This article is published in the February 2025 issue.

CRA Expands Resources for the Computing Community Through the UR2PhD Program

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By Julia Sepulveda, Senior Program Associate, CRA-E

CRA’s UR2PhD program is committed to building capacity in computer science by providing students, mentors, and departments with the tools needed to support undergraduate research. Recognizing that systemic change requires access to knowledge, material support, and collective efforts, the UR2PhD team has made several resources freely available to the community. 

Below, we highlight key resources that faculty and students can leverage to enhance research experiences and academic pathways.

Resources for Faculty

Facilitating undergraduate research experiences can be time-intensive. Faculty mentors must scope projects, secure funding, and provide guidance that fosters student growth. To assist in this process, the UR2PhD team has developed the following freely available resources:

  • Guidance on designing well-scoped research projects for undergraduates, including a worked example.
  • Information on applying for NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplemental funding, along with a ready-to-use template.
  • Creative Commons-licensed course syllabi, including topics, assignments, and instructional content.
  • A resource folder containing shareable slides, downloadable flyers, and social media posts to help faculty promote research opportunities to students.
  • Additional tools and materials designed to streamline undergraduate research mentorship.

Resources for Students Interested in Research

For students, getting involved in research begins with understanding what it entails and where to find opportunities. The undergraduate student resource page provides:

  • Recordings of past workshops covering computing research pathways and Ph.D. application strategies.
  • Video resources explaining how to enter and explore undergraduate research opportunities.
  • The Student Pathways into Research in Computing (SPARC) website, which answers frequently asked questions about research involvement and showcases examples of undergraduate researchers.
  • Additional materials and insights to help students navigate their research journey.

These resources are designed to lower barriers to research participation and support students and faculty in creating meaningful research experiences. We encourage members of the computing research community to explore and share these tools widely.

For more information and access to these resources, visit the UR2PhD website.