What’s included below is only a selection of research opportunities currently available to undergraduate students. You are encouraged to read through these postings and contact mentors whose projects you are interested in.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the undergraduate research opportunities available at UGA, and many faculty have opportunities that may not be listed here.

Mentors may post a research opportunity to the list at any time throughout the year. Mentors, contact [email protected] to advertise a research opportunity.

 

Summer/Fall 2024

Who: Dr. Maor Bar-Peled
Study area: Microbiology, cell biology, genetics research
Department: Complex Carbohydrate Research Center
Date advertised: March 12, 2024

Dr. Maor Bar-Peled has a few slots for microbiology/ cell biology/ genetics research for undergraduate this coming Summer-Fall towards research credit.

  1. One of the project involves collaboration with NASA scientists, and involves analysis and characterization of a few bacterial strains isolated from a space shuttle.
  2. The other involves localization of Bordetella, the cause of whooping cough, during host colonization.

He normally looks for students who can carry out research for a minimum of 3 semesters. For more information, email Dr. Bar-Peled at [email protected].

 

Who: Dr. Sha’Mira Covington
Study area: Fashion Policy and Advocacy/Fashion Sustainability
Department: Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors
Date advertised: March 12, 2024

We are seeking motivated undergraduate students who are passionate about fashion, sustainability, and social change to join our fashion ethics and sustainability research team. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fashion policy, advocacy, and sustainability initiatives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fashion, working alongside a team of academic experts and industry partners.

Key responsibilities:

    1. Conduct research on current fashion policies, sustainability trends, and ethical practices.
    2. Assist in championing of advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry such as the FABRIC Act.
    3. Engage with stakeholders, including fashion brands, designers, and policymakers, to foster dialogue and collaboration.
    4. Support the creation of educational materials and programs to raise awareness about sustainable fashion among consumers and industry participants.
    5. Participate in organizing events, workshops, and webinars.

Joining the research team offers a plethora of benefits designed not only to enhance your professional journey but also to ensure you make a tangible impact in the world of fashion sustainability and advocacy. As a part of the research team, you will gain invaluable experience by working at the forefront of efforts to create a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry. The research is a gateway to building a robust professional network comprised of industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts, which can prove instrumental in your future career. You will also develop a comprehensive understanding of both the challenges and opportunities present in fostering a sustainable fashion industry, equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive change.

Interested students should contact Dr. Covington at [email protected].

 

Who: Mark Lupo
Study area: CyberArch Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Department: UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government
Date advertised: March 12, 2024

Facilitated by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, UGA is addressing the challenges of cybersecurity for Georgia’s communities and businesses through the CyberArch program. This program helps build a broader awareness about cybersecurity threats and strengthens cyber preparation and response actions of city and county governments, K-12 school systems and rural hospitals. The CURO/CyberArch research opportunity is aimed at outstanding and self-motivated undergraduate students to participate in faculty-mentored research in the field of cybersecurity. Under the supervision of the CyberArch program coordinator Mark Lupo ([email protected]) and in collaboration with other research labs across campus, undergraduate students will conduct a one-semester research project focusing on the cybersecurity aspects of public outreach and service. A list of three main research areas is included below, and our goal is to follow a multidisciplinary approach by involving students from multiple backgrounds across campus. The list of topics is not exclusive, and you may reach out to Mark Lupo if there is a specific topic related to Cybersecurity that you would like to propose as the focus of your research experience.

Research areas:

  1. Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLM) in the Cybersecurity and Engineering Education Domains. (Potential collaboration with the Engineering Education Transformation Institute, College of Engineering).
    • Leveraging NLP and LLM for cybersecurity job requirement analysis at the entry level
    • Data cleaning, analysis, and visualization using NLP in compliance assessments
  2. Gamified approach to enhance cyber education principles: design, implementation, and evaluation. (Potential collaboration with Mary Frances Early College of Education, the Engineering Education Transformation Institute, Terry College of Business).
    • Teach cyber hygiene principles using the CIS controls V8.0
    • Recognize social engineering tactics and attacks
  3. The role of public policy in medical device cybersecurity, FDA, and cybersecurity regulations. (Potential collaborations with College of Pharmacy, School of Public and International Affairs, Terry College of Business).
    • Medical Device Compliance Trends
    • Medical Device Risk Management

 

Spring 2024

Who: Dr. Donald Leo
Study area: CURO / Georgia Power Electric Mobility Scholars Program
Department: UGA College of Engineering
Date advertised: November 15, 2023

The CURO / GA Power Electric Mobility Scholars Program provides stipends of $1,000 each to outstanding undergraduate students across campus to participate in faculty-mentored research. Awards are for one semester—either fall, spring, or summer.

The faculty mentor for this cohort will be Dr. Donald Leo ([email protected]). A representative list of topics is included below, and our goal is to have a broad range of disciplines in this cohort of CURO scholars. The list of topics is not meant to be exclusive and you may reach out to Dr. Leo if you want to obtain feedback on a topic that you would propose as the focus of your research experience.

Representative topics are:

  • Assessment of community readiness and needs for e-mobility adoption,
  • Grid optimization for increased utilization of electric vehicles,
  • Technological enhances of electric vehicles and associated e-mobility infrastructure,
  • The role of public policy in supporting adoption of e-mobility technologies and infrastructure,
  • Economic analysis of e-mobility adoption,
  • Creating sustainable circular economies for electric vehicles and associated components, e.g., battery reuse and recycling,
  • Electric mobility adoption in rural communities with applications to precision agriculture.

Email Dr. Donald Leo ([email protected]) for more information.

 

Who: Dr. Assaf Oshri and Dr. Charles Geier
Study area: Building Resiliency and Nurturing Children’s Health (BRANCH) project
Department: Human Development and Family Science (Youth Development Institute)
Date advertised: November 3, 2023

What we are looking for: We are looking for 4-5 motivated undergraduate research assistants (URAs) from PSYCH 4980/BIOL 4960/HDFS 5950, interested in brain development and resilience to work on a longitudinal research project among low-income rural youth. URAs need to be highly motivated, hard-working, responsible, organized, science-loving and capable of working both independently as well as collaboratively with other research assistants. A weekly commitment of at least 9 hours, inclusive of various meetings, is expected. In addition, students may be asked to work during the weekends and after 5 p.m. Furthermore, a commitment spanning at least two semesters is mandatory. During this time students will be supervised by Drs. Oshri and Geier in collaboration with graduate research assistants.

Why training in YDI: This project offers an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in analyzing behavioral interactions between parents and children and its association with brain development. Additionally, students will have the unique chance to assist with and observe various aspects of the research process, including f-MRI scanning protocols, data collection, and management. This experience would be ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in research with children and families, including medicine. Prior research experience is not necessary.

If you are interested, please fill out the online application through YDI website (ydiatuga.com) or if you have any questions, please email student coordinators at YDI: [email protected] and [email protected].

 

Who: Dr. Kathryn Manis
Study area: LGBTQIA+ History and Archives
Department: Special Collections Libraries
Date advertised: November 1, 2023

We are looking for an undergraduate student to create an online research guide for the Richard Hudson Library of Gay Literature and History. The collection includes over 2000 books, several hundred of which are considered rare volumes, and a manuscript collection that features assorted ephemera, correspondence, and artifacts related to LGBTQ+ history and culture. 18th and 19th century European literary figures are most strongly represented in the collection, but as a whole, it covers several centuries, locations, and subject areas.

Because the collection is so large, it can be a challenge for researchers interested in Queer history to locate items of interest to them. Therefore, we are looking for someone to become an expert in the collection and to create a libguide that assists users in navigating the collection and understanding what it includes. Libguides offer summaries, spotlight highlights in the collection, provide tips and tricks to help users locate materials of interest, and connect collections to broader, related resources. There may also be opportunities to work with Dr. Manis on designing and delivering archival instruction utilizing the Hudson Collection and other LGBTQ+ history materials housed at UGA.

This opportunity is a good fit for anyone interested in archival research or careers, as well as those with subject matter interest and/or expertise in Queer history and culture. The student should be able to commit to an average of 5 hours per week in special collections in the Spring 2024 semester. There is the possibility of extending this project into additional related work in the Fall. There is no course credit attached to this role, but CURO Honors Scholars may request to be placed with this project and equivalent funding is available for interested students who have not received the CURO Honors Scholarship. Dr. Manis will support the selected student to present at the CURO symposium and identify other professional development opportunities related to this project.

To submit your interest or ask any questions, email Dr. Manis ([email protected]) with a brief cover letter (a few sentences is fine!) and CV/resume.

 

Who: Dr. H. Travis Ichikawa and Dr. Branson W. Ritchie
Study area: Applied Microbiology Projects
Department: New Materials Institute
Date advertised: August 14, 2023

The Industrial and Applied Microbiology Laboratory in New Materials Institute on campus is seeking undergraduate students.

Bacterial Gene Regulation Assay Validation: Dual fluorescent reporter genes are used to assess relative gene regulation levels in an assay system, the aim of the project is to validate the sampling methods, reproducibility, and sensitivity of the system. The project is suitable for students with working knowledge of bacterial gene regulation and have finished General Chemistry and introductory level Microbiology. This project will require >10 hours a week. Course credit may be available.

Project Assembly Volunteer: The volunteer will design and build a benchtop scale carbon neutral bioremediation experimental system. The volunteer must be proficient in the use of general and electric tools. Students who can spend 4 to 6 hours in the laboratory per week during regular business hours are encouraged to apply. This volunteer work can not satisfy course credit requirements.

Applied Microbiology Volunteer: The volunteers will monitor microorganisms using microbiology, molecular biology, and other assorted analytical methods. Students who can spend 1 to 2 hours in the laboratory daily during the operation hours are encouraged to apply. This volunteer work can not satisfy course credit requirements.

Interested students who meet above criteria can send a cover letter and resume to Travis Ichikawa, [email protected]. Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview. US citizenship requirement applies. Laboratory operation hours are Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm. NMI is located at 220 Riverbend Rd, Athens GA 30602. https://newmaterials.uga.edu