The Student Pathways to Undergraduate Research (SPUR) program is geared towards students who know little about or don’t know how to get involved with undergraduate research.
SPUR Objectives
- Show students the benefits of undergraduate research
- Emphasize that research is integral to their careers
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in research
SPUR Students want to ...
- Work with faculty to solve real-world problems
- Deepen and apply what was learned in their classes
- Have a competitive edge in their post-college careers
The SPUR program is open to any student in any major. Events are held every two to four weeks to discuss the benefits of research, how to get involved, how to approach faculty for research positions, and how faculty view research. Students participating in the program are also eligible for field trips and a trip to University Park’s Undergraduate Exhibition in the spring.
For more information, contact the Undergraduate Research Coordinator at [email protected] or attend a SPUR event.
SPUR Events for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Introduction to Undergraduate Research Workshop
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the Laurel Pavilion.
SPUR will hold a workshop to introduce undergraduate research and meet faculty who mentor undergraduates in research. Dinner will be served.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center.
Dr. Ed Levri and students Nicole Flanders and Gavin Suter will present on their research, “The Invasive New Zealand mud snail in the eastern U.S.” The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
Erickson Discovery Grant Workshop
Tuesday, October 1, 2024, from 12:15–1:15 p.m. online via Zoom.
This workshop will present an overview of the Erickson Discovery Grant, address the application process, and offer assistance in writing or reviewing the proposal.
Poster Exhibition at University Park
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 5:00–10:00 p.m. on the University Park campus.
SPUR will take a small group to University Park for the Eberly College of Science undergraduate poster exhibit. Two Altoona research students will present their work (an Altoona student took first place last year!), so we’ll support them while checking out the other undergrad research around Penn State. This is also an excellent time to get more information on a BMB research course offered at University Park for 2+2 students only. It's a popular course that gets you into research once you get to University Park and fills quickly every year. Finally, we’ll get dinner in State College (on us), where you’ll get to ask faculty any questions you might have about undergraduate research.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 12:05-1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center.
Drs. Lindsey Lilienthal, Danielle DelPriore, and Kyle King and student Rebecca Reeder will present their research. The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
Erickson Discovery/ASURF Grant workshop
Date and time TBD
SPUR will present an overview of the Erickson Discovery Grant and ASURF programs, address the application process, provide examples of successful applications from Altoona, and offer assistance in writing or reviewing proposals.
AI and Undergraduate Research
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 , form 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in room 150 of the Hawthorn Building.
Dr. Lara LaDage and student Eva Gates will present their research. The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center.
Details TBA
Washington, DC Trip
Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Details TBA