Rutgers Undergraduate Research Discovery Day

In collaboration with the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Aresty Research Center Director, the Office of the Vice Provost Research actively worked with members of the Undergraduate Research Council to plan the inaugural Rutgers Undergraduate Research Discovery Day. The kickoff launch was on September 15, 2023.

Follow-up events were planned throughout the Fall 2023 Success Week and included faculty-panel sessions and a student resource fair. From September 18–22, we hosted Research Discovery Sessions at different campus locations to expose students to the multiple disciplines of research.

Senior Leadership of the Undergraduate Research Discovery Day held a debrief event to discuss action items and asked the following three questions:

• How can we increase student participation and incorporate more student activities?
• What are good strategies to support faculty who would like to provide research opportunities for undergraduate students?
• How do we continue to engage with students and faculty after the event?

The major themes that emerged from the discussion included funding, mentorship/professional development, community outreach, infrastructure, events/communication, and education.