laws.
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| Speech Acquisition Lab – Department of Linguistics
April 3, 2026 · 10:00 AM · LNCO 2945
See how adults learn new sounds and how language backgrounds shape speech acquisition.
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Present your research at the Undergraduate Research Spring Symposium on April 7 in the Union. This symposium includes poster, oral, visual arts and performance presentations by U of U students. Register by March 15. Early registrants are eligible for the spring 2026 poster prizes. Click here for more info and to register.
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| Undergraduate Research Scholar Designation (URSD)
Graduating Seniors!!! Apply to receive the Undergraduate Research Scholar designation on your transcripts and to receive a white cord to wear at graduation.
URSD Final Deadline is April 21st for spring graduates!
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OUR is hiring Undergraduate Research Leaders! If you enjoy talking about research, mentoring other students, and have completed at least one semester of UROP or SPUR this job is for you! Leaders work 10 hours a week, get professional experience, and join a supportive team. Specialist roles include: • IRB • Pre Award • Presentation & Publication • Social Media/Content Creation
Complete posting: https://our.utah.edu/research-opportunity/url/
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Submit your essay in progress or published paper today to be considered for the Essay Prize or award!
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Awards Ceremony Nominations
Friendly reminder to college leadership and faculty:
Each college should submit their nominations for the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher and Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentors by March 1.
Connect with your college contact to learn more. For more information on the nomination process, click here.
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| Want OUR to come present to your class this spring?
Faculty, as you're planning your upcoming semester classes, consider having OUR come to tell your students about getting involved in research!
Click here to request a presentation
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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 starting January 16.
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Receive peer-mentoring and staff support when applying for IRB approval at the ! Drop in every other Wednesday, 10:00-11:30am via Zoom or 2130N Marriott Library starting January 7.
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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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