51ΑΤΖζ

Chancellor Mark Mone puts the credit for 51ΑΤΖζ’s recognition as a top research institution squarely on the shoulders of all campus researchers.

β€œYou helped address societal issues and fed the bank of solutions and new products,” Mone told the crowd at a research celebration during the annual 51ΑΤΖζ Undergraduate Research Symposium at the Student Union.

The April 29 event celebrated the third consecutive time that 51ΑΤΖζ has earned the highest research rating from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This β€œR1” status places 51ΑΤΖζ among the world’s leading institutions of research – one of only 146 institutions, out of nearly 4,000 considered, that are placed in this category.

β€œIsn’t it great that we’ve gotten our undergraduate research celebration to piggyback on our R1 celebration?” he asked, donning a gold baseball cap with β€œR1” emblazoned in it. β€œHow perfect is that?

β€œIt’s important to realize how rare and how hard this achievement is. It doesn’t happen overnight,” Mone said. β€œAnd it’s because of your sustained efforts. You’ve made us a better university.”

Doctoral programs have grown

Mone thanked two UW regents in attendance – Kyle Weatherly and Rodney Pasch – and a half dozen state legislators.

In 1965, 51ΑΤΖζ offered only one PhD program, he said. Today, there are 38 programs. And the university has conferred more than 4,000 doctoral degrees since it was first named as R1 in 2015.

β€œWe’re probably one of the leanest universities named as R1,” Provost Johannes Britz said. β€œThat’s why I’m so proud of this accomplishment. It means that if we had more resources, we have the potential to be a top urban institution, not just in Wisconsin, but in the nation.”

Two faculty researchers also addressed the crowd of about 300.

Research helps solve problems

Lingqian Ivy Hu, professor of urban planning, said research makes it possible to solve society’s longstanding problems.

Her current research is a case in point. Lower income and minority workers without cars live mainly in the city of Milwaukee. But the Milwaukee County’s transit system does not cross county boundaries, presenting a barrier between those who need access to good-paying jobs in the suburbs and suburban businesses that cannot find workers.

β€œWe need to figure out an efficient and affordable way to connect them,” Hu said.

She and her research team recently were awarded a $1 million federal grant to test FlexRide Milwaukee, an ondemand, microtransit service.

The researchers will evaluate whether FlexRide Milwauke can improve employment of Milwaukee residents, help business to attract and retain workers, save travel time and reduce energy consumption.

β€œThe project underscores the mission and the value of 51ΑΤΖζ,” Hu said. β€œOur research serves real people, real communities. And the R1 designation underscores the importance of research.”

Value of undergrad research

Distinguished Professor of Psychology Karyn Frick spoke about the value of 51ΑΤΖζ’s undergraduate research program.

Frick’s research lab consists of graduate students and postdoctoral scientists working to unravel the role of the hormone estrogen in memory decline in women. The work is driven by the fact that women face a much greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than men.

Undergraduates, who work side-by-side with the other lab members daily, are β€œthe unsung heroes” and the β€œlifeblood” of the research, Frick said.

β€œIn my years of experience at some of the top research universities in the world, including Yale and Johns Hopkins, I have never seen a university provide such strong support for undergraduate researchers and their mentors,” Frick said.

At the symposium, 280 undergraduate students presented the research they’ve been working on with more than 200 faculty members and research staff.