What is undergraduate research?
According to the Council on Undergraduate Research, undergraduate research is “A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.”
Engaging in undergraduate research brings with it a number of benefits, including:
- Increased expertise in your field of exploration
- Strengthened graduate school and/or job applications
- Expanded connections in your area of study or employment
- Improved public speaking skills
Funding Opportunities
Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Scholars Program
The ACA’s Ledford Scholars Program offers financial assistance for intensive research projects to undergraduate students enrolled at ACA member institutions. Undergraduate students from Appalachian or contiguous counties, from any disciplines, are eligible, and a variety of fields of study, research approaches, and methodologies are supported each year. Scholars may select to complete their project in either summer or fall term.
For more information, click here.
UGR Conferences and Showcases
King’s Undergraduate Research Poster Session
Hosted by the E.W. King Library, this annual event highlights students’ research each spring during the Dogwood Alumni Weekend. Participation is free and open to any undergraduate student at King in any discipline. For more information, click here.
The Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference (BRURC)
Originally called the Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference, the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference has attracted widespread regional interest and is committed to providing a forum for southern Appalachian students to present the results of their research in a convenient and interesting setting. This conference is hosted by colleges and universities in southeastern Appalachia on a two-year rotating basis. For more information, please contact Dr. Kevin Deford.
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
“The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines.” For more information, click here.
Interested in learning more about undergraduate research at King?
Contact Emily Krug, Director of Undergraduate Research
