Dr. Maria Iacullo-Bird, Assistant Provost for Research in the Office of Research and Clinical Associate Professor of History at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences at Pace University, has been elected to serve as president of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Iacullo-Bird will become president-elect on July 1, 2023, taking a seat on CUR’s Executive Board, and succeeding 2023-2024 CUR president Bethany Usher (George Mason University) in the summer of 2024.

“The vision for my presidency is inextricably rooted in my personal research journey. As a first-generation college student who conducted research as a freshman, I experienced the transformative power of undergraduate research that profoundly impacted my education and career,” explains Iacullo-Bird. “In advancing the CUR Strategic Plan goals, I will prioritize inclusive and equitable access to research experiences and resources for students and mentors. I am excited to connect with CUR members and institutions and engage their passionate commitment, innovative practices, and thought leadership to support and promote a robustly engaged CUR community. In joining the CUR Executive Team, I will bring my keen interest in advocacy at the federal level. This advocacy focus builds upon the historic role of CUR in championing undergraduate research funding starting with its founding in the late 1970s. Having recently attended the Third World Congress on Undergraduate Research at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, I am eager to advance CUR’s influential role in the internationalization of undergraduate research and commitment to ‘enriching and advancing society through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry’.”  

Iacullo-Bird’s dedication to research, advocacy, and community engagement with varied constituencies not only has been an integral part of her academic work but will help benefit her leadership as CUR president-elect. Beginning with an introductory research experience in third grade, she developed a love of history that led her to emphasize access to research libraries in her college search, and earn a doctorate in history.  As a teacher-scholar at Pace who prioritizes student research in her courses, her leadership in college-based undergraduate research propelled her to lead university-wide initiatives and ultimately became a defining focus in her academic career. Her early introduction to CUR in 2009 streamlined into more involvement with the community as she took on a variety of leadership roles within CUR including Chair of the CUR Arts and Humanities Division (2016-2019) and serving on the executive board since 2019.                              

“As both an educator and an administrator, Prof. Iacullo-Bird is an inspiring and committed advocate for undergraduate research, and we’re honored and pleased that she has been chosen as CUR’s president-elect,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “In leading undergraduate research initiatives that prioritize inclusive student access across our university, she has given new prominence and visibility to the research component of our experiential learning model. We know that engaging in academic research results in many positive outcomes for undergraduates, from increased retention to expanded career pathways, and we are delighted that she will be advancing this important work in this national leadership role.” 

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, explains: “Dr. Maria Iacullo-Bird exemplifies her passion for undergraduate research in her steadfast commitment to advocacy. She brings an important perspective from the Arts and Humanities division and experience from her position on the CUR Foresight Committee which will support the continued growth of CUR. We look forward to adding her passion as we continue to achieve CUR’s mission and vision.”

Lourdes Echegoyen, PhD (The University of Texas at El Paso), Sean Fox (Carleton College), and Eric Hall, PhD (Elon University) have been elected as general representatives on CUR’s Executive Board for 2023-2024. These positions assist in providing the strategic direction of  CUR, while supporting CUR’s mission and strategic goals. Their positions will become active as of July 1, 2023.

Lourdes Echegoyen is the director of campus office of undergraduate research initiatives (COURI) and research associate professor of chemistry at The University of Texas at El Paso. Her past experiences in opening COURI, directing an international exchange program, leading cross-disciplinary programs, and participating in national, university, and center committees, have allowed Echegoyen to understand the collective impact and the vision of CUR to help shape what she hopes to bring to the executive board.

Echegoyen explains, “The moment I became the founding director of the Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives (COURI) at UTEP almost 13 years ago, CUR became my default professional organization, guiding me and my team through many of the goals we set out to accomplish. I am honored and thrilled to be able to serve as a member of the CUR Executive Board and bring to the table not only my personal perspective and professional expertise but also the perspective from the faculty mentors and students we serve at one of the nation’s top Hispanic Serving Institutions as well as those at our partner institutions. I am excited to closely work with the talented group of individuals that compose the Board, who represent the diversity of people, fields and institutions that have consistently supported, broadened and injected with innovative ideas the educational practice with the highest impact on our nation’s undergraduate students: mentored research, scholarship and creative inquiry.”

Dr. John Wiebe, provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas at El Paso adds, “Dr. Echegoyen’s innovative work at UTEP has served our students exceedingly well, providing them career-shaping opportunities and aspirational access to graduate education. She is a national leader in both practice and research on undergraduate scholarship and creative inquiry, documenting the transformative impact of her efforts on student success and matriculation in graduate school. Her service on the CUR Executive Board will provide perspective on the potential of undergraduate research to broaden participation in the production of knowledge among students traditionally underserved by higher education.”

Sean Fox is the Technical Director for the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College. He has been involved in the support and growth of the SERC evolving the program from two people and a single grant to 20 full-time professionals routinely drawing in over 70 grants. From serving on an extramural board and other leadership avenues, Fox set of experiences offers will offer a fresh perspective to the CUR Executive Board.

Fox states, “It is a privilege to serve on the CUR Executive Board.  My own professional trajectory was crystalized during an undergraduate research experience years ago, and the power of these experiences to transform lives continues to resonate in the work I’ve done since. CUR’s work to promote and expand the reach of these experiences is critically important in a world where the value of undergraduate education is increasingly questioned.”

Eric Hall is the professor of exercise science and the director of undergraduate research program at Elon University. With multiple awards under his belt, including the CUR Health Sciences Innovative Mentor Award (2022), Hall has had great success as a scholar with publishing over 100 publications and book chapters including over 30 of them having students as lead co-authors. His scholarship and mentorship has been recognized in multiple ways and he continues to transcend various service opportunities related to undergraduate research such as being one of the founding councilors for the Health Sciences Division of CUR.

“Undergraduate Research mentorship has been a large part of my identity as a teacher-scholar and the success that I have had at Elon. Recently I have taken on the role of Director of Undergraduate Research and I am now honored to serve on the CUR Executive Board so that I can help others achieve the success they want in their academic careers through undergraduate research,” states Hall.

Paul Miller, associate provost for academic excellence and operations and professor of exercise science adds, “Undergraduate Research is a prominent piece of the student and faculty experience at Elon. We are excited to have Dr. Eric Hall serve on the CUR Executive Board and engage in the exchange of ideas across institutions that also deeply value undergraduate research. We know that we will all benefit from these interactions.”

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, explains: “We are excited to welcome these three impressive individuals to the CUR Executive Board as General Representatives. Their diverse knowledge base and perspectives, teamed with leadership experiences across multiple disciplines will be an integral part of our conversations. As always, their passion for achieving CUR’s mission to advance undergraduate research is exhibited in their eagerness to volunteer for CUR and their leadership throughout multiple roles.”

John F. Barthell, PhD (University of Central Oklahoma/National Science Foundation), Lance Barton, PhD (Austin College/University of North Carolina at Charlotte), and Winny Dong, PhD (California State Polytechnic University – Pomona) have been elected to serve as council representatives on CUR’s Executive Board. These positions assist in providing the strategic direction of CUR and represent the voice of its members while supporting CUR’s mission and strategic goals.  

John Barthell is currently a program officer at the National Science Foundation. Barthell previously held the position of general representative on CUR’s Executive Board as well as a councilor in the At-Large Division since 2011. Barthell has continued his commitment to CUR by also participating as a consultant on the CUR Transformations grant. These many leadership roles allowed Barthell to not only grow and expand his sense of relevance of the value of CUR but advance his ability to understand and practice leadership for undergraduate research within the community.

“I am honored to serve in this leadership role with CUR and to expand my involvement with student-centered education from my previous work at the University of Central Oklahoma to now include this important service at the national level,” explained Barthell.

Charlotte Simmons, provost for the University of Central Oklahoma stated “With this honor, Dr. Barthell will continue to intensify his career-long commitment to undergraduate education and the value of preparing students for their chosen career paths. The University of Central Oklahoma is proud to see him receive this very deserved recognition.”

Lance Barton is currently a professor and chair of the Biology department at Austin College who will continue on with University of North Carolina at Charlotte in June 2023. Much of his career has been focused on the creation and development of an effective training program for undergraduates through research. Barton has served as a councilor in the CUR Biology Division for 10 years having had the pleasure of collaborating with colleagues across the continent to enhance the quantity and quality of student research opportunities by sharing knowledge and best practices.

“CUR Councilors helped mentor me from early in my career. For the past decade, I’ve been excited to volunteer and help support other faculty. Joining the CUR Executive Board is an exciting next step for me in helping the organization continue to improve services for members and students,” explains Barton.

Winny Dong is the faculty director at the Office of Undergraduate Research at California State Polytechnic University -Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). With multiple honors, including the US Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2021), Dong was re-elected to serve as a returning Engineering Division Councilor for CUR. At Cal Poly Pomona, Dong founded the Office of Undergraduate Research in 2013 and has served as its faculty director since its inception. Her experience in supporting undergraduate research is one directly connected to supporting students from first-generation, low-income, and traditionally under-represented communities and populations. Based on what she has learned by supporting diverse students and creating an inclusive environment, her goal is to bring that perspective to board discussions in developing a culture and community that actively prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dong states, “I am proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to advocating for and supporting undergraduate research. I am committed to working with my fellow board members to ensure that CUR continues to provide impactful leadership in undergraduate research.”

“We are proud to have Dr. Winny Dong represent Cal Poly Pomona on the Executive Board for CUR. Winny is a passionate advocate for undergraduate research, and her work on the board will help to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in this transformative experience. As a vital part of a well-rounded education, Cal Poly Pomona is committed to providing students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, develop their communication and presentation skills, and to network with faculty and other professionals in their field,” explained Dr. Olukemi Sawyerr, associate vice president for academic Innovation at Cal Poly Pomona.

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, stated: “We are excited to see the executive board continue to grow with such leaders and impressive individuals. As we continue to navigate the future of CUR, it is imperative for the association leadership to be thoughtful, nimble, and steadfast. These leaders have all of that and more. These individuals all hold a passion for CUR that will help in achieving CUR’s mission to advance undergraduate research.”

In addition to the 18-member Executive Board, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) has a General Council that serves to further the mission of the organization. These individuals are highly engaged volunteers who have a passion for undergraduate research and contribute as thought leaders. Members of the CUR General Council include Division Councilors from the 13 divisions, including Arts and Humanities, At-Large, Biology, Chemistry, Education, Engineering, Geosciences, Health Sciences, Mathematical, Computing, and Statistical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology, Social Sciences, and Undergraduate Research Programs.

CUR congratulates the 97 new and or re-elected division councilors to the General Council for a three-year term starting on July 1, 2023.

Arts Humanities Division

• R.A. Kashanipour, University of Arizona
• D. Alexis Hart, Allegheny College
• Jamie Gilbert, Grand Canyon University
• Jonathan Pollack, Madison College
• Angela Tarango, Trinity University
• Kodjo Adabra, SUNY – Geneseo
• Alexa Sand, Utah State University
• Amy Woodbury Tease, Norwich University
• Elizabeth Lewis, University of Mary Washington
• Melodie Eichbauer, Florida Golf Coast University

At Large Division

• John Barthell, University of Central Oklahoma
• Jesus Castro-Balbi, Kennesaw State University
• Will Garrett-Petts, Thompson Rivers University
• Graeme Harper, Oakland University
• Jessica Martin, Northeastern State University
• Mona Easterling, Tulsa Community College
• Catherine Chan, University of Wisconsin – Madison

Biology Division

• Karen Lee, George Mason University
• Charles (Billy) Gunnels, Florida Golf Coast University
• Beth Beason-Abmayr, Rice University
• Elizabeth Sandquist, Weber State University
• Sabrice Guerrier, Rollins College
• Joyce Fernandes, Miami University
• Jessica Clark, Salisbury University
• Susan Safford, Lincoln University
• Lara LaDage, The Pennsylvania State University

Chemistry Division

• Rob Bachman, Sewanee: The University of the South
• Bratolijub Milosavljevic, The Pennsylvania State University
• Pius Adelani, St. Mary’s University
• Mary Konkle, Ball State University
• Bridget Gourley, DePauw University
• John Kirk, Carthage College
• Sarah Shaner, Southeast Missouri State University
• Patricia Mabrouk, Northeastern University

Education Division

• Pushpa Ramakrishna, Maricopa Community Colleges
• Deborah Thompson, The College of New Jersey
• Kymberly Harris, Georgia Southern University
• Suzanne Lindt, Midwestern State University
• Jamie Burriss, Middle Tennessee State University
• Emily Smith, Midwestern State University

Engineering Division

• Patrick Tebbe, Minnesota State University
• Jean Lee, California Polytechnic State University
• Jeff Dusek, Baldwin Wallace University
• Gustavo Vejarano, Loyola Marymount University
• Mohammad Hajilou, University of Portland
• Alandra Kahl, The Pennsylvania State University
• Pratanu Ghosh, California State University – Fullerton
• Winny Dong, California Polytechnic State University
• Aaron Sakulich, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Wade Goodridge, Utah State University
• Lisa Bosman, Purdue University

Geosciences Division

• Allison Beauregard-Schwartz, University of West Florida
• Ken Brown, DePauw University
• Jamie MacDonald, Florida Golf Coast University
• Lee Phillips, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Health Sciences Division

• Mary Estelle Bester, Georgia Southern University
• Fred (Ted) Bertrand, University of Alabama – Birmingham
• Niharika Nath, New York Institute of Technology – Old Westbury
• Andreas Stamatis, Plattsburgh University

Mathematical, Computing, and Statistical Sciences Division

• Jennifer Travis, Lone Star College
• Lauren Rose, Bard College
• Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, George Mason University
• Igor Erovenko, University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• Mihhail Berezovski, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Daehan Kwak, Kean University
• Kumer Das, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Kristin Lassonde, Contra Costa College
• Sherri Weitl-Harms, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Physics and Astronomy Division

• Toni Sauncy, Texas Lutheran University
• Klebert Feitosa, James Madison University
• Erick Agrimson, St. Catherine University
• Carol Hood, California State University-San Bernardino
• Jennifer Docktor, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
• Michael Jackson, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• Theodore Dezen, University of San Diego

Psychology Division

• Marcus Leppanen, University of Mary Washington
• Jennifer Queen, Rollins College
• Jennifer Coleman, Western New Mexico University
• Luralyn Helming, Dordt University
• Nestor Matthews, Denison University
• Nicole Rivera, North Central College
• Lisa Scherer, University of Nebraska at Omaha
• Kathy Sexton-Radek, Elmhurst University

Social Sciences Division

• Anne Price, Valdosta State University
• Jennifer Edwards, Tarleton State University
• Elisa Sobo, San Diego State University
• Mary Rickard, Georgia College and State University

Undergraduate Research Programs

• Natalia Toro, University of Central Florida
• Lakshmi Krishna, Colorado School of Mines
• Rosalie Rolon-Dow, University of Delaware
• Mulumebet Worku, North Carolina A&T State University
• Linda Blockus, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Tim O’Neil, University of Colorado at Boulder
• Katherine Campbell, St. Catherine University
• Timothy Raines, Indiana Institute of Technology
• Stefanie Sevcik, Georgia College and State University

Dr. Bethany Usher, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, has been elected to serve as president of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). Usher will become president-elect on July 1, 2022, taking a seat on CUR’s Executive Board, and succeeding 2022-2023 CUR president Ruth Palmer (emeritus College of New Jersey) in the summer of 2023.

Mark R. Ginsberg, George Mason’s Provost and Executive President, remarked that Dr. Usher, a respected member of the university’s faculty and leadership team, “…has led the undergraduate program to new heights. She has led multiple initiatives that have been catalysts for the success of our students while also launching new programs focused on academic achievement, career development, and life success. She has an extraordinary ability to connect with and mentor students while also supporting faculty members. I am very proud of her to be elected as President-Elect of the Council on Undergraduate Research and so pleased for both her and the important organization she will help to lead.”

Usher’s vision for her presidency aligns with the CUR 2020-2025 Strategic Goals. Her stance has been outlined to enhance the focus on giving students equitable access to research; sustainably supporting undergraduate student constituents beyond NCUR; growing CUR’s partnerships with other higher education associations that promote high-impact practices anchored by undergraduate research; and advocating for defining the how and why undergraduate research is good for students and faculty with investing in decisions that measure this success. 

“Undergraduate research is unique because it combines our students’ curiosity with the discovery mission of our colleges and gives students skills that they can use in their careers and their lives. CUR and our members have transformed higher education by embedding undergraduate research as an expected part of many students’ experiences, within and beyond the classroom,” said Usher. She continues with, “CUR is now building undergraduate research as the model inclusive high-impact activity. In addition to making undergraduate research available to students at all institutions and in every discipline, we need to look to intentionally integrate it with other high-impact practices, including internships, community engagement, study abroad, entrepreneurship, and capstones.  I look forward to seeing our vision of enriching society through undergraduate research to continue to emerge through our shared commitment.”

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, stated: “Dr. Bethany Usher’s commitment to and experience with key CUR issues such as diversity, mentoring, and support will provide invaluable benefits to the organization and the wider undergraduate research community. Her engagement with CUR for twenty-plus years, including service on the CUR Council and Executive Board, receiving CUR’s inaugural Campus-Wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishment (AURA) in 2015, and so much more, attest to her dedication to the mission. This passion and her leadership will act as a needed asset in continuing to achieve CUR’s mission to advance undergraduate research.”

Beth A. Cunningham, PhD (American Association of Physics Teachers), Maria Iacullo-Bird, PhD (Pace University), and Charlotte K. Simmons, PhD (University of Central Oklahoma), have been re-elected to serve as council representatives on CUR’s executive board. Kelly Mack, PhD (American Association of Colleges and Universities) has been elected as a general representative on CUR’s executive board. These positions assist in providing guidance to CUR and its members while supporting CUR’s mission and strategic goals.  

Cunningham is the CEO of the American Association of Physics Teachers in College Park, Maryland. She was also named a Fellow for the American Physical Society in 2021 as well as the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2019. Cunningham has authored over 30 articles and publications including the article entitled, “Distributed Peer Mentoring Networking to Support Isolate Faculty” published in The Journal of Faculty Development which was co-authored in 2021. Cunningham has been a member of CUR since the mid-1990s, served on the CUR Physics and Astronomy division as a councilor since 2000, and has been on the executive board as a general representative since 2019. Cunningham will be serving a three-year term as a council representative on the executive board. 

Cunningham stated, “I am thrilled to be able to continue my service on the CUR E-Board as one of the Council Representatives. CUR has been a part of my professional development since I was an early career faculty member.  It is the organization where I have been able to network with like-minded individuals who understand the importance of undergraduate research in the development of students and share experiences in our growth as mentors.  I hope to contribute to the continued evolution of CUR to better support faculty, students, and administrators and in becoming a more inclusive and diverse professional society.  My role as the CEO of the American Association of Physics Teachers provides me with the opportunity to support physics educators and their growth and development as mentors for student researchers which is in alignment with CUR’s goals.”

Iacullo-Bird is the Assistant Provost for Research and Clinical Associate Professor of History at Pace University in New York, New York. Iacullo-Bird has authored several publications including her upcoming article to be published in May 2022 in the Cambridge Handbook of Undergraduate Research by the Cambridge University Press entitled, “Undergraduate Research in the United States of America.” She is an active member of many associations including the American Historical Association, Association of American Colleges and Universities, and National Council on Public History. Iacullo-Bird is a councilor for the CUR Arts and Humanities division, and her re-election as a council representative on the CUR executive board will allow her to serve an additional three years.

“I am honored for the opportunity to serve a second term on CUR’s Executive Board.” Said Maria Iacullo-Bird. “It is a privilege to continue this leadership role and contribute to strategic decision-making to advance CUR’s mission and vision as the national voice for undergraduate research. My re-election to the executive board will support my advocacy work with congressional offices, federal endowments, foundations, and professional disciplinary associations on behalf of undergraduate research.”

Simmons is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. Simmons has served on the Oklahoma Established Program Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Broader Impact Committee and the Oklahoma IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Deans’ Council. Simmons has been an advocate for grants and is currently a co-PI on the REU Site: Pollinators, Climate Change and the Aegean Archipelago, funded by the National Science Foundation (2021-2024) for over $350K. She has served as a CUR Councilor for the Mathematics and Computer Sciences Division since 2015. Simmons has been an active participant on the CUR executive board since 2016 and with her re-election as a council representative, will extend her term another three years.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to continue to support an organization that had such an integral role in my professional development since early in my academic career,” said Simmons. “I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Board members who are committed to advancing the organization’s mission and goals.”

Mack is the Vice President for Undergraduate STEM Education and Executive Director for Project Kaleidoscope at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Mack has authored numerous publications and received several grants for her STEM research. She is an active member in multiple professional societies including the Society of STEM Women of Color in which she co-founded. Mack has been advocating for undergraduate research since her early career stages including at HBCU where she encouraged and increased the representation of Howard undergraduate students to attend CUR Conferences. This will be Mack’s first position on the CUR executive board as a general council representative.

Mack stated, “I feel honored to have been elected to serve as a member of the CUR board. This extraordinary organization was so instrumental in shaping my early career success as a faculty member. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to not only pay forward to the CUR community all that I’ve learned from it, but to also apply my learnings, leadership, and lived experience to ensuring that meaningful undergraduate research is desired for, and designed in ways that serve, racially minoritized students and those of other marginalized groups within American higher education.”

Lindsay Currie, CUR executive officer, stated: “It is exciting to see the executive board continue to add such impressive individuals with diverse backgrounds. During these turbulent times, it is critical for the association leadership to be respected, thoughtful, nimble, and steadfast. These leaders have all of that and more. These individuals all hold a passion for CUR that will act as a NorthStar in direction setting as we continue to achieve CUR’s mission to advance undergraduate research.”