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Undergraduate Research
Welcome to the Office of Undergraduate Research
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at the University of North Florida (UNF) is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or email us anytime at OUR@unf.edu.
The OUR provides services and support to UNF undergraduates who are interested in conducting research or creative research projects in any discipline and across all colleges, departments, and majors. Studies and experience show that actively engaging in undergraduate research or special projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor will expand your intellect, strengthen your resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and enhance your marketable skills.
OUR SUMMER 2024 EVENTS
ARISE
Friday, July 26 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Talon Room (Building 16, 4th floor)
Congratulations to the July Undergraduate Researcher of the Month, MuhammadMahdi Nabi!
MuhammadMahdi Nabi is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in leadership and has been involved in undergraduate research since his first year at UNF. His first research experience was with Dr. Eirin McBride (Sullivan) from the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, where he worked with her for two semesters during his freshman year on a project focusing on analyzing fingerprints through chemical agents. Then, during his sophomore year, MuhammadMahdi worked with Dr. AmirHossein MajidiRad from the School of Engineering on a project investigating the use and effects of robotics on manufacturing and medical industries, while also working with Dr. Jutima Simisiriwong from the School of Engineering on a project involving analyzing pipes using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Near the end of his sophomore year, MuhammadMahdi began working with Dr. Alexandra Schonning from the School of Engineering on a project analyzing plantar fascia and skin illnesses by designing models in Geomagic Wrap and Minmic, which are then transferred over to FEA samples using NX software. From his research project with Dr. Schonning, MuhammadMahdi has presented their data at the 2023 U-GLIDE (Undergraduate – Graduate Learning, Inquiry and Distinctive Experimentation) symposium, the 2023 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC), and at SOARS (the Showcase of Osprey Advancements in Research and Scholarship) in spring 2024, all of which were held on the UNF campus. MuhammadMahdi notes that the lessons and skills he learns while participating in research are his favorite parts of the research process, along with attending and presenting at conferences. He recommends others wishing to get research experience to take advantage of the Office of Undergraduate Research’s services, and to “talk with the professors in your major. They want you to succeed.” After he graduates next May, MuhammadMahdi plans to pursue a graduate degree in mechanical engineering and to enter the workforce.2024 Undergraduate Mentor of the Year
Congratulations to Dr. John Hatle, Professor of Biology at the University of North Florida, on being named the 2024 Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year! Haley Peters, the student who nominated him wrote “Dr. Hatle has a true passion for student success which is demonstrated through his clear effort in aligning research projects with students’ interests. Each individual experience under Dr. Hatle is unique but shares a common characteristic of being supported by a mentor who has an earnest interest in your development as a student." Dr. Hatle's award was presented as part of the 2024 Showcase of Osprey Achievements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS), held on Friday, April 19 at the Herbert University Center on the UNF campus.
Congratulations Dr. John Hatle on this impressive achievement!
UNF Undergraduate Research News
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UNF Students SOAR With Research
The annual Showcase of Osprey Achievements in Research and Scholarship (SOARS) 2024, took place last week at the University of North Florida. -
UNF Biology Major Gains Real-life Experience as He Builds on His Passion for Research
When University of North Florida senior Alex Bartkowiak was a sophomore in high school, he became disinterested with the standard school curriculum. So, he dropped out of his public school after his sophomore year, convincing his parents to register him as a home schooler. -
UNF hosts the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference
The 14th Annual Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) — the largest multidisciplinary research conference available to undergraduate students in the state of Florida, was held at the University of North Florida this past weekend. -
Anthropology Major Researches Local Indigenous History
Senior anthropology major Victoria (Vic) Hayes unearthed her passion for discovery during the summer of 2022 while attending UNF's Archaeological Field School led by Dr. Keith Ashley, associate professor of anthropology. -
UNF Graduate Gets Free Ride to Harvard Medical School
Maria Encinosa, University of North Florida Hicks Honors College alumna, recently received a nearly full ride scholarship to Harvard Medical School to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.