March 26, 2026 – (Washington, DC) CUR congratulates Tsu-Ming Chiang (Georgia College & State University), Karen T. Lee (George Mason University), Jeanne Mekolichick (Radford University), and Patricia Morreale (Kean University) as they are appointed as 2026 CUR Fellows and inducted into the newly transformed CUR Fellows of Distinction (CURFD) Class. The CUR Fellows Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Leadership annually recognizes a class of CUR members who are leaders and role models within the undergraduate research community and whose careers represent the values and ideals represented in CUR’s Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research.
“The 2026 class of CUR Fellows reflects the strength and momentum of the undergraduate research movement. Drs. Chiang, Lee, Mekolichick, and Morreale have each played a critical role in advancing research opportunities, strengthening institutional cultures, and mentoring the next generation of scholars. Their leadership not only reflects CUR’s values but also helps shape the future of higher education. We are honored to recognize their contributions and the lasting impact of their work,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s Executive Officer.
Drs. Chiang, Lee, Mekolichick, and Morreale are to be honored for their leadership and service as role models for those involved in undergraduate research. This class of Fellows will be celebrated during a virtual Award Ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. You can RSVP to the ceremony here.
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Tsu Ming Chiang, Georgia College & State University (GCSU)
Dr. Tsu-Ming Chiang has been named a CUR Fellow in recognition of more than three decades of outstanding mentorship, leadership, and scholarship advancing undergraduate research. Throughout her career, Dr. Chiang has created innovative and sustainable research opportunities that engage hundreds of undergraduate students in hands-on inquiry, collaborative learning, and community-engaged scholarship. Her work has helped expand access to research across disciplines, foster peer mentoring models, and integrate research experiences into the undergraduate curriculum. In addition to mentoring students who have gone on to careers and advanced study in psychology and related fields, Chiang has contributed nationally through CUR leadership, scholarship on undergraduate research practices, and initiatives that strengthen research culture and infrastructure at both institutional and national levels.
“Dr. Chiang’s sustained commitment to undergraduate research over more than three decades exemplifies the values and standards of excellence of the Council on Undergraduate Research,” explains Holley Roberts, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at GCSU. “Her transformative work in mentorship, scholarship, and leadership has profoundly shaped undergraduate research at the institutional, regional, and national levels. Dr. Chiang has been instrumental in building research infrastructure that expands access and engagement for GCSU students.”
Chiang states, “I am deeply honored by the CUR Fellow award, which recognizes over three decades of mentoring efforts in undergraduate research (UR). I am grateful for the support I received from Georgia College & State University all these years. Throughout my career, engaging students in a wide range of UR activities to grow the next generation of learners and researchers is rooted in the core values of CUR. I always view a mentor as a gardener who plants seeds of curiosity and nurtures the minds of young scholars. It is a joy to see that this research garden is now full of beautiful plants that continue to spread seeds and grow more fruits.”
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Karen T. Lee, George Mason University
Dr. Karen T. Lee has dedicated more than three decades to advancing undergraduate research through mentorship, program development, and national leadership. Beginning her career as a faculty researcher in biology, she has mentored dozens of undergraduate students in ecological research, with nearly half of her peer-reviewed publications including undergraduate coauthors. Her leadership has been instrumental in institutionalizing undergraduate research programs at multiple institutions, including establishing campus-wide research symposia and serving as the first undergraduate research coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Currently serving as Associate Director of the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) at George Mason, Dr. Lee continues to expand access to research opportunities through innovative funding programs, peer-leadership models, and cross-campus collaborations. Her sustained contributions have helped hundreds of students engage in meaningful research experiences and have strengthened the undergraduate research ecosystem locally, regionally, and nationally.
“Karen Lee’s recognition as a Fellow of the Council on Undergraduate Research reflects her steadfast leadership in advancing undergraduate research and mentoring students,” said Ajay Vinzé, Interim Provost at George Mason University. “Through her work with OSCAR, she has expanded opportunities for George Mason students to engage in discovery, scholarship, and creative inquiry, and her national recognition will further strengthen George Mason’s commitment to undergraduate research.”
Lee states, “I am thrilled to be one of the recipients of the CUR Fellows Award. My career has been focused on broadening opportunities for students to do research, creative, or scholarly projects. Everything I learned about undergraduate research, I learned from CUR. It has been the most valuable professional affiliation of my career, and I have tried to give back to CUR what it gave to me. I am honored to be recognized for my work at my own institutions and at CUR.”
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Jeanne Mekolichick, Radford University
Dr. Jeanne Mekolichick is being recognized as a CUR Fellow for her distinguished leadership, scholarship, and national advocacy advancing undergraduate research as a powerful driver of student success and career readiness. A former CUR President, Mekolichick has played a pivotal role in elevating the national conversation about the value of undergraduate research in preparing students for the workforce and addressing critical societal needs. Throughout her career, she has mentored students, embedded research across the curriculum, built institutional infrastructure that expands access to high-impact research experiences, and secured significant external funding to support faculty development and student engagement. Her leadership within CUR and across higher education has helped articulate the transferable skills gained through undergraduate research and strengthened the connection between mentored inquiry, career preparation, and the broader value of higher education.
“Jeanne’s thoughtful career trajectory has had a mission – to develop and emphasize how undergraduate research prepares students for their professional lives,” said Bethany Usher, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Radford University.
“The opportunity to serve as a 2026 CUR Fellow is particularly meaningful because of the deep impact that the CUR community has had in shaping my career—mentors who opened doors, colleagues who challenged me to grow, and student collaborators who reminded me why this work matters so much,” explains Mekolichick. “Our shared commitment to advancing the transformative power of undergraduate research has been my compass. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to give back to the CUR community that has invested so much in me.”
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Patricia Morreale, Kean University
Dr. Patricia Morreale, Professor of Computer Science and Chair of the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Kean University, has built a career focused on expanding undergraduate research opportunities in computing and technology fields. Through her leadership and mentorship, she has guided students in applied research projects that link classroom learning with real-world challenges in networking, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. Dr. Morreale is a strong advocate for inclusive participation in STEM research, creating pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in scholarly discovery and professional growth. She has also expanded faculty development for undergraduate research mentoring, scaling inclusive mentoring practices at Kean University and nationally through scholarship and collaboration. Her work has strengthened the culture of undergraduate research at Kean University and helped prepare the next generation of innovators and technology leaders.
“Dr. Morreale’s selection as a CUR Fellow reflects her exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing student scholarship,” said Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “By expanding access to high-impact research opportunities, securing significant support for student initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of scholars, she has made a transformative impact at Kean and far beyond our campus. We are extraordinarily proud of her well-deserved national recognition.”
“I am deeply honored to be named a CUR Fellow,” said Morreale. “At Kean, undergraduate research is one of the most powerful ways we prepare students to think critically, innovate, and lead. The excellence in undergraduate research exemplified by the CUR community inspires me to expand access to these opportunities and develop strong mentorship systems, which are central to my work, and I remain deeply committed to advancing that mission.”
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
Located in Milledgeville, Georgia, Georgia College & State University is one of three selective admission institutions in the University System of Georgia, along with Georgia Tech and The University of Georgia. With an enrollment of more than 7,300 students from 150 of Georgia’s 159 counties, GCSU was ranked fifth among all public regional universities in the South – and first among schools in Georgia — in the US News & World Report’s 2026 rankings. Since 2022, GCSU has also produced the No. 1 academic success rate among all NCAA Division II colleges and universities in the country. Hands-on learning opportunities at the university are available in top undergraduate majors, including Business, Nursing, Education, Psychology, Exercise Science and Communications, plus dozens of graduate programs and a pre-med mentoring pathway with 15 years of 100% success in medical school admission. For more information, visit www.gcsu.edu, or visit Front Page for the latest university news.
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a $1 billion comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu
Radford University is a comprehensive public university of 7,837 students that has received national recognition for many of its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, as well as its sustainability initiatives. Radford University serves the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation through a wide range of academic, cultural, human service and research programs. Well known for its strong faculty/student bonds, innovative use of technology in the learning environment and vibrant student life on a beautiful 211-acre American classical campus, Radford University offers students many opportunities to get involved and succeed in and out of the classroom.
New Jersey’s urban research university, Kean University is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Kean’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, seven doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu
