Wisconsin state Rep. Robert Wittke discusses a research poster with a UWM undergraduate researcher. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Students discuss their research with visitors at the Student Union. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Naomi Raicu talks about her research into protein folding at the symposium. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Winners at the undergrad research symposium show off their award ribbons with Chancellor Mark Mone. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Nathaniel Stern, professor of mechanical engineering and art & design, shows his plaque for winning undergraduate research mentor of the year. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
At the R1 celebration, Ivy Hu, professor of urban planning, describes her current research project, which aims to solve transportation barriers for workers in Milwaukee who have trouble getting to jobs in the suburbs. “The project underscores the mission and the value of UWM,” she said. “Our research serves real people, real communities. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Provost Johannes Britz discusses the importance of UWM's R1 status. “We’re probably one of the leanest universities named as R1,” he said. “That’s why I’m so proud of this accomplishment." (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Karen Frick, distinguished professor of psychology, talks about the importance of undergrad researchers. “In my years of experience at some of the top research universities in the world, including Yale and Johns Hopkins, I have never seen a university provide such strong support for undergraduate researchers and their mentors,” she said. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Chancellor Mark Mone talks about UWM's R1 status. “It’s important to realize how rare and how hard this achievement is. It doesn’t happen overnight,” he said. “And it’s because of your sustained efforts. You've made us a better university.” (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
UWM celebrated research in all its forms at the university on April 29.
At the 14th annual UWM Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Student Union, the university took time to celebrate its third consecutive inclusion in the top ranks of research institutions by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This designation was given last year to only 146 institutions of almost 4,000 considered. UWM has maintained this R1 ranking since 2015.
“Isn’t it great that we’ve gotten our undergraduate research celebration to piggyback on our R1 celebration?” said Chancellor Mark Mone, donning a gold baseball cap with “R1” emblazoned in it. “How perfect is that?
“It’s important to realize how rare and how hard this achievement is. It doesn’t happen overnight,” Mone said. “And it’s because of your sustained efforts. You’ve made us a better university.”
At the symposium, 280 UWM undergraduate students presented the research they have been conducting with more than 200 faculty members and research staff.