UWL’s new program honors students for going above and beyond in research and creativity

UWL's new program honors students for going above and beyond in research and creativity

UWL senior Khang Duong describes himself as "curious about everything." That curiosity drives him to take 17-18 credits a semester because, as he puts it, he doesn't want to "miss out" on any opportunity to learn.

So when the chance to conduct undergraduate research arose, Duong dove in.

"I really enjoy the process of understanding things beyond the surface level," says Duong. "It's about connecting what you learn in the classroom to the real world."

Now, Duong is among the first UWL students to be recognized through the university's new Undergraduate Research & Creativity Laureate Program, which honors students who go above and beyond in research and creative work.

To earn the distinction, students must conduct a research or creative project with a faculty mentor, present their work at a professional conference, and share their findings publicly through a digital platform.

The program, launched in spring 2025, was created to highlight not only student achievement, but also the profound academic and professional growth that results from undergraduate research experiences, explains Nicholas Bakken, UWL's Student Research and Experiential Learning coordinator.

"Our Laureate students truly earn this distinction through their dedication, creativity, and perseverance," says Bakken. "Just as importantly, the program recognizes the vital role of faculty mentors, whose guidance and support make these accomplishments possible. Together, they embody the collaborative spirit of research and creativity at UWL."

Researching barriers to women entrepreneurs

Duong's current project examines female entrepreneurship around the world and how regulations influence women's business decisions. The research is conducted through the Menard Family Initiative, alongside fellow student Aditya Anil and faculty mentors Nabamita Dutta and Adam Stivers, who co-direct the initiative.

"Equity for women is not the same everywhere in the world," Duong explains. "In some countries, women can't drive, attend college, or speak freely. This research helps us understand the barriers women face when starting businesses."

Far from being "highly theoretical," Duong says research is full of real-world applications. His responsibilities have included conducting a literature review and gathering international data. He recently presented their progress at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, and the team hopes to complete a draft of their paper by the end of the year.

Duong plans to apply his research experience toward his long-term goal of becoming a researcher and professor. He is currently applying to graduate programs related to public policy in economics and finance.

"Doing research has helped me improve my writing and express my passion for teaching and inquiry," he says. "My end goal is to teach what I've learned to the next generation of students."

UWL's culture of research

Undergraduate research and creativity are central to the UWL experience. Through programs such as Eagle Apprentice, the Deans Distinguished Fellowship, McNair Scholars, Undergraduate Research & Creativity grants, and Community Engaged Learning, students are applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges alongside faculty mentors and community partners.

"At UWL, undergraduate research and creativity are central to our mission of providing a high-impact, student-centered education," says Bakken. "These experiences help students build critical skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and communication and resilience while gaining confidence and professional readiness. This emphasis reflects UWL's culture of hands-on learning and our belief that students learn best by doing."

How students earn the URC Laureate distinction

To be named an Undergraduate Research & Creativity Laureate, students must complete the following requirements:

• Research or Creative Experience: Students must complete a research or creative experience under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
• Professional Presentation: Present their research or creative work at a professional conference or gallery. The majority of students will present their work at one of the SRCEL-sponsored conferences or symposiums, such as our annual UWL Research & Creativity Symposium, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Research in the Rotunda, or the Universities of Wisconsin Symposium.
• Digital Dissemination: Students must disseminate their work digitally by submitting it to the URC digital collection in Murphy Library or by providing a link to an externally published or publicly available piece.