Every year, the URECA Center recognizes faculty mentors who have proven to be exceptional mentors for undergraduates pursuing research and creative projects through the Center’s various programs. Two awards are typically given:


2024 Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentored Scholarship in the Sciences or Social Sciences

Dr. Fred Chen

Professor of Economics

Dr. Kyana Young

Assistant Professor of Engineering

2024 Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentored Scholarship in the Arts or Humanities

Dr. Sara Fernández Cuenca

Assistant Professor of Spanish


2023 Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentored Scholarship in the Sciences or Social Sciences

Dr. Ulrich Bierbach

Professor of Chemistry


Historical Recipients

YearScience & Social ScienceArts & Humanities
2024Fred Chen, Economics
Kyana Young, Engineering
Sara Fernández Cuenca, Spanish
2023Uli Bierbach, Chemistry
2022Betina Wilkinson, PoliticsQiong Zhang, History
2021John Dalton, EconomicsRob Eastman-Mullins, Theatre
2020Patricia Dos Santos, ChemistryZak Lancaster, English
2019Errin Fulp, Computer ScienceLisa Blee, History
2018Oana Jurchescu, PhysicsJeff Holdridge, English
2017Pat Nixon, HESStew Carter, Music
2016Ken Berenhaut, MathLaura Aull, English
2015Steve Folmar, AnthropologyAna Iltis, Philosophy
2014Gloria Muday, BiologyNate Plageman, History
2013Ron Noftle, HistoryHarry Titus, Art