PURSUE LAS is a program at the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences with the goal of expanding access to transformative undergraduate research experiences. It supports both established programs and new initiatives that connect students with faculty-led discoveries.
The program helps to meet the growing demand in LAS and sustain high-impact programs that build intellectual curiosity, academic confidence, and a strong foundation for students’ future paths.
Proposals can be submitted by LAS departments, schools, units, faculty, and campus partner units. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are also encouraged. This year, 17 projects received more than $250,000 in total.
This year, a project of the department of astronomy was selected:
Support for Transforming Astronomy Research (STARS)
Tony Wong, Yue Shen, Leslie Looney, Decker French, Joaquin Vieira, and Bryan Dunne (astronomy), along with department affiliate Jeffrey Filippini (physics), submitted the expansion of an oversubscribed undergraduate research program that provides funded research placements and mentorship in astronomy and related fields. Students gain hands-on experience with data analysis, simulation, and research collaboration, supporting degree requirements and pathways to graduate study.