Students share 750+ projects during Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research at Weber State

OGDEN, Utah — Undergraduate students from across the state will gather at Weber State University to celebrate their achievements and show off their work during the 20th Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research, Feb. 27 in the Shepherd Union Building.

Over 750 projects will be presented, showcasing a wide range of academic interests from fine arts to engineering. Students will share about their research and projects during poster presentations and oral sessions. A student stands in front of their research poster, explaining their work to a conference guest

The conference is an annual event among Utah’s higher education institutes, hosted at a different Utah college or university each year. It was initiated in 2007, when Former Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. signed a proclamation that pushed for more undergraduate research in the state. 

“UCUR is an inspiring celebration of learning, growth, and accomplishment,” said Therese Cavlovic, UCUR director. “There’s nothing quite like the energy, the pride, and the buzz in the air as students come together to showcase their research and creative accomplishments.”

For 20 years, UCUR has provided a constructive environment for students to meet peers, learn from mentors, and hear from professionals in their field of interest. 

Physician James J. O’Connell is this year’s keynote speaker. O’Connell is known for his dedication to public health, particularly related to resources and care for Boston’s unhoused population. He holds degrees from University of Notre Dame, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University, where he’s an assistant professor of medicine. He’s the founder and president of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, and his research has been published in numerous journals. During his keynote, O’Connell will share about his career as an advocate, researcher, scientist, and entrepreneur.

Presenter sessions will be held throughout the day. The Huntsman Cancer Institute will host a session highlighting student research on cancer in the afternoon, honoring the Huntsman family’s legacy and commitment to undergraduate research.

Free parking is available at the Dee Events Center, where guests can get on the OGX Wildcat Shuttle and get dropped off just outside the Union Building. 

The public is invited to attend all sessions. A full schedule of events is available on UCUR website. 

Author:

Lucy McDonough, Marketing & Communications

Contact:

Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu