University Research Week 2019

University Research Week 2019

Photo of Zena Cardman in her blue NASA jumpsuit while on stage during her keynote event.
NASA astronaut Zena Cardman at Memorial Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. November 6, 2019.
(Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
University Research Week (URW) 2019 showcased Carolina’s spirit of exploration in a big, unforgettable way. Co-hosted by the Office for Undergraduate Research and the Office of Research Communications, the highlight of the week was the return of UNC alumna Zena Cardman, who had recently been selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. Cardman shared the story of her path from curious undergraduate researcher to Antarctic field scientist to future astronaut, offering students a firsthand look at how discovery shapes a career. She also made a special halftime appearance at the men’s basketball game that night.

Panelists during NASA day. One the left is Zena Cardman, middle is John Hogan, an environmental scientist from NASA, and on the right is Jim Broyan, who is part of NASA administration. That same week, campus got an even deeper look at the world of space exploration through a series of NASA-focused events. “NASA Day” brought leaders from across NASA’s mission directorates to discuss the Artemis program, strategies for collaborating with the agency, and opportunities for researchers at every level to contribute to the next era of human spaceflight. Students, faculty, and staff were also invited to “What’s Next at NASA?,” an accessible, insider-focused session on NASA’s current missions, new technology development, and pathways for internships and careers.

Photo of Mary Lide Parker giving a presentation on her involvement in research communication.The Office of Research Communications added to the lineup with two storytelling-driven events that highlighted the human side of research. “Science to Summits” featured UNC alumna and science communicator Mary Lide Parker, who shared striking stories from her work alongside researchers in environments ranging from North Carolina’s Outer Banks to the Antarctic Peninsula. Another session, “A Conversation with Climate Game-Changers,” brought together three undergraduate researchers fresh from fieldwork in the northern Andes Mountains. Their discussion with geographer Diego Riveros-Iregui highlighted the challenges and rewards of international field research and offered an intimate look at how student-led projects contribute to global climate science.

The Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) also played a key role in helping students take their first steps into Carolina’s research community. Their workshop, “Getting Involved in Research,” offered a practical, welcoming introduction to finding research opportunities on campus. Participants learned how to connect with faculty mentors, navigate available resources, and understand the support OUR provides throughout the research journey. The session featured both student and faculty panels—giving attendees an honest, encouraging look at how undergraduates get started, what faculty look for in mentees, and how to chart a successful research path at UNC.

URW also provides an opportunity for campus partners to host events that reflect their unique research missions. In 2019, more than 30 additional sessions offered workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and conversations that broadened the week’s reach. A complete list of these events is included below.

  • Open House and Tour: Research Labs of Archaeology
  • Introduction to F1000 Workspace
  • Life and Death at an Ancient Greek Colony: Human Skeletal Studies at Himera, Sicily
  • Hettleman Talks
  • A Personal History of Computing
  • “Art in Science” Display
  • Best Practices for the Preparation, Submission and Maintenance of Sponsor-Investigator INDs
  • 2nd Annual Gillings Faculty Research Showcase
  • Working with Data in Excel
  • MURAL Lecture Series – Working with Professional Translators and Interpreters in Research
  • Interdisciplinary Seminar Series in Health Equity
  • Webinar: What is FABRIC?
  • Research in ROMS: Undergraduate Research Opportunities
  • 3D Design and Printing
  • Best Practices for the Preparation, Submission and Maintenance of Sponsor-Investigator IDEs
  • Research in History: Michelle King, “Chop Fry Watch Learn: How Fu Pei-mei Reinvented Chinese Cooking for the Television Generation?”
  • GSLL Undergraduate Research Roundtable
  • An Informal Celebration of New Books
  • 3D Design with Fusion360
  • FPG @Carolina Science Café
  • SkillfUL: Academic Poster for Adobe InDesign
  • Strange Fruit: Providing Insight and Tools for Addressing Implicit Bias and Structural Racism in Research
  • R Open Lab
  • Deconstructing Abstracts Workshop
  • Department of Applied Physical Sciences: Lab tours for research opportunities for undergraduate students
  • Mozart on the Moon: UNC Opera presents Scipio’s Dream
  • Department of Applied Physical Sciences PhD Program Open House
  • “Understanding Antisemitism as a Form of Hate,” talk by Kenneth Stern
  • Chemistry Undergraduate Poster Day
  • Psych & Neuro Research Fest 2019!
  • CryoEM Open House
  • Undergraduate Research in Economics
  • Thomas M. Carsey Graduate Student Symposium