About the Office of Undergraduate Research
Welcome to the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of North Florida, where curiosity meets opportunity and ideas take shape. We support Ospreys across every major and discipline as they explore questions that matter, create new knowledge, and bring their creativity to life. Through hands on research and close collaboration with faculty mentors, students build confidence, deepen their academic experience, and develop skills that prepare them for what comes next.
At UNF, undergraduate research is more than an academic experience. It is a pathway to discovery, connection, and growth. The Office of Undergraduate Research is here to guide students every step of the way with resources, funding opportunities, and programs designed to make research accessible and meaningful. Whether you are just getting started or ready to share your work with a wider audience, we help turn curiosity into impact and empower Ospreys to shape their future through inquiry and innovation.
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Mission Statement
The Office of Undergraduate Research (O.U.R.) facilitates personalized educational experiences by connecting and providing resources for all students and faculty engaged in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA). The O.U.R. also encourages and supports departments and colleges to integrate RSCA into student learning through the development of research-intensive courses.
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Vision Statement
Foster a campus-wide culture in which student success is promoted through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activities (RSCA).
Meet the Team
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Judith D. Ochrietor, Ph.D. | Directorj.ochrietor@unf.edu | Building 1, Suite 1501 Judith D. Ochrietor, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Biology. As a cell and molecular biochemist, her research interests include cellular metabolism of the nervous system and the immune system. She has trained undergraduate and graduate students through her research program, with most of those students matriculating in graduate and professional programs. Dr. O and her students have presented their research on the UNF campus, at regional conferences, international conferences, and in peer-reviewed scientific journals. In addition to research and mentoring activities, Dr. O is dedicated to professional service and community outreach programs. |
Resources
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects who participate in research. All UNF research projects involving human subjects must be submitted for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review. IRB approval for these projects must be granted prior to the initiation of any study activities, including recruitment or analysis of existing data.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
This committee reviews and approves protocols submitted by researchers who wish to use animals in their research, conducts inspections of the animal care facility, and makes recommendations to the University administration on changes and improvements that may be necessary in order to provide optimal and humane care of the animals in the facility.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) ensures compliance with National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines and ensures the safe handling, use, and storage of biohazardous organisms.
Fellowships Advising
Fellowships provide funding for students to pursue extraordinary opportunities to add depth and breadth to their undergraduate and graduate experience. These nationally competitive and prestigious awards provide funding from a 3rd party outside UNF to recipients and act in the same way a scholarship or grant would. Visit the link above to learn more and book an appointment.
Thomas G. Carpenter Library
The Thomas G. Carpenter Library offers multiple great resources and services to assist you in your research. Visit the link above to learn more.
Writing Center
Need help crafting your research paper or O.U.R. grant application? The UNF Writing Center offers virtual and online writing consultations to help spot issues in your writing. Visit the link above to schedule a Writing Center consultation today.
Affiliations
UNF is proud to be an Institutional Member of the Florida Undergraduate Research Association and an Enhanced Institutional Member of the Council on Undergraduate Research.
