About SURCA
What Is SURCA?
SURCA is the component of Academic Showcase that honors the contributions of undergraduate students to the scholarly output of Washington State University. WSU undergraduates are regularly conducting research, pursuing scholarship, and/or engaging in creative activities in partnership with a mentor. As can be seen from attending our event, the students’ efforts make original intellectual or creative contributions to a discipline. Moreover, SURCA invites undergraduate presenters who are in the early stages of their research as well as those who are more experienced. The Novice, Early Career, Crimson, and Gray awards provide students with all levels of experience an opportunity to compete for awards. Awards are made in nine presentation categories, which are mainly divided by disciplines.
Who Is Invited to SURCA?
Besides our student presenters, faculty, staff, post docs, and experts from the community are invited to be SURCA judges. Everyone is invited to attend the event and learn about the work of the next generation of experts. Faculty are invited to include SURCA as part of the learning requirements for their individual courses.
Who Organizes SURCA?
SURCA is hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research, part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President and WSU Pullman Chancellor.
History of SURCA
Its Name and Origins
Since the beginning of Washington State College more than a century ago, undergraduates have been critical to the success and growth of the university. As the state’s land-grant college, research has long been a primary pursuit of the institution.
SURCA is part of WSU Showcase, which includes a number of events such as the Academic Showcase poster exhibit for faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students; the Distinguished Faculty Address; and the Celebrating Excellence Banquet.
Benefits of Research and SURCA
To Students
- Knowledge and hands-on, “high-impact” learning experiences
- Confidence in one’s discipline
- An understanding of how research fits into the larger picture
- Professional experience with a mentor (very often a faculty member)
- Understanding of how to apply theory learned in the classroom to a real-world problem
- Sharpened skills in critical thinking and communication
- Confidence built by organizing, detailing, and presenting their work publicly
- Feedback received from learned judges and the public about their work and how well they explain it
- Chance to learn about the work being done by peers across the university
- Opportunity to compete for prizes
To Employers
Students gain many workplace skills through undergraduate research and SURCA participation:
- Critical and creative thinking
- Communication (written and oral)
- Quantitative reasoning
- Scientific literacy
- Integration of learning
- Professional development
- Team and leadership experience
- Big-picture thinking
- Risk taking