Expanding Opportunity: 2025 FURM Institute Set to Launch
Mississippi University for Women’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Kossen Center for Teaching & Learning (KCTL) will host the 2025 Faculty Undergraduate Research Mentor (FURM) Institute at the Fant Memorial Library, May 13–16.
In its second year, the FURM Institute is an innovative faculty development program that empowers instructors to embed original undergraduate research into their existing courses through Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs).
This year’s cohort includes faculty from disciplines such as: biology, psychology and spanish, each developing unique projects that will bring research into the classroom in accessible and dynamic ways. The participants’ applications demonstrated enthusiasm for learning and a strong commitment to engaging students in inquiry-driven learning.
Michael Dodson, assistant professor of biology, is designing a botany-based research experience that invites students to investigate plants traditionally used by Indigenous communities of Mississippi. Students will use primary scientific literature to trace and document the uses and significance of these species, gaining both research experience and cultural insight. A 2024 Provost Fellow, Dodson also developed The W’s edible plant trail and remains active in science outreach initiatives through Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center.
Dr. Ethan Flurry, assistant professor of psychology, will use his FURM project to enrich his Introduction to Research course. His approach will allow students to explore topics such as metacognition and cognitive aging by engaging directly in original data collection and analysis. His work highlights the application of theoretical cognitive principles in real-world educational and aging contexts.
Dr. Reyna Vergara, assistant professor of spanish, will launch a research initiative titled “Esperanza Through Images,” guiding Spanish students in analyzing intercultural visual representations of hope from the U.S. and Spanish-speaking countries. This project aims to build students’ global awareness, visual literacy and analytical skills while contributing to interdisciplinary scholarship.
Notable guest speakers include national leaders in undergraduate research, STEM and humanities CURE innovators and scholars in pedagogy. Sessions like “Internal Course Audit: Identifying Skill-based SLOs,” “Responsive Strategic Mentoring,” “Incorporating NACE competencies in CURE Syllabi,” and “Assessment of High-Impact Practices in the Classroom” promise to provide concrete strategies and inspiration across disciplines.
Participants will receive a $500 stipend, access to teaching and learning resources and have their revised syllabi included in The W’s OUR Assignment Repository. The courses will also receive a special high-impact learning designation in Banner.
For more information about the FURM Institute, please visit https://www.muw.edu/our/furm- institute.