About
THE OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (OUR)
Undergraduate Research at UNC Charlotte
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff in expanding access to meaningful, high-quality undergraduate research experiences across campus. OUR connects undergraduate students with opportunities to engage in independent and collaborative research, scholarship, and creative activities alongside faculty members and research professionals. Through research fellowships, funding opportunities, professional development, and opportunities to present and share their work, students gain valuable experience that supports their academic and professional goals.
Explore our resources and opportunities to discover how you can get involved in undergraduate research at UNC Charlotte. Students can learn about research programs and fellowships, opportunities to present at campus research symposiums, and funding to attend national conferences and share their research with broader academic communities. Faculty and staff can also find resources and opportunities to support undergraduate researchers and strengthen the research experience across campus.
Explore OUR
Research Opportunities: Discover programs, fellowships, funding, and other opportunities for undergraduate researchers.
Meet the Staff: Get to know the OUR team and find the right resource for your questions.
OUR Faculty Fellows: Learn about faculty members who support and advance undergraduate research at UNC Charlotte.
Visit OUR: Find our office location and learn how to connect with us on campus.
Whether you are a student interested in your first research experience, a faculty member mentoring an undergraduate researcher, or a staff member supporting student success, OUR is your starting point for undergraduate research at UNC Charlotte!
Our Vision. Our Mission. Our Impact.
Our Mission
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at UNC Charlotte promotes undergraduate research and scholarly identities through experiential learning. We expand access to mentored research, creative activities, and scholarly opportunities as an integral part of the undergraduate experience. Our mission is to ensure that students across UNC Charlotte have opportunities to participate in research and creative scholarship that support their academic, personal, and professional growth.
Our Vision
Our vision is to expand undergraduate research opportunities at UNC Charlotte and promote academic success through innovation, mentored scholarship, creative expression, and entrepreneurship. Through these high-impact experiences, students develop the skills to create and apply knowledge, become lifelong learners, and address future challenges as informed citizens and leaders. Fulfilling this vision means:
Expanding access to undergraduate research: Creating equitable opportunities for all UNC Charlotte undergraduates to participate in research, creative learning, and critical inquiry while developing valuable career competencies.
Removing barriers to participation: Addressing financial, social, and cultural barriers so that research and creative scholarship can become a meaningful part of the undergraduate experience for all interested students.
Connecting students with resources: Serving as a primary campus resource for students, faculty, and staff seeking information, guidance, and support related to undergraduate research and creative activities.
Our Vision in Action
At the Office of Undergraduate Research, we put our mission and vision into action by creating opportunities for students to engage in mentored research, develop professional skills, share their work, and build identities as scholars, artists, and researchers. Through research programs, professional development, scholarly communication, and financial support, OUR helps undergraduate students grow academically and professionally while connecting them with a broader community of researchers and scholars. We bring our vision to life by:
Providing mentored research opportunities: Through OUR Scholars programs, undergraduate students can engage directly in mentored research and scholarly activities while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Sharing undergraduate research: We promote scholarly discussion and communication by supporting the dissemination of undergraduate research through our undergraduate research journal and multiple on-campus research presentation events throughout the year.
Developing research and professional skills: Workshops, seminars, learning communities, and educational sessions help students and mentors strengthen the research, communication, and professional skills needed for academic and career success.
Supporting students beyond campus: Conference attendance grants provide opportunities for undergraduate researchers to present their work, connect with scholars and professionals, and develop their identities as researchers within broader academic communities.
Together, these efforts make undergraduate research at UNC Charlotte more accessible, meaningful, and impactful—helping students discover their potential as scholars, innovators, and future leaders.
Meet the staff
Lance Barton, Ph.D. is Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. A biochemist and cellular immunologist by training, he earned his B.S. from Dickinson College and his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. His research and mentoring have focused on immunology, cell stress, and cancer biology, and his own undergraduate research experiences […]
Areas of Focus: Student Professional Development, “My First Research” Programs, Undergraduate-Graduate Mentoring/Shadowing Initiatives Sarah joined the OUR in May 2023. Prior to her role at UNC Charlotte, Sarah worked in student success at West Virginia University, where she also obtained her PhD in Educational Theory & Practice in 2022. Sarah began her career in the […]
Sarah joined the Advising Center in May 2013. She began her work at UNC Charlotte in 2010 in the University College Department as a federal work-study student worker while pursuing her undergraduate studies at UNC Charlotte. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, Sarah graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Women […]
Caelan Murphy is the OUR Graduate Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year. She is a first-year Master’s in Public Health student with a concentration in Community Health Practice. She has experience in community-based research working to better understand and promote health literacy and cultural competency in rural areas. In OUR and her time at UNC […]
Atenas Hidalgo is a senior at UNC Charlotte pursuing a double major in International Business and Marketing, with a minor in French. She is passionate about professional development, research, creative communication, and creating opportunities that help students connect their academic experiences with their future careers. Atenas is actively involved in campus leadership as the Membership […]
Gabby is an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with double minors in Psychology and Communication Studies. Raised in Charlotte, she is currently a college senior and serves as a Student Assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), where she has […]
Connect with us!
Our office is located in Barnard 109B
Fall 2026 Semester Drop-in hours
- Tuesdays 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Thursdays 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Have Questions? Contact Us
- Phone: 704-687-5316
- Email: undergradresearch@charlotte.edu
Follow OUR on Socials!
Support us!
Why support undergraduate research?
As a comprehensive research university, UNC Charlotte offers undergraduates valuable opportunities to conduct research and collaborate with faculty experts. These experiences help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills while connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges. Undergraduate research also helps students explore careers, build confidence and independence, and prepare for graduate school, professional programs, and the workforce.
Your support helps expand these transformative opportunities for Charlotte students. To give to the Office of Undergraduate Research, please contact Dr. Lance Barton, Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, at lbarton9@charlotte.edu, or give through the UNC Charlotte Giving portal.
Thank you for supporting undergraduate research and the next generation of Charlotte scholars, researchers, and leaders.