They work in bio-medical laboratories, libraries, art museums, and community health centers, as well as on the information superhighway and in the great outdoors. Wherever they work, they are in close contact with a U-M faculty researcher who acts as a mentor and teacher. UROP was conceived with the goal of capturing the curiosity of women in science and historically underrepresented students of color at an early stage of their education, and an in-depth evaluation has shown that UROP has had a profound effect on the retention of these students and a beneficial effect on their academic performance. With the success of that beginning and with support from grants and gifts, the College broadened access to the program. Hands-on research is a proven method of engaging students in academic work.
Research teaches critical thinking and fosters intellectual growth and maturity.
The exploration of new ideas, the discovery of knowledge, and even the frustrations of failed experiments are wonderfully stimulating experiences that add an invaluable dimension to students' experience in college. These programs are offered to all participating UROP students. Each endowment is named for the donor or someone the donor wishes to honor. Donors can learn the names of the students they support, and they are invited to the spring symposium in which students showcase their work.