KU names first director of undergraduate research


John Augusto


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LAWRENCE – John Augusto has been named the first director of the University of Kansas' new Center for Undergraduate Research.

In this role, Augusto will work with KU faculty and students to support and enhance undergraduate research as a part of the experiential learning opportunities that are being included in the new KU Core curriculum. He has served for the past five years as assistant dean for Graduate Studies.

"John is an ideal individual to create and facilitate the new Center for Undergraduate Research," said Sara Rosen, senior vice provost for academic affairs. "John's experience in working with faculty to foster undergraduate research activities and his enthusiasm for student research will be big benefits for KU."

The new KU Core curriculum, which will be in place for all incoming undergraduate students in fall 2013, encourages experiential learning, including undergraduate research projects, by allowing undergraduate to fulfill selected curriculum units with experiential learning.

The new center will work with faculty and students to promote undergraduate research within the academic departments and across the campus. This includes current programming housed within the University Honors program and the Research Experience Program, as well as new partnerships with the Office for Diversity in Science Training, Research and Graduate Studies and Center for Service Learning.

"KU is an international research university, and I am looking forward to ensuring KU faculty and students get the opportunity to explore research as a part of the overall undergraduate education," said Augusto. "I have found that students involved with undergraduate research are students who complete their degrees and have a lot of great memories as alumni."

Augusto has worked in graduate studies and research in a variety of roles at KU for more than 15 years. His leadership on graduate studies and research issues includes modernizing and putting online the application and admission process for graduate programs, working as a partner in developing the undergraduate research symposium and developing research experiences for undergraduates. Augusto came to KU in August 1996 as director of minority graduate student recruitment.

The Center for Undergraduate Research will part a part of the Collaborative for Experiential Learning in the Office of the Provost. The Center will report to the senior vice provost for academic affairs and will be located in 151 Strong by January 2013.


Tue, 09/04/2012

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Jack Martin

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