Providence College has recently joined the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), an organization of individual and institutional members representing more than 900 colleges and universities nationwide. The aim of CUR and its affiliated institutions is to provide undergraduate research opportunities for faculty and students.

"A rising tide lifts all boats," said Dr. Craig B. Wood, professor of natural science in biology and special lecturer in geology, in assessing the partnership.

The non-profit organization carries out its mission by providing support for faculty development through various resource materials and workshops, mentoring networks, and assessment. Additionally, CUR lobbies state legislatures, private foundations, government agencies, and the U.S. Congress on the importance of undergraduate research.

Originally established by a group of chemists in 1978, CUR has grown to include areas such as biology, the geosciences, mathematics and computer science, physics and astronomy, psychology, the social sciences, an at-large division that serves administrators and other disciplines, and a division for directors of undergraduate research.

Wood, who is also chair of the Department of Biology, and Dr. Sheila M. Adamus, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, are the two PC faculty members who will serve as liaisons to CUR. Dr. Hugh F. Lena, vice president for academic affairs, and Edward J. Caron, vice president for college relations and planning, are the two other College representatives to the organization.

Although both Adamus and Wood have been affiliated with CUR for years, they said the institutional involvement will significantly benefit the entire College community, now and in the future.

"The council is ready to help; why not see what they can do for us?" Adamus said.

"I think this is one of the best ways for us to get plugged in and network," Wood added. "CUR is so widespread, so strong, and so well known, everybody realizes the benefits to faculty and students."

For more information on the Council on Undergraduate Research, go to www.cur.org.