HomeNews TypesGeneral NewsIn Memoriam of Michael P. Doyle

In Memoriam of Michael P. Doyle

The Council on Undergraduate Research community mourns the loss of Mike Doyle, a founding member of CUR and a tireless champion of undergraduate research.

Mike served as CUR’s first president from 1979–1983 and again from 1987–1989, helping to shape the organization during its formative years. His leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing a strong foundation for what CUR has become today. He was also a passionate advocate for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), recognizing early on the power of bringing students together to share their work and build community.

In 1991, Mike authored A Brief History of CUR: The Early Years, capturing the spirit, challenges, and aspirations that guided the organization’s beginnings. A tribute to his impact as CUR President, entitled A Million Ideas a Minute, was published in the September 1993 issue of the CUR Quarterly. His reflections remain an important record of CUR’s origins and the values that continue to guide our work.

Mike’s legacy lives on through the thousands of students, faculty, and institutions impacted by undergraduate research and by the community he helped build. We are grateful for his leadership, his commitment, and his enduring belief in the power of undergraduate research to change lives.

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.

By Todd Waggoner

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