Entries are now being accepted for the 7th annual Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA) competition sponsored by the Hesburgh Libraries and the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE).
Established in 2010 to promote critical thinking, intellectual discovery, and the advancement of lifelong learning, the ULRA recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate excellent research skills by their broad use of library expertise, resources, collections, and services in their scholarly and creative projects. Along with their projects, entrants must submit an essay (800 - 1000 words) about the library resources consulted and integrated into their research or creative work. The essay should show a deep and significant understanding of the research process, outlining inquiry methods and highlighting specific, unique Hesburgh Libraries contributions.
Brianna Kunycky, 1st Prize, Senior Thesis Level (2013)Past winners from the College of Science include:
Title of Paper: Tragedy of the Colonial Commons: The Development of Ugandan Water Policy
Environmental Sciences
Faculty Advisor: Paul Ocobock (Arts & Letters)
Glynn Family Honors Program
Julianne Carson, First Prize 10000 Level (2012)
Title of Paper: "How Far is Too Far? Stem Cell Research & Ethics"
Biological Sciences
Advisor: Robinson Murphy (Arts & Letters)
Erin Bolte, honorable mention (2011)
Title of paper: “Review of Outcomes and Measurement Tools for Improvement in Behavior for Children
with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”
Biochemistry
Faculty Advisor: Joshua Diehl.
Connor Kobeski, honorable mention (2010)
Title of paper: "Identification and Valuation of the Grand Calumet River Ecological Services."
Biological Sciences
Faculty Advisor: David Lodge.
Winners will be awarded 6 cash prizes in the 3 different levels. See 2015 winners at
Senior and Honors Theses
1st Place–$1000
Honorable Mention–$500
20000–40000 Level
1st Place–$500
Honorable Mention–$250
10000 Level
1st Place–$500
Honorable Mention–$250
Winning projects and recorded 3-5 minute lightning talk videos will be preserved in CurateND, Notre Dame's digital institutional repository. Winners will be recognized at the ULRA Awards Reception at the Undergraduate Scholars Conference, April 29, 2016.
Deadline for submissions is April 13, 2016, 11:59 PM (EST). For information, tips, and submissions visit