Founded in 2003, the Undergraduate Research Council (URC) provides leadership and direction for the UCF undergraduate research community. Each department is invited to send a faculty representative, and the council is also attended by staff from supporting offices. This council is organized through the Office of Undergraduate Research. If you notice a department is missing from the Council, would simply like to attend council meetings, or have any questions about the Council, please alert our@ucf.edu.
The URC serves as a conduit of information to ensure that the campus community is aware of programs, opportunities, and updates pertinent to students and faculty engaged in undergraduate research activity. Members also serve a critical function by serving as reviewers for program applications and poster conferences.
We are committed to supporting researchers across campus through these core goals:
- Preparing timely programmatic updates to departmental representatives through 6 meetings per academic year
- Offering leadership to advance equitable undergraduate research opportunities across campus
- Guiding successful campus-wide implementation of undergraduate research programs and opportunities
- Identifying needs and trends in undergraduate research across campus
- Providing feedback on existing programs and proposed changes
Mission:
The URC convenes three times each fall and spring semester to provide support and leadership to the University of Central Florida (UCF) undergraduate research community. The Council serves in an advisory role to the UCF Office of Undergraduate Research and UCF administration in matters of policy and procedure related to undergraduate research. The Council members also serve as ambassadors of undergraduate research in their home departments and units, ensuring that the campus community is informed of opportunities and updates.
2022-2023 Academic Year Representatives:
Michael Callaghan (Anthropology and Archaeology)
Joo Kim (Art)
Steve Seay (Athletics)
Linda Walters (Biology)
Kenneth Teter (Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences)
Ratna Chakrabarti (Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences)
Andrew Randall (Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering(
Harrison Oonge (College of Undergraduate Studies)
Jacqueline Towson (Communication Sciences & Disorders)
Damian Dechev (Computer Science)
Stephen Kuebler (CREOL and Center for Ethics)
Jill Viglione (Criminal Justice)
Melanie Guldi (Economics)
Lei Wei (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
Tison Pugh (English)
Quynh Dang (Experiential Learning)
Maria Harrington (Games and Interactive Media)
Edward Dandrow (History)
Sharon Woodill (Interdisciplinary Studies)
Sarah Evans (EXCEL ISTEM)
Anna Valdes (Kinesiology)
Abby Milon (Legal Studies)
John Venecek (Libraries)
Karen Ehrhart (Management)
Kausik Mukhopadhyay (Materials Science and Engineering)
Joseph Brennan (Mathematics)
Robert Steward (Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering)
Martha Garcia (Modern Languages and Literatures)
Charlotte Trinquet Du Lys (Modern Languages and Literatures, The Pegasus Review)
Nora Lee Garcia (Music)
Swadeshmukul Santra (Nanoscience)
Jean Davis (Nursing)
Padmini Coopamah Waldron (Office of Honors Research)
Morgan Bauer (Office of Prestigious Awards)
Joshua Roney (Office of Research)
Lanlan Kuang (Philosophy)
Ahlam Al-Rawi (Physics)
Matthew Chin (Psychology)
Karen Sola (Puerto Rico Research Hub)
Kayode Aleshinloye (Rosen)
Aubrey Jewett (School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs)
Maritza Concha (School of Public Affairs)
Nicole Damico (School of Teacher Education)
Chudamani Poudyal (Statistics)
Anne Bubriski (Women’s and Gender Studies)
Esther Milu (Writing and Rhetoric)
The Student Undergraduate Research Council meets to discuss and promote the involvement of undergraduates in the ongoing activities of the UCF research community.