Two Students Receive Undergraduate Research Awards (UGRA)


This fall, 13 University of Kansas students will receive an Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA), and two of those students are from the CPE Department. UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects.

“These student projects explore innovative ideas in different disciplines across campus,” said Alison Olcott, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and associate professor of geology. “With their mentors’ support, these students are learning to use the tools of their disciplines to make important contributions to their fields of study.”

Amanda Hertel, a senior from Shawnee: “Tau Protein and Lipid Dysregulation: Potential Role in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression,” mentored by Prajna Dhar.

Greta Olsen, a senior from Bartlesville, Oklahoma: “Physical Property Characterization of Ionic Liquids Using a High-Pressure View Cell,” mentored by Mark Shiflett.

The Center for Undergraduate Research is currently taking applications for the Spring 2022 UGRA competition. The deadline for student proposals will be Oct. 28. Online guidance and individual advising appointments are available to help students prepare strong applications.  More information can be found on the Center for Undergraduate Research website.