The Student Pathways to Undergraduate Research (SPUR) program is geared towards students who don’t know much about, or don’t know how to get involved with, undergraduate research.
SPUR Objectives
- Show students the benefits of undergraduate research
- Emphasize that research is integral to their careers
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in research
SPUR Students want to ...
- Work with faculty to solve real-world problems
- Deepen and apply what was learned in their classes
- Have a competitive edge in their post-college careers
The SPUR program is open to any student in any major. Events are held every two to four weeks to discuss the benefits of research, how to get involved, how to approach faculty for research positions, and how faculty view research. Students who participate in the program are also eligible for field trips and a trip to University Park’s Undergraduate Exhibition in the spring.
For more information, contact the Undergraduate Research Coordinator at [email protected] or attend a SPUR event.
SPUR Events for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Involvement Fair
Tuesday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. outside the Slep Student Center
Come see us to learn more about Undergraduate Research and meet some of our faculty!
Introduction to Undergraduate Research Workshop
Wednesday, September 13, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. in the Laurel Pavilion
We will hold a workshop to introduce undergraduate research and meet faculty who mentor undergraduates in research. Dinner will be served.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, September 26, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center
Dr. Nathan Kruis and his student Will Lin will present their research, “The stigma paradox: assessing provider-based stigma of opioid use disorder among treatment professionals.” The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
Poster Exhibition at University Park
Wednesday, October 11, from 5:00–10:00 p.m. at University Park
We will take a small group to University Park for the Eberly College of Science undergraduate poster exhibit. Two Altoona research students will present their work there (an Altoona student took first place last year!), so we’ll support them while checking out the other undergrad research that’s happening around Penn State. This is also a good time to get more information on a BMB research course offered at UP for 2+2 students only. It is a popular course that gets you into research once you get to UP, and it fills quickly every year. Finally, we’ll get dinner in State College (on us), where you’ll get to ask faculty any questions you might have about undergraduate research.
Erickson Discovery Grant workshop
Thursday, October 19, Online
This workshop will present an overview of the Erickson Discovery Grant, address the application process, and offer assistance in writing/reviewing their proposals.
31st Annual National Symposium on Family Issues
Monday, October 23, at University Park
Students are invited to attend the 31st Annual National Symposium on Family Issues. Registration is required but is free. Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) faculty and students have typically gone in the past, led by Dr. Jacobson, but the topics are relevant to a great range of studies, including sociology, psychology, and political science. If interested in attending this year, contact Dr. Munly at [email protected] by October 1 to allow time for registration and planning for transportation.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, November 7, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center
Dr. Sandra Petrulionus and her student Emera Gregor will present on their research “A century of reform: writing the long life of Thomas Wentworth Higginson.” The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
Erickson Discovery/ASURF Grant Workshop
Wednesday, November 15, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. in room 202 of the Eiche Library
We’ll present an overview of the Erickson Discovery Grant and ASURF programs, address the application process, provide examples of successful applications from Altoona, and offer assistance in writing and reviewing proposals.
STAR Lecture Series
Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 12:05–1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center
Dr. Kofi Adu and his student will present their research. The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.
STAR Lecture Series
Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 12:05-1:05 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge of the Slep Student Center
Dr. Sarah Allen and her student Haley Hatch will present their research. The STAR Lecture Series highlights student involvement in research and encourages students to get involved in undergraduate research. Lunch will be served.