CUREs: Lowering the Barrier to Undergraduate Research
College students are often told undergraduate research will give them an edge in the job market. But the steps involved in finding a project can seem daunting. UC Davis makes the process easier with courses that open doors to meaningful research for all students. In these classes, called course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), faculty and students work together on original research. Because the classes are aimed at first-year students, both freshmen and transfers, the program also gives students time to capitalize on research that captures their interest. Nearly 50% of UC Davis undergraduates participate in faculty-mentored independent research and creative projects.