About URN
Statement of Purpose
The Undergraduate Research Network (URN) was formed in 2001 to foster an undergraduate research community here at UVA. Now in its 6th year of existence, URN continues to promote undergraduate research. In particular, URN hopes to:
- Encourage students to initiate research projects.
- Present information about current research opportunities.
- Increase the visibility of undergraduate research at UVA.
- Offer guidance and mentorship to students interested in research.
- Publicize funding opportunities and research-related events.
- Increase undergraduate access to UVA's resources.
- Provide a forum for students to showcase the results of their research and reflect upon their experience.
The Undergraduate Research Network always welcomes new members! Students from all schools, majors, and years are welcome!
Undergraduate Research Mailing List
Executive Committee
The Executive Board of URN is made up of the Chair of the Undergraduate Research Network and six other committee chairs: the Editor of the Oculus, the Membership Chair, the Outreach Chair, the Symposium Chair, the Technology Chair, and the Workshops Chair. Please direct your questions to the Chair or to one of the committee chairs.
Chair: Courtney Schroeder
The Chair of the Undergraduate Research Network presides over all URN meetings and serves as the head of the Executive Committee. The Chair is also responsible for plotting the overall course of URN, working closely with the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, and coordinating teams of URNies for specific projects.
Oculus Editor: Vincent Zimmern
The Oculus is the Virginia Journal of Undergraduate Research, a themed and interdisciplinary collection of student research produced by URN. The Oculus committee is responsible for gathering all the projects submitted by students, choosing which submissions get published, formatting the text and photographs, publicizing Oculus events and dealines, and recruiting Oculus Staffers (a.k.a. Oculites).
Membership Chair: Sundas Idrees
Outreach Co-Chairs: Meg Barry, DJ Lick
The Membership and Outreach Committee extends the objectives and programs of the Undergraduate Research Network to all respective schools and disciplines. This committee works to make students aware of URN and everything it does by advertising, sponsoring social events and activities, and facilitating interactions with other clubs on Grounds. A major responsibility of the Outreach Committee is helping the other committees publicize their events. In addition, it is in the process of obtaining an accurate picture of the current state of research at the University so that those partaking in research are accounted for and recognized. The Membership and Outreach Committee is also responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing many of the activities for UVA's annual Research Week. In the past, these activities have included multiple workshops, research at UVA info sessions, and fireside chats with faculty.
Symposium Co-Chairs: Upasana Bhattacharya,
