The ninth International Conference of Undergraduate Research will be held on Sept. 28 and 29. ICUR is a two-day academic conference showcasing multi-disciplinary undergraduate research from across the globe and now includes eleven partner institutions from around the world.
Last year, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln participated in its first-ever ICUR with seven undergraduates presenting on panels with students from around the world. This year, the university is hoping for a larger contingent of students from as wide a variety of schools and colleges as possible.
Joevy Sum, a current senior in the school of biological sciences, presented her work at last year’s conference and sees it as a great opportunity to get involved in international research activity.
“To anyone reading this, you have potential,” Sum said. “I'm a woman, person of color, and an international student from a developing country. If I could get involved in research in my junior year, you can too! Stay curious and work hard. Then, find a good support system and mentors who believe in you.”
Professor Kristi Montooth, who mentors Sum, believes that involving students in research from an early stage in their undergraduate careers creates additional engagement.
“There is huge value for undergraduates in presenting at conferences, particularly international ones,” Montooth said. “They gain ownership, and agency, and have many networking opportunities. The right mentorship is essential, and with it students feel trusted and confident.”
ICUR 2021 will involve universities from Australia, Southeast Asia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Europe, and North America. UNL will provide space, to be confirmed, for undergraduate panelists and for an audience.
For questions about UNL's participation and how to get involved, contact Justina Clark, director of undergraduate research, at jclark17@unl.edu.
Learn more about ICUR.
More details at: https://go.unl.edu/icur