The Council on Undergraduate Research has recognized Denison University as a leader in undergraduate research with the organization’s 2017 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments (AURA). The award was presented recently at a reception in Washington, D.C., honoring the AURA awardees. This annual award recognizes institutions that have developed exemplary programs providing high-quality research experiences to undergraduates.
Associate Provost Catherine Dollard and Chief of Staff Raj Bellani accepted the award on behalf of Denison's faculty and academic administration. “The number of opportunities for student research and the quality of those opportunities make Denison an exceptional college — especially for those students who want to pursue undergraduate research,” said Dollard. “Our Summer Scholar program routinely hosts more than 100 students on campus each summer for a ten-week deep dive into a project of their choosing. And students have many opportunities to work with and be mentored by faculty as they engage in cutting-edge research. Students frequently present at undergraduate and graduate professional meetings, where they network, meet leaders in their fields, and explore new and exciting areas in their disciplines. Denison is a terrific place for student research. We are very proud of this recognition.”
Denison’s Lisska Center for Scholarly Engagement is the hub for intellectual development on campus, where students and faculty are mentored and supported as they engage in scholarly pursuits. The Lisska Center also supports faculty, students and recent alumni in applying for nationally and internationally competitive fellowships and scholarships. The Center also coordinates Denison’s Summer Scholar program and serves as a contact point and funding hub for a wide range of academic enrichment programs and events.
“This achievement is wonderful recognition that we are accomplishing our mission,” said Margot Singer, associate professor and director of the Lisska Center. “More than one-third of our faculty members spent the summer on campus, mentoring students who researched projects across arts, humanities and sciences. Denison’s support of this program through $1.6 million in endowed funds is part of our overall culture of vigorous undergraduate research and mentorship.”
Learn more about Denison’s recognition for excellence in student research.