At the University of Iowa, leadership doesn’t just happen in classrooms or student organizations—it’s cultivated through hands-on, purpose-driven experiences like the Undergraduate Research Fellowship. 

Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, the program provides students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research projects that directly impact campus life, while developing critical leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

One such project, “The Future of Fitness at the University of Iowa,” exemplifies the power of the fellowship program to elevate student voices and drive institutional change. Led by Angela Charsha-Harney, associate director of fitness in Recreational Services, the project invited student fellows to help reimagine the university’s fitness programs and spaces to better serve the needs of the campus community.

“I didn’t want to lead this project without having the student voice at the forefront,” Charsha-Harney explained. Through the fellowship, students became co-creators in a process that blended research, innovation, and community engagement. They benchmarked peer institutions, analyzed current offerings, and gathered feedback from students, staff, and faculty.

Charsha-Harney, who served as their staff mentor, supported the fellows in setting goals, designing data collection strategies, and connecting with professionals across campus. “Most importantly, my role was also a team player,” she said. “I worked alongside them, encouraged them, and supported them with both effort and time.”

The transformation was remarkable. The students evolved from participants to leaders—trusted voices in the fitness community and catalysts for change. They led focus groups, collaborated with campus professionals, and presented their findings at the Spring Undergraduate Research Festival (SURF). Along the way, they gained hands-on experience in research methodology, project management, and public speaking.

“They felt valued, heard, and appreciated for all the time and effort they put into this project,” Charsha-Harney said. “They left this experience with the belief that their work will have a lasting institutional and community impact.”

The Undergraduate Research Fellowship is more than a research opportunity—it’s a launchpad for student leadership. Fellows develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, expand their campus networks, and strengthen their academic credentials in a relationship-rich setting with their mentor by their side. They also gain a deeper understanding of how their contributions can shape the student experience and improve the broader university community.

For Charsha-Harney, the most rewarding part of the experience was watching that growth unfold. “My greatest joy is encouraging and empowering students to be and do their best, while having a safe place to land when failures or mistakes occur,” she reflected. “This project allowed me to do just that while working alongside students on a purpose-driven, long-term initiative.”

By investing in student-led research, the Undergraduate Research Fellowship supports the Division of Student Life’s mission to promote student engagement, leadership, and holistic development. It’s a testament to what’s possible when students are empowered to lead with purpose—and when their voices are not only heard, but amplified.