Scholars Transforming through Research Program 2025-2026

Application Deadline: September 19, 2025
Event Dates & Locations:
  • Orientation & Training Session #1 - November 14, 2025. Online
  • Training Session #2 - December 5, 2025. Online
  • Training Session #3 - January 16, 2026. Online
  • Training Session #4 - February 6, 2026. Online
  • Training Session #5 & Hill Visits - March 3, 2026. Washington, DC area

Learn More about STR

What – The STR Program is a competitive application-based professional development opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty/mentors interested in garnering communication and advocacy skills to leverage the impact of their undergraduate research experience. Students will learn to convey their story to stakeholder groups such as funding agencies, association partners, elected officials, future employers, community, and beyond. Participants will also serve as Advocacy Ambassadors for the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Who – Requirements for a STR Program Attendee: This program will provide an opportunity for institutional teams to apply. Teams must consist of a campus representative team lead – faculty or mentor – and up to two undergraduate research students who are currently enrolled in or have previously completed an undergraduate research experience. Each team member will be involved in all aspects of the trainings provided. 

Cost – The cost of the program is broken down below. This includes the online training sessions and the required in-person training and Capitol Hill visits in March 2025, however, travel and lodging to Washington, DC are an additional expense.
  • CUR (Council on Undergraduate Research) Member
    • Team of 2: $590 (or $510 for online training only)
    • Team of 3: $840 (or $720 online only)
    • Team of 4: $1,060 (or $900 online only)
    • Team of 5: $1,350 (or $1,050 online only)
  • Once accepted, registration and payment opens on October 6, 2025 and closes on November 3, 2025.

If you are interested in applying, the Office of Research can help you compile, organize, structure, and submit your application materials. Email UR@usu.edu if you are considering an application to STR.

Kirsten Barker
2020 STR Attendee

USU undergraduate Kirsten Barker was accepted to present her research at the 2020 Scholars Transforming through Research Program. She and her partner were chosen alongside one student from Dixie State to represent Utah at the event; Kirsten and Laurana shared their research poster entitled “Collaboration and the Environment: Music as a Model for Social Change”. Congratulations, Kirsten!


Other USU STR Attendees:

STR Class of 2023-2024
        - Cristina Chirvasa
        - Matteo Petit Bon

STR Class of 2022-2023
        - Jaxon Didericksen
        - Kylee Tidwell
        - Jayme Walters

Laurana Wheeler Roderer
2020 STR Attendee

USU undergraduate Laurana Wheeler Roderer was accepted to present her research at the 2020 Scholars Transforming through Research Program. She and her partner were chosen alongside one student from Dixie State to represent Utah at the event; Laurana and Kirsten shared their research poster entitled “Collaboration and the Environment: Music as a Model for Social Change”. Congratulations, Laurana!

Andrew (AJ) Walters
2019 POTH Attendee

USU undergraduate AJ Walters was accepted to present his research at the 2019 Posters on the Hill event, a precursor program to STR. He was chosen as the singular representative from Utah to present his research poster entitled “Characterization and Genetic Engineering of Bacteria for the Production of Fixed Nitrogen Fertilizers on Mars”. Congratulations, AJ!