NC West Virginia News

Efforts by West Virginia University's Office of Undergraduate Research to engage students in research activities have been recognized nationally. The Council on Undergraduate Research awarded WVU with the Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments, highlighting institutions with exemplary undergraduate research programs.

Vice President for Research Fred King remarked on the unique nature of WVU's student research experience: “From their earliest days on campus, we offer novel experiential learning opportunities and one-on-one mentorships between students and faculty.”

WVU holds an R1 classification, a prestigious research ranking from the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation. Cinthia Pacheco, director of the University’s Office of Undergraduate Research, emphasized that providing year-round research opportunities is a key differentiator for WVU. “For students who participate in these experiences, the impact on their academic journey is significant," she said.

The Office of Undergraduate Research was established in 2015 to foster a strong culture of undergraduate research at WVU. Among its successful initiatives is the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP), which supports about 200 first- and second-year students annually. A study by Pacheco and Amy Hessl found that 92% of RAP participants returned to WVU for their second year.

“This is a valuable opportunity for first-year college students to embark on this high impact academic practice,” Pacheco noted. The program also includes a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience offering an eight-week mentored program with a $5,000 stipend.

Sophomore neuroscience major Jayla Boyd credited both programs with helping her discover her passion for research. "They really helped me get connected, get involved and to have a support system,” she said.

Boyd worked closely with William Walker during her time in RAP and contributed to studies involving chemotherapy timing and brain metastasis. “When I first learned about circadian rhythms...I soon realized there are many different things they can impact within our bodies,” Boyd explained.

Walker emphasized the importance of mentoring: “I genuinely enjoy teaching new skills and watching students begin to learn.” He has mentored over 15 undergraduates since joining WVU in 2018.

“Undergraduate research gives students their initial exposure to critical thinking and problem solving,” Walker stated. Boyd echoed his sentiments: “It adds so much value to your education because you’re actually using what you’re learning.”

Pacheco aims to foster community across campus through shared spaces where undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and researchers can connect: “Offering programs where undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and researchers can come together in shared spaces helps foster lasting connections.”