Undergrads tell their stories, present research at UROC 2023

May 23, 2023 - Mary Beth King

UROC23University of New Mexico undergraduate students work closely with faculty mentors to conduct innovative and exciting research.  Each spring, this research is celebrated at the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC). UROC is a professional research conference reserved solely for undergraduates to spotlight their research, explain their ideas, and display what they have to offer in their respective fields and majors.

The goals of UROC are to:

  • Provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to present their research projects in and outside of the classroom/lab.
  • Create opportunities for undergraduate students to network with faculty, graduate students, and the greater UNM community.
  • Showcase the undergraduate research to UNM communities, including donors, policymakers, local business and industries, and other stakeholders. At UROC 2023, a total of 160 students participated in the various competitions.

UROC 180

The UROC 180 Competition, like an elevator pitch, challenges students to present their research in just 180 seconds to the general audience with no background in your research area. Students do use PowerPoint, video, or other media. The top three winners receive scholarships ($500 first prize, $300 second prize, and $200 third prize).

During the conference, UROC 180 presenters are assigned to one of two heats. The judges then select the top presenters from each heat to compete at the UROC 180 final.

Meg Honnold, whose research field is Social Sciences, received first place and a $500 scholarship with her presentation on The American Homeschool Movement: An Analytic Review of Prominent Research Topics, Leading Voices, and Emerging Studies. 

According to her abstract, homeschooling is a steadily growing practice with an estimated 2 million students (excluding COVID-19 school closures), highlighting the need for comprehensive research informing policymakers, parents, and organizations… This study presents a literature review and visual map answering the question, "What are the analytic grounds and gaps of research on homeschooling in the United States?"

Read more about Meg Honnold and her research.

 

Read more at the UNM Newsroom