Sparking and Fostering Curiosity
The UW-Superior Center for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (URSCA) promotes, recognizes and celebrates undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity in all academic disciplines. We provide support, resources and opportunities for students, faculty and staff.
What is undergraduate research?
Undergraduate research is an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.
The Benefits of Undergraduate Research
Working on scholarly or creative projects with a faculty member is an opportunity for you to become actively involved in creating knowledge and new meaning within a field of study.
This method of experiential learning provides a hands-on approach to learning. Not only that, it is typically hard work, fun, and very satisfying. This type of study is not only a great experience, but it provides crucial preparation for the work world, and recognize whether or not post-graduate research (graduate school) is for you.
Collaborative workflow with faculty members or student colleagues
Discover how to pose an important question in your field
Design a research plan or an approach to answering a question
Collect and analyze data, texts or other information to test your hypothesis and support your argument
Communicate the results of your work through poster and oral presentations and papers
Increase self-confidence carrying out a major project
Research Opportunities
UW-Superior’s Research Centers
Lake Superior Research Institute
Student employment opportunities are available through the Lake Superior Research Institute (LSRI). Contact LSRI Director, Matt TenEyck, for more information about job openings.
Transportation and Logistics Research Center
The Transportation and Logistics Research Center (TLRC) provides applied transportation and logistics research opportunities for students in the Transportation and Logistics program. For more information, contact TLRC.
Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute
As part of the TLRC, the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute works with universities around the Great Lakes to coordinate research into marine transportation, logistics, engineering, environmental planning, and port management. For more information, contact TLRC.
Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve works in partnerships to improve the understanding of Lake Superior estuaries and coastal resources while addressing issues affecting coastal communities through an integrated program of research, education, outreach, and stewardship. Student internships and employment opportunities are available with LSNERR. Contact the Reserve for more information.
Research Programs
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF)
10 weeks | Up to $3,500
Spend a summer working on your own research, scholarly or creative project, with a faculty or staff mentor guiding you and a stipend supporting you. No prior research experience is needed for the Development Award.
McNair Scholars Program
$3,500 summer stipend | Year-round support
Planning on a Ph.D.? McNair helps first-generation and income-eligible students prepare for doctoral study through paid summer research with a faculty mentor, GRE prep, and guidance through every step of applying to graduate school.
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Showcase what you’ve discovered, created, and achieved at UW-Superior.
Partnership Agreement For UW-Superior Students (PASS Agreement)
As required by the Universities of Wisconsin, students need to have a Partnership Agreement for UW-Superior Students (PASS Agreement) on file before beginning any undergraduate or graduate internship, academic service-learning, community-based research, volunteering, field work, practicum, clinicals, student-teaching, capstone or other types of community engagement experiences with an external organization. At UW-Superior, all PASS Agreements are facilitated through the Link Center.
Connect with the URSCA team
We’re here to help.
Swenson Hall Room 1061
P.O. Box 2000
Superior WI 54880