The University of Utah's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) gives undergraduate students and faculty mentors the opportunity to work together on research or creative projects. The program provides a stipend and educational programming for students who assist with a faculty member’s research or creative project or who carry out a project of their own under the supervision of a faculty member. Students may apply for UROP any semester and may be eligible for a one-semester renewal. UROP awardees are hired as temporary, part-time UROP Participants by the Office of Undergraduate Research and are paid $1,200 for 120 hours of research or creative work during the semester.
This spring, six College of Fine Arts students were awarded funding and are now hard at work on their research projects.
Lauren Carn | Department of Theatre
Through the Looking-Glass of Childlike Play: A New Adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Mentor: Alexandra Harbold
"As artists, we are given many opportunities to play while creating our work. I'm excited to use the curious world of 'Alice' to bring audiences of all ages a path to reignite their childhood memories of play. Play is a powerful and healing tool and one that I am ecstatic to be using as a new fold in my previous research of the mental health benefits from participating in the arts."
Andie Funk | School of Music
Integrating Songwriting in Elementary General Music: A Creative Project in Music Education
Mentor: Jonathan Dillon
"Working in an elementary school music setting is a career goal of mine so I am looking forward to doing specialized research surrounding it. I hope to highlight the importance of having music classes at the elementary level while diving into Songworks methodology."
Mickayla Koday | Department of Art & Art History
Large Format Illustrated Book
Mentor: Maureen O'Hara Ure
"I think the most exciting part of my research is having the resources to actually complete a project of this scale! I didn’t know UROP was something that was available to art majors until my mentor, Maureen O’Hara Ure, suggested I apply. The finished product will be an approximately 10x13” hand-bound book filled with illustrations reflecting on my thoughts, feelings, and experiences throughout my years studying art. While creating art centered around myself has always been a struggle of mine, this project has allowed me to further reflect on my personal and artistic growth and I’m excited to share the results!"
Michael Palmer | Department of Film & Media Arts
Exploring the Radicalization of Youth in Alt-Right Spaces through Screenwriting
Mentor: Hubbel Palmer
"Researching youth radicalization in alt-right spaces, my screenplay delves into the complexities of a character who commits horrific acts for what he perceives as a good cause. The support of the university allows me to take the time and research to create a three-dimensional, empathetic representation of a person that’s more common than most of us would like to admit, and the kind of person that needs kindness and empathy more than we realize."
Colin Poly | Department of Art & Art History
Exploration of the Aluminosilicate Glass Formation Boundary
Mentor: Ernest Gentry
"What excites me most about my project is that it represents the epitome of interdisciplinary academic research. Understanding the molecular interactions and material properties of ceramic glaze requires drawing upon a profound knowledge of chemistry. It’s a fascinating intersection where creativity meets scientific exploration, pushing the boundaries of both disciplines."
Alix Wright | Department of Art & Art History
Engaging Embodiments: Exploring Materials, Entities, and Phenomenology
Mentor: Moses Williams
"With this research award, I’m so excited for the opportunity to have designated time to work with my mentor and the topic of phenomenology. It’s been really fascinating to discover the inseparable reality of cognitive and material experience through research. I’m most excited for the diversity in research being able to learn through text, film and different hands-on art processes that I’ve never explored before."