The Office of Undergraduate Research is pleased to announce the creation of the OUR Programs Partnership. Beginning in 2017, OUR convened the Summer Programs Partnership. To grow opportunities for faculty, staff, and undergraduate researchers to learn about opportunities and potential cross campus collaborations, OUR will convene research teams across the university working with undergraduate researchers 4 times a year as the OUR Programs Partnership.
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- Funded internally or externally to conduct research
- Collaborates with undergraduate researchers
- Encourages a team-oriented research process (team may include faculty, staff, and students
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- Share knowledge and resources
- Foster an academic infrastructure that supports undergraduate research
- Create visibility for research opportunities and programming
- Support research teams as they endeavor to create transformative undergraduate experiences through research
Summer Program Partners
OUR Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)
The purpose of SPUR is to provide undergraduate students with an intensive 10-week research experience under the mentorship of a University of Utah faculty member. The program provides opportunities to gain research experience in a variety of disciplines.
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Beckman Scholars Program
School of Computing
School of Computing
The Beckman Scholars Program is a 15-month mentored research experience (nine academic calendar months, two three-month summers) for exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry, biological sciences, or interdisciplinary combinations thereof.
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Chemistry Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
The Chemistry REU provides students with an opportunity to engage in full-time, cutting-edge chemistry research. Funding: NSF
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Genomics Summer Research for Minorities (GSRM) Internship
(NIH Research Education Program (R25)
(NIH Research Education Program (R25)
GSRM provides a ten-week summer research program for undergraduate students interested in genomics research, personalized medicine and biosciences. The GSRM is funded by an NIH Research Education Program (R25) and supported by the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics. Funding: NIH
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Health, Air Pollution and Population Initiative in Education and Science Training
HAPPIEST is structured by a mentoring “community of practice,” which supports an evidence-based ten-week summer training program for undergraduate students in the area of environmental health science. This community includes four teams, each comprised of two undergraduate students, one graduate student training coordinator, and one faculty mentor. Teams work on locally relevant air pollution and health research projects, with the potential for interdisciplinary integration across teams.
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Native American Summer Research Internship (NARI)
The Native American Research Internship is a dynamic summer research opportunity for Native American undergraduate junior and senior students who are interested in Health Science research. It is a 10-week, paid summer internship, funded by the National Institutes of Health.
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PathMaker Scholars Cancer Research Program for Students
The PathMaker Scholars Summer Research Program at Huntsman Cancer Institute seeks to increase the participation of underrepresented students in biomedical cancer research and to encourage students to prepare for careers in research, medicine, and education. The program sponsors students for a ten-week residential summer research experience, where they will live on campus, learn laboratory training techniques, and work on a project as indicated by a principal investigator in a university laboratory setting.
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Pathology Summer Program
More information coming soon.
Physics & Astronomy REU
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Utah offers a research experience program in physics and astronomy that allows undergraduate students to work closely with a faculty mentor and their research group on an individual project. All interested students are invited to apply for this 10-week summer program. Funding: NSF
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Research Experiences to Advance the Careers of HBCU Undergraduates at the University of Utah (REACH U2) in Health Disparities Research
The purpose of REACH U2 is to provide undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in North Carolina with an intensive ten-week summer research experience under the mentorship of a University of Utah faculty member, with the goal of preparing participants for enrolling in competitive graduate programs.
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Research Experience in ALpine Meteorology (REALM) REU
(NSF REU)
(NSF REU)
REALM will rely on the natural scientific laboratory, provided by the nearby Wasatch Mountains and adjacent urban areas, to enhance student awareness of societal challenges, such as water availability and air quality, that require understanding the influence of alpine terrain on weather and climate processes. Funding: NSF
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Research Experience in Utah for Sustainable Materials Engineering (ReUSE) REU
(NSF REU)
(NSF REU)
The ReUSE REU program will train undergraduates in principles of sustainable materials engineering through a 10-week deeply embedded learning experience alongside skilled mentors. All research projects involve sustainability and are broken into three core areas: water, energy, and resources. Funding: NSF
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RUUTE Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
The Rural and Underserved Utah Training Experience (RUUTE) program was created with the goal to increase medical education opportunities in rural and underserved areas of Utah by expanding the interest and awareness of rural health, maintaining and growing quality educational experiences, and developing and enhancing community partnerships with stakeholders. | Health and Medicine | Other: Rural Medicine
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Summer Undergraduate Research Internship in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery
(NSF REU)
(NSF REU)
The Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry’s program provides an opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in scientific research under the mentorship of world-class scientists. Research areas in the department include drug delivery, gene therapy, cell-based delivery, immunotherapeutics and vaccines, precision medicine, and theranostics.
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Materials Research Science & Engineering Centers REU
(PREVIOUS REU)
(PREVIOUS REU)
From 2012-2017, MRSEC funded exemplary undergraduates in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering (chemical, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical) to participate in summer research projects in the areas of Plasmonics or Organic Spintronics. Funding: NSF
Campus-Wide Partners
Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR)
The Office of the Vice President for Research manages a number of funding and award programs designed to pilot new research ideas or equipment, advance the scholarly and creative research profile of the university, promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research community, and recognize the outstanding achievements of research faculty across campus.
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Office of Sponsored Projects
OSP supports University of Utah faculty through effective management of extramural sponsored proposals and awards funded by federal and state agencies, foundations, and other public and private sources. OSP is primarily responsible for interpreting and ensuring compliance with University policy, proposal and award terms and conditions, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations. OSP reviews and submits proposals on behalf of the University. We also draft, negotiate, and sign sponsored agreements and subawards.
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Clinical & Translational Science Institute
Utah Clinical & Translational Science Institute (CTSI) develops and applies generalizable and reproducible translational science innovations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of research, and ultimately improve the health of our population—reducing health disparities and increasing equity. Utah CTSI serves researchers, participants, community stakeholders, and providers across our institutions, the state of Utah, and the Mountain West Region.
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Centers & Institutes at the University of utah
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Institutional Review Board
IRB conducts ethics reviews for research that includes human participants. They strive to protect the rights and welfare of human research participants by ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, as well as the high ethical standards set forth in University policy.
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Undergraduate Studies
Visit to learn more about the wide-range of opportunities offered to students and faculty partnerships like Bennion Center, Discover U, Early College opportunities, LEAP Learning Community, First Generation Access, among much, much more!
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Equity, Inclusion & Research
Gender-Based Violence Consortium
The Gender-Based Violence Consortium’s vision is to increase public recognition of and deepen public knowledge about this type of violence through research innovation and collaboration, creation of research communities, and enhanced educational efforts.
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Intersectional Collective
(Transform)
(Transform)
Where, when, and how are we doing intersectionality? How are we teaching it, practicing it? What can intersectionality do? What is required to do the doing of intersectionality?
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Pacific Island Studies Initiative
(Transform)
(Transform)
The University of Utah Pacific Islands Studies Initiative’s mission is to create a vital academic ecosystem, wherein Pacific Islander faculty, staff, students and community can thrive personally, professionally, and emotionally. Our vision is that the University of Utah will be the premiere academic institution for Pacific Islands scholarship.
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University of Utah Center for Excellence in ELSI Research (UCEER)
(Philosophy and Health)
(Philosophy and Health)
Principal Investigator: Rothwell and Tabery The UCEER explores issues of testing and screening for genetic conditions i of women and children, as well as ELSI issues arising from testing and screening in the broader family context and responses to disabilities identified through genetic technologies. The Center supports cores in research, education and career advancement and administration.
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Humanities, Fine Arts, and Creative Research
Health Communication & Technology Lab
(Communications)
(Communications)
One of the joys of teaching at a research institution is the opportunity to train graduate students. As the Director of the Health Communication & Technology (HCAT) lab, I have the good fortune to work with many gifted students. Interested in joining the lab? Send me an email (jakob.jensen@utah.edu) or enroll in one of my graduate courses (e.g., HEDU 6540: Health Communication, which I teach every year).
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Digital Equity Needs Assessment in SL County Libraries
(Communications)
(Communications)
Principal Investigator: Joy Pierce Survey and qualitative-based research to gather information from the public concerning their awareness of services at community county libraries. The information gathered will be analyzed to inform the libraries how they may best meet the digital literacy needs of their community. Health and Medicine | Humanities and Arts | Race, Gender, Equity | Social Science
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Emerging Engagements of Energy Democracy in Puerto Rico
(Communications)
(Communications)
Principal Investigator: Danielle Endres Using qualitative fieldwork, this research will answer the research question: What are the forms of communication used by stakeholders (industry, citizens, government officials, activists, regulatory bodies, and scientists) in Puerto Rico to describe and justify energy transition in relation to democracy? Race, Gender, Equity | Sustainability and Environment | Funding: NSF
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Risks and Benefits of the Next Generation of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests
(Philosophy)
(Philosophy)
Principal Investigator: Madison Kilbride To study the benefits and limitations of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test for cancer and cardiac-disease risk genes. Humanities | Arts | STEM | Other: Genetics and ethics Funding: NSF
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Medicine & Health
Acquired Arrhythmias in Metabolic Disorders
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
Project involves using several innovative and complementary tools to evaluate, obesity-diabetes mechanisms (lipotoxicity, cytokines) leading to pro arrhythmic cellular mechanisms that predispose to life-threatening arrhythmias and ultimately the transition to sudden cardiac death.
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Center of Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
The Center of Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics (CEEHI) is a multi-disciplinary center dedicated to advancing exposure health research through innovation in data acquisition, integration, harmonization, and analysis.
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Circadian timing and energy balance
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
This project examines the role of sleep and circadian alignment in diet, insulin resistance and neurobehavioral performance.
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Data Coordinating Center
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
The DCC and Clinical Trials Office have experience with coordinating complex multicenter registries, observational studies, and randomized trials. We have supported research networks in adult and pediatric populations. We have validated an electronic data capture (EDC) system to meet 21 CRF Part 11 compliance for the submission of data to the FDA.
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Effects of disinfectants on the durability and reliability of PPE reuse
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, resources like personal protective equipment (PPE) were difficult to acquire, and their reuse necessary. However, their durability and reliability post disinfection prior to reuse has not been closely studied. Our objective will be to quantify the impact of disinfectants on the durability and reliability of reused PPE.
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Palliative, End-of-Life, and Spousal Spillover Effects for Immunotherapy
(Nursing)
(Nursing)
Our team is developing the Immunotherapy, Palliative, End-of-Life Treatment Utilization and Spousal Outcomes (ImmPETUS) cohort, a population-based cohort of Utah cancer patients diagnosed between 2013-2019 with lung, colorectal, breast, melanoma, bladder, and head and neck cancers and their spouses. Data sources include the UCR, APCD, and UPDB.
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Shcheglovitov Lab
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
We use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neurons and organoids to study human brain development under normal and pathological conditions. The main goal of our research is to identify the disrupted cellular and molecular mechanisms in human genetic neurodevelopmental disorders and explore new therapeutic approaches.
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Shiu Lab
(Medicine)
(Medicine)
Hemodialysis requires functional vascular access, where blood is drawn from the patient, sent to the dialysis machine, and returned to the patient. Our lab combines laboratory & clinical research to enhance vascular access function and longevity. Students will learn wet-lab & dry-lab experiments in a multidisciplinary and team environment. Funding: NIH, VA
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Social & Behavioral Science
Vietnam Health and Aging Study
(Asia Studies)
(Asia Studies)
The VHAS investigates exposure to armed conflict during the Vietnam War and the health and aging of Vietnamese war survivors. Funding: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Aging.
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HEalth and Adaptation in Relationships Team (HEART Lab)
(Psychology)
(Psychology)
The HEART Lab in the Department of Psychology provides undergraduate students with research experiences related to close relationships and health, with current work focused on couple- and family-based diabetes prevention.
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STEM
Belonging and inclusivity in Introductory STEM courses
(Science)
(Science)
We study the effects belonging and course inclusivity have on student performance and retention in introductory STEM courses. We explore course characteristics students use describing their social belonging and course inclusivity. We use quantitative and qualitative methods. We help instructors create course environments to support all students.
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Center for Science and Mathematics Education
(Science)
(Science)
The Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME), in collaboration with the College of Science and numerous on- and off-campus partners, promotes the academic success and career readiness of undergraduate students in math and science at the University of Utah.
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Computational Electrocardiology
(Bioengineering)
(Bioengineering)
Principal Investigator: Rob MacLeod The Computational Electracardiology Group (CEG) conducts research in the area of cardiac electrical behavior, both normal and caused by diseases. The studies involve data from experiments and clinical projects with a strong emphasis on topics like image-based modeling, signal and image analysis, numerical simulation, and machine learning. Health and Medicine Funding: NIH, Nora Eccles Harrison Foundation
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Privacy and Security in Online Interactions
(School of Computing)
(School of Computing)
Principal Investigator: Sameer Patil Enhancing the User Experience of Managing Privacy and Security in Online Interactions This research will focus on understanding people's preferences and practices pertaining to cybersecurity-related matters and designing user experiences (UX) that help users manage their security and privacy in a more informed way. STEM | Other: Human-Centered Computing
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Rainier Research Group
(Chemistry)
(Chemistry)
We are an Organic Synthesis Group that is focused on the synthesis and study of Natural Products while also having an interest in the development, optimization, and understanding of Organic Reactions.
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Science Research Initiative
(Science)
(Science)
SRI offers College of Science students the opportunity to participate in discovery-based scientific research starting during their first year, with no prior research experience required. Students gain research skills that will help in science classes, learn with College of Science peers, and connect with faculty across the University.
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Sustainability & Environment
Ammonite Motility Modeling Laboratory (AMMLab)
(Mines and Earth Sciences)
(Mines and Earth Sciences)
We bring fossils to life by studying the possible swimming habits of extinct squid-like animals. We test how the shapes of these common seashell fossils helped - or hindered - the animal's jet propulsion through seawater in the time of dinosaurs and earlier. We use real fossils, computer simulations, and robot experiments to swim into Earth's past. | STEM | Sustainability and Environment
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Carbon Mineralization and Greenhouse Gases
(Mines and Earth Science)
(Mines and Earth Science)
Carbon mineralization as a strategy to both sequester CO2 and liberate energy-relevant minerals represents a significant opportunity to address the growing need for these minerals while concurrently contribution to a reduction in greenhouse gases. This project will use phosphogypsum (PG) waste for CO2 mineralization to produce high quality CaCO3 .
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Electromagnetics Research Lab
(Engineering)
(Engineering)
Principal Investigators: (1) Cindy Furse, Joel Harley, Paul Kuhn (2) Cynthia Furse, Huanan Zhang (1) Use of Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry (SSTDR) to locate faults and measure impedance on energized electrical systems; (2) Design of implantable antennas in the body. Funding: DOE
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Multi-scale Electrochemical Engineering Lab (ME2 Lab)
(Engineering)
(Engineering)
Principal Investigator: Tao Gao In this project, students will work with graduate students to design and develop a flow battery for storing solar energy.
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Textile Artificial Muscle Manufacturing and Optimization
(Bioengineering)
(Bioengineering)
We research a type of artificial muscle called twisted coiled polymer actuators (TCPAs), which contract when heated. Our TCPAs are formed from inexpensive plastics using textile equipment. The end goal of our work is biomimetic function in prosthetic limbs. Another aim is to use these actuators for diurnal temperature variation renewable energy.
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Werner Lab
(Science)
(Science)
We have two projects in the lab that undergraduate researchers can work on: 1) Investigating the molecular mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity (different phenotypes derived from the same genotype). 2) Identifying the biodiversity and natural history of extremophile animals in the Great Salt Lake.
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