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Undergraduate Research
VMI Center for Undergraduate Research
The mission of the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research (VCUR) is to promote and facilitate faculty-mentored undergraduate research and foster the development of a culture of undergraduate research at VMI. VCUR operates on the premise that some of the most enduring, meaningful academic experiences of college students come through opportunities to be mentored one-on-one by faculty outside the classroom, while also believing in the merit of research and other inquiry-based experiences within a more traditional classroom setting. Programs include an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium held on Post; the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute; cadet travel grants to present at professional meetings or to conduct research in the field; and funding for cadet academic year research. For more information, contact the Director for Undergraduate Research, 600 level Preston Library.
Our Team
Lt. Col. Molly Kent
Director, VMI Center for Undergraduate Research
301 D Maury Brooke Hall
540-464-7567 | kentmh@vmi.edu
Dr. Tanjina Afrin
Assistant Director, VMI Center for Undergraduate Research
602 Nichols Engineering Hall
540-464-7412 | afrint@vmi.edu
Ms. Bernadette O'Neill
Administrative Assistant
615 Preston Library
540-464-7031 | oneillbc@vmi.edu
Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI)
The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute is a program where the cadet, as the principal investigator, conducts research directly with a faculty mentor. Cadets engage in in-depth research with their faculty mentor for either a 5-week or a 10-week experience earning a scholarship and a room and board stipend. SURI has sponsored guest speakers, library instruction, and skill development sessions such as writing a project proposal, adding research to a resume, and how to write a research abstract.
Start thinking about your summer plans early and plan for a research project. Submit your SURI proposal in our Fall Proposal Call. The submission deadline is October 20, 2025.
Want to learn more about SURI?
Come to the SURI Information sessions that will be held in Preston Library, Room 701.
- September 15, 2025 (0800-0850) – Information about, and tips for completing, the SURI proposal will be provided. Light refreshments will be served.
- October 1, 2025 (2000-2115) - A SURI Cadet panel will share their summer 2025 experiences and answer questions about the program. Light refreshments will be served.
Cadets can find the "SURI Proposal Form" and copy of "SURI Agreement" on the VCUR Portal [requires VMI log-in credentials].
VCUR on the Faculty Portal [requires VMI log-in credentials]
Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS)
The URS is an opportunity for all VMI cadets to present their research findings from the SURI experience or individual courses such as Capstone or Honors classes. The Symposium usually happens during the spring semester. (Date TBD)
Cadets can find the "Abstract Submission Form" on the VCUR Portal [requires VMI log-in credentials].
Lawrence Porter ’24 sets up equipment to run tests on the serviceability of a footbridge on the Chessie Trail.
Research Resources
VCUR offers research supply funding, made available through the generosity of the VMIRL Wetmore Fund and the Jackson-Hope Fund. Interested cadets must submit a Research Supply Funding application to seek awards up to $500. Upon receipt of a funding award, the cadet (or the cadet’s department) is responsible for purchasing the supplies and submitting documentation for reimbursement.
Cadets can find the "Research Supply Application" on the VCUR Portal [requires VMI log-in credentials].
Travel Resources
VCUR offers financial assistance for cadet travel to conduct research or to present research findings at conferences. It is VCUR's policy to fund a maximum of two nights of lodging and three days per diem at standard in state and out-of-state rates for a maximum of 3 travel days for domestic travel (up to $1,000). For international travel, VCUR may fund up to three nights of lodging and four days per diem, but not more than $1,200. Partial funding of requests may also be granted and the cadet can seek funds from other sources, such as departmental funds. Upon receipt of a travel award, all travel approvals, travel-related arrangements, and paperwork are the responsibility of the cadet (and/or the cadet’s mentor)
Cadet Travel Application [requires VMI log-in credentials]
2025-26 Conference Opportunities for Research Presentation include:
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The SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) is an annual research conference designed to bring together undergraduate students presenting their research projects via posters or oral presentations. SURF will take place October 24-25, 2025, at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Applications will be accepted June 25 through September 15, 2025. More information available at the event website.
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The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for Undergraduate Scholarship (MARCUS) is being held at Randolph College on Saturday, November 8, 2025. MARCUS is devoted exclusively to the scholarship and research activities of undergraduate students. Students from Virginia and surrounding states are invited to present scholarly research from within all academic disciplines. Students may choose to participate in an oral session or a poster session. Preliminary information is available on their website. The registration portal is open and the deadline to apply to present is October 8, 2025.
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The VMI Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) will be held during the spring semester. The date will be announced later. The URS is an opportunity for all VMI cadets to present their research findings from their SURI experience or courses such as Capstone or Honors.
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The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) will be held April 13-15, 2026, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. The submission portal will be open from September to December 2025. Abstract decisions will be released in January 2026. For details, please visit the event website.
Do you need a research poster printed for an upcoming conference or presentation? The Center for Undergraduate Research can help!
VCUR Poster Printing Request Instructions
Learn more about how VCUR can further your studies and enhance your experiences at VMI in testimonials from past program participants.
