Student Undergraduate Research Council  

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVP-R) has established a new group to promote awareness about undergraduate research opportunities at NAU - the Student Undergraduate Research Council (SURC).

By generating awareness, SURC hopes to increase the number of students engaged in research, scholarly, or creative projects at NAU. We also want to convey to students studying in a variety of disciplines and coming from diverse backgrounds that doing research is tangible. The members of SURC believe that participating in undergraduate research is an important experience for anyone interested in gaining more knowledge and a deeper appreciation of their academic field.

SURC members responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Advise the Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Attend monthly meetings
  • Promote undergraduate research at workshops, tabling events, speaking engagements, and class presentations
  • Work as a team to develop, strengthen, and expand undergraduate research awareness at NAU
  • Spend at least 15 hrs/semester on SURC activities
  • Provide assistance at the annual Undergraduate Symposium in April

2012-13 SURC councilors

  • Blackman 195
    Blackman 195

    Ryan Blackman

    Major: Physics and Astronomy

    Mentor: Dr. David Trilling

    Current research: Using NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer to determine the physical properties of Centaurs and transition objects

    UGR research activities:NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates; AST485

    Why I do this: The best reason for me to participate in research is preparation for graduate school. In my field, a PhD is required for most careers, so research experience is almost necessary to be a competitive applicant and to develop the skills necessary to succeed.

  • Clawson 225x150
    Clawson 225x150

    Bret Clawson

    Major: Chemistry/Biomedical Science

    Mentor: Dr. David Wagner & Dr. Andrew Koppisch

    Current research: Determination of migration capacity for fleas that vector plague (Yersinia pestis) & Identification and overexpression of immunogenic proteins for Burkholderia mallei vaccine

    UGR research activities: Hooper Undergraduate Research Award; Global Learning Research Scholarship; 7 semesters as UG researcher in the Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics (MGGen); BIO485; CHM485; HON485

    Why I do this: Undergraduate researchers are afforded a wealth of knowledge in their discipline that courses cannot offer; this has given me a desire to understand course materials with application in mind.

  • Klaas 225x150
    Klaas 225x150

    Danielle Klaas

    Major: Forestry

    Mentor: Dr. Peter Fulé

    Current research: Climate sensitivity of co-occurring tree species on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

    UGR research activities: NAU/NASA Space Grant; Hooper Undergraduate Research Award

    Why I do this: I have gained a greater appreciation and a deeper understanding of my field that will benefit me for the rest of my career .

  • Mayoral 225x150
    Mayoral 225x150

    Joshua Mayoral

    Major: Biomedical Science

    Mentor: Dr. Fernando Monroy

    Current research: Does mucus play a role during infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii?

    UGR research activities: Undergraduate Research Mentoring program; Hooper Undergraduate Research Award; Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates; HON490

    Why I do this: The best part about engaging in undergraduate research is the opportunity to conduct and take responsibility of scientific projects and to experience the scientific method first-hand.

  • Parkhurst 225x150
    Parkhurst 225x150

    David Parkhurst

    Major: Psychology

    Mentor: Drs. Melissa Birkett and Larry Stevens

    Current research: Effects of multiple roles on physiological strain & Hypnotically-suggested peripheral vasomotor control

    UGR research activities: PSY 485

    Why I do this: I very much enjoy being involved in undergraduate research and often wish that I had been encouraged to get involved even earlier.

  • Brett Velez 225x150 fall2012
    Brett Velez 225x150 fall2012

    G. Brett Velez

    Major: Psychology

    Mentor: Dr. Chad Woodruff

    Current research: My project explores the neurological manifestations of self-other discrimination in empathy.

    UGR research activities: Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates; PSY485; applying for a HURA and a NASA Space Grant.

    Why I do this: You build an amazing relationship with your faculty mentor and you learn if a research career is right for you.