Underrespresented Researchers of Color

The ‘Underrepresented Undergraduate Research Ambassadors’ (UURA) program is funded by a generous Innovation Grant from the Division of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, and is housed in and sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships. The UURA seeks to increase the number of students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups conducting research on campus by providing support for current undergraduate researchers and outreach to current undergraduates not yet engaged in research. This support will take the form of support circles and forums for discussion, as well as outreach for those underrepresented students who have not initiated a research project yet. We select 20 undergraduate students annually from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (African American, Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander) who are currently conducting research on campus, to be part of a core group of students who facilitate monthly meetings throughout campus to serve as support circles for underrepresented undergraduate researchers. Through these circles we seek to share and learn from one another about our struggles, successes, and lessons learned. Graduate student and faculty guests will be invited to some of these meetings for discussion. The goal is to create a safe place for students to share their experiences, where they feel lifted up and not judged. We hope to conduct outreach for existing programs by highlighting the variety of experiences that are available and by sharing examples of current underrepresented students who are conducting research in their field. If you have any questions or would like to know how you could participate in the program email the UURA at [email protected].