Celebrating 25 Years of Impactful Undergraduate Research at UMKC
Undergraduate research opens up academic opportunities for students of all levels
BY NICK VLASIN
Sienna Ficken, laboratory research assistant, conducting research in the Spletter Lab. PHOTO / BRANDON PARIGO
During her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Olivia Sours (BHS ’24) was able to work directly with schools on a research project, gathering data and studying the correlation between physical activity and sleep among Kansas City youth.
“It taught me how to communicate with people outside of my discipline and opened my eyes to the societal impact of research,” Sours said, highlighting how the UMKC Research and Creative Scholarship program prepares students for impactful community engagement while shaping their academic and professional paths.
In 1998, the Boyer Commission on Educating Undergraduates in the Research University challenged institutions nationwide to infuse research experiences into undergraduate education. This movement helped ignite UMKC’s commitment to incorporating research as a foundational part of its curriculum. After 25 years, the UMKC undergraduate research program has expanded from a few grant-supported projects into a comprehensive experience that extends to all corners of the university.
Jane Greer, Ph.D., director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship, credits early pioneers such as Jim Murowchick, Ph.D., Diane Fillion, Ph.D. and Bibie Chronwall, M.Ed., Ph.D. for UMKC undergraduate research success early on. In 2000, the three faculty members helped establish the university’s first structured undergraduate research program, known as SEARCH (Students Engaged in the Arts and Research). Initially offering small grants to a handful of students, the SEARCH program now awards more than 20 grants per year. Commitment to high-impact practices has inspired ongoing support and expansion of the UMKC program, adding summer undergraduate research opportunities, known as SUROP, courses with embedded research projects called EUReka and designations for students who achieve research milestones.
“For more than 25 years, we have built a more comprehensive program with the goal of including students from the beginning of their academic career, from the Health Sciences Campus to the Conservatory, and really providing a range of opportunities that will meet the needs of a wide body of students and a wide range of faculty,” Greer said.
According to Greer, students engaged in undergraduate research at UMKC develop critical project management skills, resilience and adaptability. Alumni of the program consistently highlight how these experiences prepared them for their professional lives, both in and outside of research. It furthers Greer’s belief that research skills are beneficial far beyond academia.
“Participating in undergraduate research at UMKC helped me gain the skills I used to go on and obtain my master’s degree in public health,” Ella Valleroy (B.A./B.S. ’21) said. “I’m now returning to UMKC as a medical student, still utilizing the lessons learned during my first experience with research years ago.”
“Research can be a scarier word for undergraduate students in academic units like the arts and humanities,” said Alicen Lundberg, M.A., assistant director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship at UMKC. “They think research is something you do as a graduate student or as a faculty member, and we believe it’s important to make ourselves known as a resource early on and give students an opportunity to be involved.”
Students conducting research in the lab of Erin Bumann, DDS, Ph.D., M.S. PHOTO / BRANDON PARIGO
To Lundberg’s point, students in the humanities and social sciences, the arts and education often find their way to undergraduate research during their time at UMKC. Jacob Furry (BME ’21) presented his research on support for K-12 music teachers in Missouri and Kansas, just months before he began his career in the classroom.
“I feel incredibly confident doing my job, in part, because of my amazing undergraduate research experience at UMKC,” Furry said.
Since leaving his role as an educator, Furry has risen through the ranks with the Boys and Girls Club and now the American Heart Association, where he serves as a development director. No matter the role, he believes his undergraduate research experience remains invaluable.
“My incredible undergraduate research mentor, Dr. Lani Hamilton, emphasized to me to never forget that there are real human beings behind data,” he said. “Relationship building is a huge component of my current role, where I work to bring major donors and strategic partners closer to the American Heart Association.”
UMKC recently announced that it has achieved its goal of becoming a Carnegie Research 1, or R1, institution. Undergraduate research will continue to be a cornerstone of its research success.
“Having talented, engaged researchers supporting faculty and contributing to groundbreaking work is essential,” Greer said. “Undergraduate researchers often co-publish with faculty and are vital members of graduate and faculty research teams.”
The impact of undergraduate research, Greer said, is seen not only in students' academic success but also in their readiness to tackle real-world challenges, often in professions far removed from research.
“For more than 25 years, we have built a more comprehensive program with the goal of including students from the beginning of their academic career ... and really providing a range of opportunities that will meet the needs of a wide body of students and a wide range of faculty.”
—Jane Greer, Ph.D., director of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship
Nick de Raad utilizing a stereo microscope for his research. PHOTO / BRANDON PARIGO
Join us in April to Celebrate
UMKC is proud to celebrate 25 years of fostering a vibrant community of student scholars. Alumni are encouraged to support the program by attending the upcoming Undergraduate Research Symposium in April 2025, offering mentorship and considering financial contributions to help the program continue its impactful work.