PURSUE LAS is a program at the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences with the goal of expanding access to transformative undergraduate research experiences. It supports both established programs and new initiatives that connect students with faculty-led discoveries.
The program helps to meet the growing demand in LAS and sustain high-impact programs which build intellectual curiosity, academic confidence, and a strong foundation for students’ future paths.
Proposals can be submitted by LAS departments, schools, units, faculty, and campus partner units. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are also encouraged. This year, 17 projects received more than $250,000 in total.
Descriptions of the SIB projects follow:
PURSUE Biology Research Fellows
Wendy Yang (integrative biology) submitted a year-long, paid research pathway that removes financial barriers and enables sustained undergraduate engagement in faculty-mentored biological research. Through cohort training, near-peer mentoring, and research presentations, students build core research competencies, confidence, and pathways to distinction and advanced study.
Piloting a high-impact summer research onboarding experience for biology students
Ben Clegg (integrative biology) submitted an immersive summer “bootcamp” that helps incoming students build early research skills, confidence, and belonging in STEM fields. By lowering barriers at the start of students’ academic careers, the program strengthens retention and prepares students to engage in sustained undergraduate research.