When most people think of UT Not many people think of research, and even fewer think of UNDERGRADUATE research.

Class of 2014: GPA - Average 3.81 ACT Score – Average 26.5 Many with ,200 freshmen (500 more than last year) –17% minority –90% in-state (99% of whom qualified for HOPE scholarship ) Caliber of Students

Faculty-driven research projects Student-driven research projects Honors programs/ degree requirements Optional course work F ure Opportunities

Chancellor’s Honors Haslam Scholars College Scholars Baker Scholars Departmental Honors Expanded Honors Options

Benefits of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities 1 of 10 high-impact activities Creates benefits for: –Students –Faculty –Institution –The nation

Unifying Features All undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity characterized by four unifying features: –Mentorship –Originality –Acceptability –Dissemination

Benefits to Students Advancing cognitive and intellectual growth –Gains in knowledge and skills –Academic achievement and educational attainment Fostering professional growth and advancement Personal growth High-impact learning experiences

Benefits to Faculty Enhancing mentoring and teaching Achieving research, scholarly, and creative outcomes Integrating scholarship and teaching Increasing job satisfaction and personal development

Building a community of scholars Deepening relationships with alumni Fostering innovation and cross-talk Sharing a sense of purpose and achievement Enriching curriculum Providing opportunities to engage with local community Benefits to UTK and Nation

“Undergraduate research prepared me for my future studies and research. It gave me hands-on experience and an advantage over others when it came to getting a research-based scholarship to graduate school.” Bobby Haines Manager of Knoxville Office CSA, Assoc. Structural Engineers

“Undergraduate research has given me a community I belong to. It’s been an invaluable experience. I know so much more about my classes. I have more people as resources, and it makes me work harder.” Cara Turski Sophomore, Class of 2013 Microbiology

“Undergraduate research helped to close the gap between the real world and academia. I was able to see materials I was testing in the lab being used on a real bridge, a very satisfying experience.” William Ragland B.S., M.S., Ph.D., UTK Structural Engineer at CSA, Assoc.

“Undergraduate research has given me a sense of persistence and a new perspective as I learn through others’ experiences.” Liz Morrow Senior, Class of 2010 Microbiology

“Undergraduate research took my education to a level that the classroom could not.” Ross Shaver Structural Design Engineer, BWSC, Inc.

Summer Internships Research Week EUReCA Pursuit Journal Posters at the Capitol Web-based opportunities database Current UTK Program

Summer Internships This year, 88 undergrads participated in the UT Office of Research’s Summer Internship Program Students came from: ―Natural Sciences ―Engineering ―Social sciences ―Education ―Communication ―Language ―Art

Research Week / EUReCA 15th Annual EUReCA, Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement, March 30-31, nd Annual Research Week March 27-31, 2011

Written, edited, and published by undergraduate students First issue published Spring 2010 Fall 2010 issue currently in editing process

Posters at the Capitol Typically held the first Wednesday in February In 2010, six undergraduate scholars from UTK were among 45 students from across the state that showcased their research to members of the Tennessee Legislature

Hundreds of undergraduate research and creative activities occur on UTK campus each year New resource will help students identify opportunities and apply for positions online Web-Based Opportunities Database

Office of Undergraduate Research Endowment for Undergraduate Research F ure Plans