FAU is committed to nurturing the talents of our undergraduate students by providing quality research opportunities to enhance their learning experiences. That commitment is paying off, as the Council on Undergraduate Research recently named FAU one of three recipients of the 2017 Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments. This national award recognizes institutions that have developed exemplary programs that provide high-quality research, scholarship and creative experiences for undergraduate students.

A key element of FAU’s strategic plan, the “Distinction through Discovery” program aims to expand the culture of research to undergraduate students. Student researchers are learning the importance of inquiry and critical thinking—skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. We are very proud of the fact that nearly 20 percent of our undergraduates are involved in either curriculum-based or faculty-mentored research, and I’m always encouraging more students to explore their interests through research.

I commend Dr. Donna Chamely-Wiik and her team in the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry, as well as the faculty, staff and students who make the program a success. It is truly an honor to receive this recognition for our commitment to undergraduate research.