Download the May 31, 2026 CUR eNews here.
In this issue, you’ll find information on
William (Bill) Acree Jr, FRSC, FIUPAC, Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, TX, has been selected as the 2026 Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) – Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Awardee. This award recognizes his exceptional commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers and guiding them toward nationally competitive scholarships.
Throughout his career, Acree has guided and inspired numerous undergraduate students pursuing research in the sciences, helping many achieve recognition through prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and advanced academic pathways, including the highly competitive Goldwater Scholarship. Known for his commitment to student-centered mentorship, Acree creates research environments that challenge students intellectually while building confidence, curiosity, and professional identity as emerging scientists. His mentorship extends beyond the laboratory, empowering students to communicate their research, pursue ambitious goals, and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Through decades of leadership and mentorship, Dr. Acree has had a transformative impact on undergraduate research and student success at UNT and beyond.
Acree states, “Of the awards and recognitions that I have received during my 42 years in academia, I cherish the CUR-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award the most as it recognizes not only my scholastic achievements, but the accomplishments of the 250 undergraduate and high school students who performed research in my chemistry laboratory as well.”
“Years ago, I discovered that undergraduate and high school students can make significant contributions to science if provided with the opportunity,” Acree continues to explain. “I take great pride in the fact that the 250 undergraduate students and the high school participants in the UNT Upward Bound Math and Science summer program who performed research in my chemistry laboratory are co-authors on 355 of my nearly 1200 lifetime publications. Many of these students have earned graduate degrees, and all have had very successful careers in their chosen profession, whether it be as educators, employees in the private or governmental sectors, or as founders of startup companies, and so forth.
He goes on to share his personal goals, “While I plan to serve as a research mentor to undergraduate students for several more years, my hope is that when I finally do decide to retire, others will say, ‘Bill helped make UNT a better place for undergraduate students to learn and to grow into caring, responsible adults.’ In closing, I would like to thank members of the CUR-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award Selection Committee for naming me the 2026 recipient of this highly prestigious award.”
“Dr. Acree’s recognition as a CUR-Goldwater Faculty Mentor reflects exactly what UNT is about — opening doors to transformative mentorship and educational experiences for students to create enduring value for the public good,” explains Harrison Keller, PhD, UNT President. “Dr. Acree has guided nearly 250 students, co-authored 350 peer-reviewed publications, and he demonstrates a deep commitment to driving new opportunities for our students, our region, and our state. We are incredibly proud of his well-deserved accomplishment.”
“Dr. Bill Acree exemplifies the transformative power of undergraduate research mentorship,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR Executive Officer. “His dedication to guiding students through rigorous scientific inquiry while encouraging them to pursue ambitious academic and professional goals has changed the trajectory of countless researchers. Through his mentorship, students not only gain research experience, but also the confidence, resilience, and support needed to excel at the highest levels. We are proud to recognize Dr. Acree for his outstanding commitment to student success and undergraduate research excellence.”
UNT will receive $5,000 dedicated to support Acree’s research program and undergraduate researchers. He will also be celebrated on June 10 at the virtual CUR Award Celebration Ceremony. Find out more details here >>
Washington, DC – The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is proud to announce that it has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the 2026 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Research Foundation Sal Martino Foresight Award, a national recognition honoring organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in applying foresight practices to prepare for the future and drive meaningful impact.
Presented by the ASAE Research Foundation, the award recognizes associations that use foresight practices to strengthen decision-making, anticipate emerging trends, and position their communities for long-term success. CUR was recognized for advancing foresight as a core organizational practice, shaping its strategy, programs, and engagement with members and partners to ensure undergraduate research remains responsive to the evolving needs of higher education and the broader ecosystem of learning, work, and discovery.
Through initiatives focused on innovation, emerging technologies, workforce readiness, inclusive excellence, and sustainable growth, CUR has worked to better understand the rapidly changing higher education landscape and strengthen its ability to support its community navigating an increasingly complex environment. This work has helped position CUR as a national leader in advancing undergraduate research as a transformative, high-impact practice for student learning, career readiness, and societal impact.
“Receiving this award is a meaningful recognition of CUR’s commitment to foresight as a core leadership practice,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s Executive Officer. “At CUR, we believe preparing for the future is not optional; it is essential to sustaining and advancing undergraduate research. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, members, and volunteers who continuously adapt, learn, and lead so that our community is ready for what comes next. We see this not as a milestone, but as momentum.”
CUR is being recognized on May 14 at the Foundation Forward Celebration hosted by ASAE. CUR plans to celebrate this award with members at their annual conference, ConnectUR in College Park, MD on June 22.
April 8, 2026 – (Washington, DC) Dr. Angela Uriyo, Assistant Professor of Fashion and Design Merchandising at the College of Creative Arts and Media for West Virginia University (WVU), has been selected as the 2026 Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) – Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Awardee.
Dr. Angela Uriyo is a highly deserving recipient of the CURAH Faculty Mentor Award for her exceptional commitment to integrating creative scholarship with undergraduate research and mentorship. With more than 18 years of teaching and mentoring experience, Uriyo fosters an environment where students engage in original, inquiry-driven design work that blends creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application. She works closely with students to develop their ideas from concept to execution, guiding them through research-based design processes, encouraging innovation, and building confidence in their scholarly and creative abilities. Her mentorship extends beyond technical instruction, supporting students’ professional growth and helping them gain recognition at regional, national, and international levels. Through her dedication to inclusive, hands-on learning and her ability to connect research with artistic practice, Uriyo has made a lasting impact on her students and the broader undergraduate research community.
According to West Virginia University’s Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider, “Dr. Uriyo provides a learning experience that not only engages students in a meaningful way while they’re here at WVU but also equips them with critical knowledge and skills that help them succeed after graduation. This recognition of her teaching is so well-deserved and reflects our faculty’s commitment to both our R1 Research designation and our duty as West Virginia’s land-grant institution.”
Explains Uriyo, “This award highlights the importance of undergraduate research in the arts and humanities and its power to shape thoughtful, engaged designers. Receiving this award strengthens my commitment to building spaces where students can transform their ideas into meaningful contributions to the field.”
“Dr. Angela Uriyo represents the very best of undergraduate research mentorship in the arts and humanities,” said Lindsay Currie, Executive Director of the Council on Undergraduate Research. “Through her innovative approach to fashion as both a creative and scholarly discipline, she empowers students to explore original ideas, think critically, and bring research to life through design. Her unwavering commitment to student growth, inclusive mentorship, and real-world application has had a transformative impact on her students and has elevated the role of undergraduate research within the creative arts. We are proud to recognize her with the CUR Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Award.”
The CUR-Arts and Humanities Faculty Mentor Award was established in 2018 through an endowed gift by 2012 CUR Fellow Joyce Kinkead (Utah State University) to nurture undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry in arts and humanities disciplines.
Please join CUR and the undergraduate research community in continuing to celebrate Dr. Uriyo and others on their achievements on June 10, 2026, from 2:00-3:30PM ET. You can RSVP, here.
March 31, 2026 – (Washington, DC) CUR congratulates its 2025 Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA) awardee, High Point University (HPU) (High Point, NC). This award recognizes an institution with exemplary programs that provide high-quality research experiences for undergraduates. A celebration of this awardee will take place virtually on June 10, 2026.
For over 10 years, the AURA award has drawn on CUR’s Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research (COEUR), which outlines criteria for exceptional undergraduate research programs. For AURA recognition, campuses must demonstrate depth and breadth in their undergraduate research initiatives and evidence of continual innovation. Institutions of different Carnegie classifications are considered for the award.
“On behalf of CUR, we congratulate High Point University on this recognition, which reflects HPU’s exceptional commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry, mentorship, and discovery,” said Lindsay Currie, CUR’s executive officer. “By prioritizing meaningful research experiences for undergraduates across disciplines, the university is empowering students to think critically, engage creatively, and contribute to solving complex challenges. We applaud their leadership and dedication to advancing undergraduate research as a transformative educational practice.”
The high-impact practice at HPU is showcased by more than 90% of HPU’s undergraduates completing at least one experiential learning opportunity, such as faculty-mentored research, internships, or study abroad, before graduation, with a rapidly growing proportion directly engaged in original research across disciplines. The university supports this work through robust funding for student travel and presentation, dedicated research days and symposia, and strong faculty-student collaboration, resulting in conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. HPU’s strategic investment in undergraduate research infrastructure, coupled with its emphasis on mentorship and interdisciplinary exploration, demonstrates a sustained, measurable impact on student success and positions the institution as a national leader in high-impact educational practices.
“The AURA Award is the highest honor an office of undergraduate research can earn, and we are excited to be a recipient,” said Dr. Joanne Altman, HPU professor of psychology and director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Works. Since 2001, she has been an elected volunteer at CUR.
“We are incredibly proud that High Point University has earned the CUR AURA Award. A prestigious national distinction reserved for institutions that meet the most rigorous academic standards in undergraduate research,” said HPU Provost Dr. Daniel Erb. “This recognition reflects the depth, breadth, and sustained excellence of our research programs, affirming that HPU students are engaged in the kind of rigorous, mentored scholarly inquiry that defines the very best undergraduate academic experiences in the country. This recognition strengthens our commitment to providing transformative research experiences that prepare our undergraduates to excel in graduate study, professional careers, and beyond, now and in the world as it is going to be.”
Please join CUR and the undergraduate research community in continuing to celebrate these prestigious institutions and their achievements on June 10, 2026, from 2:00-3:30PM ET. You can RSVP, here.
The Council on Undergraduate Research is excited to announce the formation of a new Member Mentoring Program Working Group, and invite members to apply to be part of this important initiative.
As a community, CUR thrives because of the relationships and collaborations that connect us across disciplines, career stages, and institutions. This working group will play a vital role in strengthening those connections by developing a pilot plan for a CUR-wide mentoring initiative designed to enhance professional growth, member engagement, and support for undergraduate research practitioners.
The group will take a listening-first approach, ensuring the program reflects the real needs of our community and builds on existing successes. Working closely with the National Office, participants will:
This is a unique opportunity to help shape a program that will directly strengthen connections within CUR and support the professional growth of our members.
If you are passionate about mentoring, building community, or creating programs that help colleagues thrive, we encourage you to apply. The working group will convene this winter, with recommendations presented to the Executive Committee upon completion of its charge.
Timeline: Applications were due December 15, 2025
For questions, please email CUR@CUR.org.
The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) has selected the city of Grand Rapids, MI to hold the 2027 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). In partnership with Grand Valley State University (GVSU), NCUR 2027 will be an opportunity for undergraduate students and their mentors from around the world to present their research, celebrate their successes, and prepare for the future.
NCUR is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by hosting an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. This conference creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; shares models of exemplary research; and provides a platform to recognize excellence in undergraduate education. Each conference hosts thousands of students from across the globe, presenting their research through posters, oral presentations, visual arts, and performances. Their faculty mentors also attend, often presenting or facilitating faculty/mentor networking sessions.
Ryan Otter, Interim Vice Provost of Research and Innovation, explains, “This partnership with NCUR is a proud moment for GVSU. It highlights the long-term commitment we’ve made to providing high quality experiences for undergraduate students both in and out of the classroom. I’m excited to have students from around the country connect with GVSU and Grand Rapids.”
Known for its vibrant arts scene, thriving downtown, and warm Midwestern hospitality, Grand Rapids offers the perfect backdrop for showcasing the innovation and talent of undergraduate researchers from across the nation. Frequently ranked among the best mid-sized cities in America, Grand Rapids offers students an unbeatable mix of culture, entertainment, and opportunity. From its walkable downtown packed with coffee shops, live music, and public art, to its renowned museums, riverfront parks, and thriving food scene, there’s something for everyone to explore during NCUR. Combining GVSU’s strong commitment to undergraduate research with the city’s wealth of cultural attractions, diverse dining, and state-of-the-art venues will help deliver an unforgettable NCUR experience—one that blends academic excellence with the energy and charm.
“We’re excited to partner with Grand Valley State University to bring NCUR 2027 to Grand Rapids,” said Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of CUR. “Together, we’ll create an unforgettable conference experience that celebrates and showcases the remarkable work of undergraduate researchers from across the country.”
“Bringing the NCUR to Grand Rapids demonstrates our shared commitment to fostering student inquiry, innovation, and academic engagement on a national stage,” states Susan Mendoza, Director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement at GVSU. “This collaboration not only showcases GVSU’s dedication to undergraduate research but also strengthens our region’s role as a hub for scholarly exchange and development.”
Mark your calendars. NCUR 2027 will take place April 12-14, 2027. More information about NCUR and submissions for the current 2026 year can be found on our webpage at CUR.org/NCUR.
The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is proud to announce that Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of CUR, has been selected as a 2025–2027 Senior Fellow by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, a distinction that recognizes and supports exceptional leaders in the nonprofit and education sectors across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Founded in 1975, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust enriches the educational, spiritual, and cultural lives of individuals, families, and communities through strategic investments and capacity-building programs. The Trust’s Senior Fellowship is a prestigious, invitation-only opportunity offered to visionary leaders who are advancing innovation, collaboration, and excellence in their respective fields. As a Senior Fellow, Currie will engage with a cohort of changemakers across disciplines to explore complex leadership challenges and share best practices for strengthening mission-driven organizations.
“Being named a Murdock Trust Senior Fellow is both a personal honor and a meaningful opportunity to represent and advocate for undergraduate research on a national stage,” said Currie. “I look forward to learning alongside thoughtful, purpose-driven leaders and to bringing new insights back to my work, especially as we continue building stronger pathways between research, education, and community impact.”
Currie’s appointment as a Senior Fellow offers a valuable opportunity to deepen CUR’s engagement with national conversations on research, community engagement, and academic opportunity. Her participation will foster new partnerships, expand networks, and enrich CUR’s ongoing work to elevate undergraduate research as a high-impact practice across disciplines and institution types. The insights and connections gained through this experience will further strengthen CUR’s strategic vision and its role in shaping the future of undergraduate research.
“We are so very proud to see Lindsay receive this well-deserved recognition,” said CUR President, James LaPlant. “Her visionary leadership has propelled CUR forward with vibrant programming, strategic planning, partnerships, and advocacy efforts. This fellowship will further enrich her work and our organization as a whole.”
The Council on Undergraduate Research congratulates Lindsay Currie on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the inspiration and strategic insight she will bring back to the CUR community.
Juliane Strauss-Soukup, PhD, associate vice provost of Research and Scholarship and professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, has been selected as the 2025 Council on Undergraduate Research – Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Awardee. This award recognizes her exceptional commitment to mentoring undergraduate researchers and guiding them toward nationally competitive scholarships.
Over her distinguished career, Strauss-Soukup has consistently demonstrated a deep dedication to nurturing the scientific curiosity and academic growth of her students, several of whom have gone on to become Goldwater Scholars and successful researchers. Her innovative mentorship approach combines rigorous scientific training with personalized guidance, fostering both research excellence and confidence in her mentees. This award highlights her outstanding ability to identify and develop student potential, as well as her significant contributions to the broader undergraduate research community.
“Being recognized with this award is an immense honor, and involving students in my research is a great privilege. Undergraduate research and mentoring are at the heart of everything I care about and have accomplished as a teacher-scholar,” Strauss-Soukup says.
She describes her personal experience and its impact on her. “I am who I am today because I had the chance to do undergraduate research in college. That first experience of one-on-one mentorship ignited my passion for research, teaching, and guiding students. I hope this award draws even more students to my research group, but more so to Creighton, where undergraduate research is a top priority and something we strongly support and believe in.”
“Paying it forward by engaging 16 to 20 undergraduates in her laboratory every semester is a driving force in Dr. Strauss-Soukup’s career,” says John Mateja, PhD, president of the Goldwater Scholarship Foundation.
Strauss-Soukup has mentored 128 undergraduates and 10 high school students, with eight of her undergraduates named Goldwater Scholars.
“Noteworthy, too, is Dr. Strauss-Soukup’s interest in her students’ careers and well-being, following their professional development, providing them with advice, and writing them letters of support long after they have left her research lab,” Mateja says.
One of her mentees expressed everything that needs to be said: “Dr. Strauss-Soukup forged a path for me in academic medicine in fields and institutions that few like me ever see.”
“This national recognition is a testament to Dr. Strauss-Soukup’s extraordinary dedication to mentoring undergraduate researchers and helping them realize their full potential,” says Mardell Wilson, EdD, RDN, Creighton University provost. “Her passion has opened doors for numerous students to engage in high-level scientific discovery early in their academic journeys. With this award, Dr. Strauss-Soukup not only brings honor to Creighton, but also exemplifies our commitment to offering enriching research opportunities to undergraduate students.”
“We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Juliane Strauss-Soukup with the 2025 CUR-Goldwater Scholars Faculty Mentor Award,” says Lindsay Currie, executive officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research. “Her unwavering dedication to mentoring and her ability to cultivate both scientific excellence and student confidence have made a lasting impact on the next generation of researchers. Dr. Strauss-Soukup exemplifies the transformative power of faculty mentorship, and we are proud to celebrate her contributions to the undergraduate research community.”
Creighton University will receive $5,000 dedicated to support Strauss-Soukup’s research program and/or current undergraduate researchers. She will also be celebrated on June 10 at the virtual CUR Award Celebration Ceremony. You can find out more here.
Dr. Shainaz Landge, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry and Director of Vertically Integrated Projects Program at Georgia Southern University, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award. This award, established in February 2022 by a gift from Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA), is in honor of CUR’s past president and current RCSA Senior Program Director, Silvia Ronco. The Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award recognizes a tenure-track faculty member within ten years of their first faculty appointment who demonstrates success in chemical sciences and whose mentoring practices have supported undergraduate research.
“It is my honor to receive the distinguished Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award,” explains Landge. “This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me, as it acknowledges the importance of nurturing undergraduate scholars and fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation. This award allows me to express my gratitude for the exceptional mentorship I have received throughout my career from advisors, teachers, colleagues, peers, and family members. It also highlights the collaborative spirit of working alongside young minds to shape the future of research and discovery.”
Known for her visionary approach to engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning, Dr. Landge has built a robust and inclusive research program that empowers undergraduates from diverse backgrounds to explore complex scientific questions. Her innovative strategies include developing research-based coursework, securing external funding to support student-driven projects, and fostering a lab environment centered on mentorship, collaboration, and scientific curiosity. Dr. Landge’s students have presented at national conferences, co-authored publications, and gone on to successful graduate and professional programs—testaments to her impact as both a scientist and mentor. Her selection for this prestigious award underscores the vital role of faculty who not only advance research but also inspire the next generation of scientists through inclusive, student-centered mentorship.
Carl Reiber, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Georgia Southern explained, “We are incredibly proud of Dr. Landge for this major accomplishment. Her dedication to advancing undergraduate research in chemistry and fostering student success in STEM reflects the very best of Georgia Southern’s mission. This national recognition is a testament to her extraordinary impact as a scholar, mentor, and educator.”
Lindsay Currie, CUR’s Executive Officer continued on with the congratulations. “Dr. Shainaz Landge exemplifies the spirit of the Silvia Ronco Innovative Mentor Award through her commitment to inclusive, hands-on undergraduate research and her creative approaches to student mentorship. Her dedication to empowering students as scholars and problem-solvers is truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to recognize her national impact on the undergraduate research community.”
Landge will be recognized at CUR’s upcoming Award Celebration on June 10, 2025. Find out more details here.