Louisiana Undergraduate Research Association
The Louisiana Undergraduate Research Association (LaURA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes and supports undergraduate research participation in faculty-mentored research and creative projects. The membership comprises Louisiana public and private college and university faculty, administrators, and staff who support the high-impact practice of undergraduate research participation at their respective universities.
Undergraduate Research Excellence
LaURA’s purpose is to unite faculty, staff, administrators, and industry professionals across campuses and disciplines to advocate for access and opportunity for all undergraduate students in Louisiana. Providing more students with the opportunity to participate in this high-impact educational practice.
Laura’s current goals
Increase communication and awareness about undergraduate research
Advocate for undergraduate research in front of Louisiana legislators
Promote the importance of research and higher education
Establish an Undergraduate Research Day at the Capital
Grow membership from across Louisiana’s Colleges and Universities
LaURA uses the definition of ‘undergraduate research’ provided by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), the national professional association for those who work in support of undergraduate research.
Describe Undergraduate Research
CUR definition: Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative inquiry is fundamentally a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning. With an emphasis on process, CUR defines undergraduate research as: A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.
Membership
Interested in joining LaURA or want to be added to the contact list?
Poster day June 9th, 2025
- Virtual Coaching for students presenting, June 2nd & May 26th
- Final LaURA sections announced May 16th
- Participating universities submissions due to LaURA, May 12th