Explore stories and spotlights of undergraduates and undergraduate research here at the UW.
September 30, 2023
Undergraduates immersed in summer STEM research
The University of Washington’s Office of Undergraduate Research hosts a variety of programming and partner programs every summer to give students the chance to immerse themselves in STEM research opportunities. From SCAN Design Innovations in Pain Research to the Institute for Protein Design to the Molecular Engineering Materials Center, undergrads from the UW and beyond come together to explore a range of exciting STEM fields.
September 30, 2023
Janice DeCosmo to retire from Undergraduate Academic Affairs
Janice DeCosmo, associate vice provost for undergraduate research and associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, will retire in October, capping off over 20 years of impact and leadership within Undergraduate Academic Affairs and 30 years at the University of Washington.
September 30, 2023
The Undergraduate Research Program announces new name: Office of Undergraduate Research
The name of the Undergraduate Research Program has recently changed to the Office of Undergraduate Research. The updated name more accurately reflects the diverse range of research programs, scholarships, events, awards and essential resources the unit offers to support the success of all undergraduates at the University of Washington.
June 26, 2023
Washington Research Foundation awards Office of Undergraduate Research $500,000 Grant
Washington Research Foundation Fellowships champion undergraduate work on creative and sophisticated research projects in biosciences and related fields. These fellowships recognize students who achieve a high level of accomplishment in research, particularly in areas of new technology development. The Foundation has increased the 10 annual fellowship stipends to $8,000, while additionally offering travel support of up to $1,000 per fellow.
June 7, 2023
Revolutionizing Alzheimer’s care: Undergraduate research in public health
Undergraduate researcher Varuna Ravi, ’23, shares what motivated her to pursue research focusing on Alzheimer’s disease. Ravi’s firsthand experience of the devastating impact Alzheimer’s has on millions of individuals and their families drove her to reimagine how we perceive, comprehend and treat age-associated cognitive decline.
May 31, 2023
WRF Announces $500,000 Grant To Continue Support For University Of Washington Office of Undergraduate Research
Washington Research Foundation (WRF) has announced a $500,000 grant to the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Washington (UW), continuing its support of the program for the next five years. WRF has awarded $1.9 million to the Office of Undergraduate Research since 2004, directly supporting 199 fellows.
May 9, 2023
Undergraduates at the intersections of research: from blueprints to breakthroughs and visual arts to virtual reality
On May 19, over 1,000 undergraduates will present their research and scholarship to the public at the 26th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Celebrating scholarship and cutting-edge research of undergraduate researchers from all academic disciplines, the Symposium brings together students, faculty members and the greater community to engage with a diverse showcase of research and academic achievement at a signature event for the University of Washington.
April 10, 2023
Five UW students named 2023 Goldwater Scholars
Five University of Washington undergraduates have been honored as Goldwater Scholars by the Goldwater Foundation. Four of the five awardees are WRF Fellows and/or URLs who work closely with the URP. We are so proud of these students and the mentors who support them!
November 18, 2022
U.S. Under Secretary James Kvaal visits the UW Undergraduate Research Program
URP hosted a visit from U.S Under Secretary James Kvaal on November 3, 2022 and discussed research being conducted by current UW students and faculty, and the value of undergraduate research in promoting student belonging, retention, and career advancement.
June 7, 2022
A monumental reckoning
Twenty undergraduate students in the arts and humanities examined the complex factors that lead to the creation, interpretation and removal of monuments in an innovative, interdisciplinary research institute.
March 30, 2022
UW senior Rachel Shi selected to present at 2022 Posters on the Hill
UW senior Rachel Shi was selected to present at Posters on the Hill, a prestigious event hosted by the Council of Undergraduate Research. Shi is also a Levinson Scholar and serves as an Undergraduate Research Leader.
March 30, 2022
UW sophomore Alex Mallen and junior Sharlene Shirali selected for the Goldwater Scholarship
UW sophomore Alex Mallen and junior, WRF scholar, Sharlene Shirali were selected for the competitive Goldwater Scholarship, a national award.
February 10, 2022
New Ph.D. grad Nuttada Panpradist ready for next challenge: faculty position
An article written by the UW Department of Bioengineering recognizes the work of 2016 Undergraduate Research Mentor awardee, Nuttada Panpradist. Panpradist speaks about her journey of becoming who she is today, an award-winning and inspirational mentor, researcher and educator.
January 24, 2022
New COVID research published in Cell co-authored by undergraduate student Daniel Chen
UW undergraduate, Daniel Chen, is co-first author on a newly published article in the journal, Cell. The paper focuses on long COVID, specifically how it occurs, and what aspects of initial COVID-19 can lead to the development of long COVID in patients months later. Read the full article here.
December 15, 2021
Apply now for the 2022 Scan Design Innovations in Pain Research Summer Program!
Are you a current UW undergraduate student interested in pain research and looking for a paid, fully immersive summer undergraduate research opportunity? Consider applying for the Scan Design Innovations in Pain Research Summer Program. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2022.
November 19, 2021
UW Tacoma students conduct research aboard arctic cruise ship
Masura and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Cheryl Greengrove decided to have groups of students accompany them on the Adventuress to help conduct research in order to expose students to work in the field.
November 16, 2021
UAA article highlights URP building community among students
Student well-being is top of mind as programs across Undergraduate Academic Affairs are welcoming back our students. This work involves building community so students feel connected and a sense of belonging.
November 9, 2021
Undergraduate students on the hunt for cancer killing molecules
Dozens of University of Washington undergraduates were involved in a cancer drug screening project that is the subject of a new paper in the journal Cells.
August 5, 2021
Jacob Lawrence in Seattle: UW students and libraries create new book
Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000) is widely recognized as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century. Part of Lawrence’s career was spent at the UW as a Professor of Art from 1971 – 1986. For the first time since his retirement from UW, Lawrence’s work and teaching are now the subjects of a new course at the UW School of Art + Art History + Design, taught by Assistant Professor of Art History Juliet Sperling.