The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) is a Registered Student Organization dedicated
to promoting undergraduate research and creative activity at Kennesaw State University.
Here are just a few things you can do as a member of the club:
Learn more about how to get started in undergraduate research, how to find a mentor,
how to publish and present your results, and how to get funding for your project.
Help sponsor the Symposium of Student Scholars each year.
Get Involved with Research Students at Kennesaw State
The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) promotes a supportive research environment,
offering opportunities for professional growth and community-focused research. Open
to all KSU students, URC hosts regular meetings on various research topics and provides
a platform for connecting with peers and mentors. Join us on Microsoft Teams and Owl
Life to get involved and stay updated on our activities!
Purpose
Our mission is to promote an environment of undergraduate research on campus, to advance
and disseminate the theory and practice of research, to provide members with opportunities
for professional socialization in a research environment, to promote research that
benefits the community, and to foster relationships among like-minded peers who are
also interested in research. URC is open to all KSU students.
Meeting Information for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
DATE
TIME
LOCATION
TOPIC
August 26, 2024
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
September 23, 2024
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
November 11, 2024
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
January 2025
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
February 2025
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
March 2025
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
April 2025
5:30pm-6:30pm
Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams
TBD
Research Teams
The Undergraduate Research Club has conducted team-based research projects that are
decided upon by the membership at the beginning of the academic year. Each team is
led by either an officer or member who has experience in undergraduate research. The
projects are presented at KSU's annual Symposium of Student Scholars.
I am currently a senior at Kennesaw State University working towards a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. I was previously in the First Year Scholars Program where I worked with Dr. Roneisha Worthy on “Exploring the Use of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase to Enhance Compost Nitrogen Content,” which was then presented at the Symposium of Student Scholars in the spring of 2022. I am also entering my third year of being an Undergraduate Research Peer Mentor. Since starting at Kennesaw State University, I have been able to gain undergraduate research experience and familiarize myself with the Office of Undergraduate Research. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, and baking. I would like to let incoming freshman know that while undergraduate research can present challenges, it is rewarding in the end.
I am Mason Hipp, a sophomore at KSU. I am studying Professional Chemistry with a minor
in Mathematics. I am honored to be serving as Vice President of Undergraduate Research
Club (URC), because I believe they're more opportunities available for our R2 research
school, Kennesaw State University (KSU). My current research project, of two years,
is exploring the role of phosphorus bearing species in extraterrestrial environments.
However, I have just had a switch in research mentors. Now I will be focused on the
computational study of the structures and dynamics of gas-phased molecules that are
relevant to atmospheric chemistry, origins of life theory, and astrochemistry.
I believe URC should focus more energy and resources towards socialization between colleagues. Such interactions are important for undergraduate researchers, who are attempting to build a social network with other undergraduate researchers. After all, we are the culmination of the five people we spend the most time with.
Aside from my studies, research, and role as a teaching assistant, I enjoy being outside with my dog Allie. We go hiking almost every weekend. I am a logical problem solver, so I enjoy most board and card games such as Chess, Catan, Concordia, Magic the Gathering, Backgammon, etc. Personally, and professionally, I am fascinated by the origins of life in extraterrestrial environments and hope to study Astrochemistry in graduate school. I will prioritize URC members because hardworking individuals deserve to be recognized.
Although busy, I am in this role to serve URC members and any prospective undergraduate researchers. Therefore, do not hesitate to reach out to me should you have any questions.
Hi Everyone! My name is Kiara O’Neal, and I am a sophomore Computer Science major. In my freshman year, I had the privilege of participating in the First Year Scholars Program, collaborating with Dr. Da Hu on “Enhancing Bridge Inspections using Drone Technology and Computer Vision”, a project that I was able to present at the 2024 Symposium and NCUR 2024.
This year, I am thrilled to serve as the treasurer of the Undergraduate Research Club.
In this role, I am committed to supporting and promoting research initiatives across
disciplines. Outside of research, you can find me indulging in my love for reading
and representing the club gymnastics team at KSU.
If you have any questions about the club or are curious about research in general,
please don't hesitate to reach out. I am always eager to engage in meaningful conversations
and collaborate on exciting projects!
Hello, my name is Fernanda Candanedo! I am currently a sophomore Biochemistry major on the Pre-med track here at KSU. I was previously a First-Year Scholar working with Dr. Cyril Okhio on “Brain Augmented Technology (BAT) and STEM-Peer Augmented Success & Support (STEM-PASS).” I presented the project at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) in the spring of 2024 and at the Spring Symposium of Student Scholars in the spring of 2024. I am entering my first year as an Honors Peer Mentor for the Honors College at KSU. I have always been passionate about helping others and I hope to apply all the skills I have gained from Research and mentoring into my future career as a Physician!
Outside of school, you can catch me participating in 5k’s as I love to run, as well as studying, cooking, going to concerts, and volunteering! I love anything that pushes me to my limit and challenges me. I find it fascinating to see how far the human body can endure, and I love to learn about myself and others through growth and challenges.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or
just need someone to talk to!
I am the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Professor of Psychology. I have served as the faculty advisor for the Undergraduate Research Club since its
inception in 2011. I have been the faculty mentor for several of the club's research
projects. If you have any questions about anything related to undergraduate research,
please do not hesitate to reach out!
