Student Undergraduate Research Council (SURC)
SURC was formed to promote awareness about undergraduate research for students at the University of Central Florida. Through generating awareness, we hope to increase the number of students engaged in research projects at UCF. Also, we want to convey that research is tangible to students studying a variety of disciplines who come from diverse backgrounds. SURC believes that participating in undergraduate research is an important experience for anyone interested in gaining more knowledge and a deeper appreciation of their academic field.
Why are we committed to undergraduate research? Research has provided us with fundamentally different ways of looking at the world. Our involvement in research has not only transformed our academic experience but has given us tools and skills that will increase our success in future endeavors.
We are here to help you become a successful undergraduate researcher. If you have any questions about getting involved in undergraduate research, please do not hesitate to ask a SURC representative !
SURC Members
Paul Biscardi
Environmental Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marty Wanielista
Year in School:
Junior
Research Project
Nitrogen Transport and Transformation Beneath Stormwater Ponds
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Student-Mentor Academic Research Team (SMART), Summer Research Academy (SRA) peer mentor, Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Melissa Blette
Management and Marketing
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Carolyn Massiah
Year in School:
Junior
Research Project
Location Elements of Home Health Care Marketing
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Honors in the Major (HIM)
Sasha Brodsky
Biology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Linda Walters
Year in School:
Senior
Research Project
The Effects of Temperature on Attachment Strength of Invasive Versus Native Mussel Species.
Undergraduate Research Programs:
OUR Student Research Grant, Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Amber Dukes
Psychology
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Charles Negy
Year in School:
Senior
Research Project
Variables Associated with Attraction to Individuals with Psychopathic Traits
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Honors in Major (HIM), McNair Scholar, Summer Research Academy (SRA) participant, Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Aaron Godwin
Interdisciplinary Studies
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Kimberly Schneider
Year in School:
Senior
Research Project
Understanding the Potential Impact of an Invasive Marine Mussel- A Field Study Examining the Growth and Survival of Mytella charruana
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Summer Research Academy (SRA) participant and peer mentor, Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Karen Marques Heine
Public Administration
Faculty Mentor::Dr. Christopher Hawkins
Year in School:
Senior
Research Project
Diagnosing the Growth Management Disconnect in the Greater Orlando Metropolitan Area
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Honors in the Major (HIM), Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE) Summer Research Academy (SRA) mentor, Student- Mentor Academic Research Team (SMART)
Rachel King
Biology
Faculty Mentors::Dr. Ken Fedorka
Year in School:
Senior
Research Projects
Genetic Variation in Male Quality Has a Direct Influence on Female Physiology and Fitness
Undergraduate Research Program:
Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Summer Research Academy (SRA) participant, Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Mario Pita
Molecular Biology and Microbiology/Psychology
Faculty Mentor::Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya
Year in School:
Sophomore
Research Project
Evaluating the Neuroregenerative and Neuroprotective Effects of a Potential Drug Candidate for Parkinson’s Disease.
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Student-Mentor Academic Research Team (SMART)
Christina Restrepo
Science Education
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Po-Ju Chen
Year in School:
Junior
Research Project
Consumer Perceptions of Green Hotels in Colombia
Undergraduate Research Programs:
McNair Scholar, Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
Natalia Marques da Silva
Art History
Faculty Mentor::Dr. Kristin Congdon
Year in School:
Senior
Research Project
Ex-Votos and Other Votive Traditions in Religious and Secular Environments
Undergraduate Research Programs:
Honors in the Major (HIM), McNair Scholar, OUR Student Research Grant, Research and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Student-Mentor Academy Research Team (SMART), Summer Research Academy mentor, Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence (SURE)
