The Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF) showcases the meaningful, real-world research led by University of Iowa undergraduates in partnership with Division staff. Through these fellowships, students contribute their curiosity, skills, and perspectives to projects that directly support student success while gaining hands-on research experience.
This page highlights the innovative projects completed by URF students and the impact of their work, from shaping data-informed decisions to strengthening programs and practices. Together, these projects reflect the power of undergraduate research to advance learning, collaboration, and positive change at Iowa.
Ariel Scaglione & Madeline Fait: "Recommendations to Improve Subjective Happiness Amongst University of Iowa Students"
Ariel and Madeline's project explored strategies to improve student happiness at the University of Iowa through literature review and survey analysis. It identified three key pillars, sleep, exercise, and relationships, and recommended high- and low-impact interventions, including resource guides, website restructuring, and targeted programs, to enhance well-being and foster a supportive campus environment.
Hannah Semiha Poppe: "Alcohol & Mental Health Reflection in College Students"
Hannah's project evaluated a peer-led program, Thrive in 3, designed to reduce harmful drinking behaviors among college students. Using group facilitation, text-based engagement, and tailored surveys, the initiative promoted harm reduction and mental health reflection. Findings suggested feasibility and potential for expansion to diverse student groups across campus.
Carlos Yaque: "Hawk Talk Data"
Carlos's project analyzed Hawk Talk discussions on sexual misconduct awareness and support strategies among students. Using deductive coding of over 2,700 responses, it examined confidence in helping peers, resource awareness, and gender differences. Findings showed strong knowledge of support actions and highlighted opportunities to enhance prevention initiatives and outreach.
Ijeoma Ogbonna: "Interpersonal Conversations of Gender-based Violence, Consent, & Bystander Intervention"
Ijeoma's project examined student perspectives on gender-based violence, consent, and bystander intervention through literature review and focus group observations. It evaluated campus resources and prevention strategies, exploring how identity and living situations influenced perceptions. Findings aimed to inform future initiatives that fostered safety, equity, and effective intervention on campus.
Alexia Avila & Hannah Mozena: "Future of Fitness at the University of Iowa"
Alexia and Hannah's project explored innovative fitness solutions to enhance student engagement and well-being at the University of Iowa. Through surveys and focus groups, top priorities identified included a hot yoga studio, recovery space, and performance training center. Recommendations aimed to align with emerging trends and foster a vibrant campus fitness culture.
Katie Kustes: "Marketing and Awareness of Student Legal Services"
Katie's project examined strategies to enhance marketing and awareness of Student Legal Services among undergraduates. It focused on improving outreach, communication, and visibility to ensure students understood available legal resources. The research aimed to strengthen engagement and accessibility, promoting informed decision-making and support for students navigating legal challenges.
Alexia A., Angela C.H., Hannah M., Jamie P., Matt S.: "Project GOLD: The Re-Imagining of the Future of Fitness @ IOWA"
This project reimagined the future of fitness at the University of Iowa through benchmarking, surveys, and trend analysis. Recommendations included creating innovative spaces like heated yoga studios, recovery rooms, and performance zones, expanding group fitness and virtual options, and enhancing marketing strategies to improve engagement, wellness, and campus community.
Angelica Salgado: "Room Change Process"
Angelica's project examined the University of Iowa’s room change process within campus housing. It focused on improving clarity, accessibility, and efficiency for students seeking room changes. The research aimed to identify barriers, streamline procedures, and enhance communication to ensure a supportive and equitable housing experience for all residents.
Jade Bullock: "Literature Review: BIPOC Students in Higher Education"
Jade's project explored factors affecting retention of BIPOC students in higher education through a comprehensive literature review. It emphasized understanding barriers and outlined strategies to foster belonging and support. Recommendations included redefining structures to create welcoming environments and promote success for all students.
Nidhi Anugu & Victor Fontanez: "Resident Assistant (RA) Competence & Confidence in Responding to Sexual Misconduct Disclosures"
Nidhi and Victor's project evaluated Resident Assistants’ confidence and competence in responding to sexual misconduct disclosures. Using surveys and focus groups, findings revealed moderate confidence but highlighted gaps in training and emotional support. Recommendations included trauma-informed simulations, clearer protocols, peer mentorship, and student-facing resources to strengthen RA preparedness and response effectiveness.
Elizabeth Smith: "Student Engagement Overview"
Elizabeth's project analyzed student engagement as a key factor in academic success and personal development. It reviewed high-impact practices, barriers to involvement, and effective marketing strategies to increase participation. Recommendations included improving digital platforms, targeted outreach, and inclusive programming to foster belonging and enhance engagement opportunities across campus.
Casey Wilkinson: "Accessibility/Disability Networking Survey"
Casey's project investigated networking strategies to enhance accessibility and disability support at the University of Iowa. Using asset mapping and interviews, it identified campus resources and fostered collaborations. Findings highlighted the value of Universal Design for Learning and technology tools, promoting inclusive practices and compliance with ADA and Section 504.
David Mares: "Literature Review: Achievement Gap in Latina/o/x Undergraduate Students"
David's project reviewed factors contributing to the achievement gap among Latina/o/x undergraduate students and evaluated interventions. Findings highlighted strategies such as values affirmation to reduce stereotype threat and peer mentorship programs to enhance belonging and academic success, emphasized the need for welcoming educational practices where all students could succeed.
Ruth Kasshai: "Belonging & Connection"
Ruth's project focused on belonging and connection initiatives for students at the University of Iowa. It examined pathways to higher education through programs like Iowa Commitment Scholars and a SWOT analysis of recruitment strategies. Recommendations emphasized collaboration with local schools and resource investment to strengthen campus.
Zeke Butler: "Evaluation of Best Practices of Housing Policies to Retain Students"
Zeke's project evaluated housing policies aimed at retaining students. Through a literature review, it identified best practices and frameworks, such as Yosso’s Community Cultural Wealth Model, to enhance representation and community. Recommendations focused on improving roommate selection processes and fostering welcoming environments.