Student researchers at UNI capped off ten weeks of inquiry and discovery by presenting their findings at the annual Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Symposium on August 1. For many, the experience was a chance to move beyond the classroom, apply what they’ve learned in new ways and share the results of their work with the campus community.

The program engages undergraduates from STEM disciplines including biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, earth and environmental sciences, technology and physics. The posters reflected a remarkable range of inquiry — from examining how no-till farming practices influence Iowa’s soil and air quality to analyzing glacial sediments that reveal the history of environmental change. Other projects demonstrated innovative approaches in the lab, documenting the properties of cave and ice crystals and sequencing bumblebee genomes.

Maureen Clayton, associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences, said SURP gives students a “fuller experience of the scientific process.” Undergraduates take on research at a depth often reserved for graduate students: formulating questions, using advanced equipment to develop and test methods and ultimately presenting their findings to peers, faculty and the public.

Clayton noted that donor support has been essential to SURP’s success. Offered for decades at UNI, the program has impacted hundreds of students. 

“Without financial support, undergraduate research would be out of reach for many, especially in the summer. Funding gives students and faculty the time and resources to ask new questions, test methods and even follow unexpected paths that can lead to exciting discoveries.”
—Maureen Clayton

The SURP Symposium continues to show how engaged research experiences at UNI prepare students for what comes next — whether that’s the K–12 classroom, graduate study or career opportunities across Iowa and beyond.

‌Thanks to these private individuals who support STEM undergraduate research with gifts of $1000 or more:

Dr. Frank Barnwell 
Bill and Teri Brecht 
Mark Butterworth 
Clark and Helga Fensterman 
Dr. Gary and Myrna Floyd 
Dr. Robert and Brenda Good 
Dr. Steven and Merry Heilmann 
Charles and Dawn Helscher 
Gayl and Kathy Hopkins 
Dr. Gerald and Christine lntemann 
Richard Jourdan 
Drs. Guang Jin and Frank Ju 
David and Lois Kail 
Keith and Cheryl Krewer 
Dr. Alan and Karen Orr 
Drs. Jeff and Kim Rathmell 
Dr. Brian Raue 
Dr. Paul and Carole Rider 
Richard Riehle and Janet Forst 
Dr. Becky and Danny Rose 
James and Diane Sass 
Jim and Diane Sass Research Fund 
Gary & Mindy Scholten 
Drs. David and Cathy Swanson 
Randy and Josena Wadle 
Dr. Virginia Weimar-Mutters 
Dr. Darrell Wiens and Arleen Cook 
Drs. Ching and Susan Woo