The first student projects to be funded by the Faculty of Arts & Science/ ASSU Undergraduate Research Fund (URF) have been chosen.

The new fund helps students develop and complete a research project of their own design under the supervision of a faculty member.

Submitting successful proposals this round are:

• Annette Gagliano, a human biology major also studying the environment and French, who plans to look at the ways teaching labs can promote more environmentally efficient practices. Gagliano will work with Beth Savan of the Centre for the Environment and U of T’s Sustainability Office.
• Leah Girardo, a women and gender and equity studies student, will investigate the connection of modern printmaking to the Canadian social justice movement. Girardo will work with Judith Taylor of sociology and women and gender studies.
• Nitin Kapadia, who’s working towards a double major in physics and microbiology, will investigate how to minimize tissue damage in laser surgery. Kapadia will work with Robin Marjoribanks of physics.

“This fund helps undergraduates delve more deeply into topics,” said Associate Dean Anne-Marie Brousseau, chair of the URF selection committee. “Students can investigate a question that may have emerged from course,  lab or seminar — or they could tackle the additional work required to turn a final essay into a journal article — it’s up to them to find that captivating question they are driven to answer.”

The Arts & Science Students’ Union came up with idea for the Undergraduate Research Fund.  “The Faculty is pleased to partner with the ASSU to make this program available,” said Brousseau.

The deadline for the next round of student proposals is March 12.