Students Gain Experience with UROP

The College of Social and Behavioral Science has always prided itself on its cutting-edge research—not only from faculty, but students as well. Though best represented from psychology, economics, and political science, students in various departments of the college participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which provides them the chance to work with world-renown faculty members on research or creative projects.

The benefits of undergraduate students participating in research are many. UROP provides assistantships up to $1200 per semester for any first-time UROP students, and up to $600 for a renewal semester. They also have the opportunity to present their research at a variety of conferences and a symposium, and get their work published in the annual Undergraduate Abstracts Journal.

Megan Brzenk, who graduated this past year with her undergraduate degree in health, society and policy states, “I gained a lot of critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are highly sought after skills. Having lab experience and following through on my own project helped me get into pharmacy school. Not only was my project really interesting to me, I had a lot of fun doing it.”

Likewise, psychology student Andrew Choi says, “I’m applying to graduate schools at this time, and I feel very good about having UROP under my belt. I’ve developed a passion for research over the last few years, and the research I did gave me additional learning experiences that have been invaluable preparation for what I hope to do in graduate school and my future career as a researcher.”

The students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the research experience. Psychology chair Carol Sansone explains, “It has allowed me to think about some specific questions or applications to domains that the students bring to the table. It also helps to have a group of students that are excited about the research.” Geography professor Kevin Henry adds, “It allowed me to work on a project that I really didn’t have time or resources to complete on my own. It also gave geography the ability to showcase our expertise in health sciences—an opportunity that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for that student.”

Whether you’re a student or faculty member looking to get involved, visit www.urop.utah.edu for more information. You can also check out the abstracts of all the CSBS students who participated in UROP this past spring at http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/UROP/id/2567/rec/5.

Student Participants