Launched in the fall of 2023, The Cofrin School of Business Research Intensive Student Experiences program (RISE) is already opening doors to undergraduate research opportunities and empowering students with academic experience. Spearheaded by Kathryn Marten, the Student and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Cofrin School of Business, the program breaks down barriers that traditionally deter students from engaging in research.

 

RISE addresses the challenge of limited access to undergraduate research, which has often been confined to students who catch the attention of faculty in the classroom. Marten said the program has helped, “students who are maybe a little more quiet, or are first gen and don’t necessarily feel comfortable reaching out to professors, or don’t even know that [research] is an opportunity for them.” By broadcasting opportunities more widely, RISE ensures broader participation. Seven students and six faculty members participated in RISE during the 2023-24 school year. Importantly, the program offers paid research positions, funded primarily through the School’s Corporate Partnership Program, which allow students to prioritize their academic work rather than balancing it with off-campus jobs.

Support from regional businesses has been crucial to the program’s success. Students have been able to travel to present their research at the National Center for Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and the Midwest Psychological Association conference, as well as UW-Madison’s Research in the Rotunda. These experiences enhance their resumes and expose them to the wider academic community.

A notable RISE-supported project is the SAM Research Group’s study on COVID-19’s impact on college students, focusing on stress levels and resource availability. Funded travel support allowed students to present their findings at the NCUR in Long Beach, California this spring. Dr. Murphy, who is the faculty mentor for the group, praised the program and the students. “When we set up conditions for them to get engaged and foster their creativity and innovative thinking, they rise to the challenge,” said Murphy.

In the coming years, Marten aims to expand the program, getting more faculty and students involved each year. She also hopes RISE can be adopted by additional programs beyond the Cofrin School of Business.

Thanks to support from companies like AK Pizza Crust, Imperial Supplies, Pomp’s Tires, and U.S. Bank, the RISE program is making undergraduate research more inclusive and supportive, providing transformative opportunities that shape students’ academic and professional futures. “I did undergraduate research when I was a student, so I know firsthand how impactful it can be,” said Marten, “The fact that we were able to actually launch it and affect this many students is really exciting.”

To see a full list of sponsors, please visit uwgb.edu/csb/sponsorship