This article is published in the September 2024 issue.

UR2PhD Refreshes Its Digital Presence with a New Website and LinkedIn Showcase Page

In: /

By Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications 

The Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD program recently launched a redesigned website and a new LinkedIn Showcase Page, marking a significant step forward in better communicating the program’s mission to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups in computing.

The new UR2PhD website, located at cra.org/ur2phd, offers an enhanced user experience, providing easy access to information and resources for students, faculty mentors, and institutional partners. This redesign was driven by a need to streamline navigation and make essential program details more accessible for all users.

Erik Russell, CRA’s Director of Educational Initiatives, explains the thinking behind the redesign: “The UR2PhD leaders wanted a website that better serves the needs of our key audiences — students, mentors, and institutions. The new site makes it easier for students to find research opportunities and for mentors to understand the support UR2PhD offers. This update will allow us to better engage our audience while keeping our core mission front and center.”

The website features dedicated pages for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty mentors, universities and colleges, and nonprofit partners, ensuring that each group can quickly find relevant information and resources. It also highlights the program’s core offerings, including the Undergraduate Research Methods Course, Research Engagement Workshops, and the Graduate School Application Workshops.

The launch of the new UR2PhD LinkedIn Showcase Page complements this website update by providing a dynamic platform to share program updates, upcoming engagement opportunities, and success stories. The LinkedIn page will offer followers a chance to stay informed about the latest program developments, deadlines for participation, and upcoming events, including research and application workshops.

Russell adds, “Our new LinkedIn Showcase Page will be a vital tool for connecting with our community. Whether you’re an undergraduate student looking for research opportunities or a graduate mentor wanting to improve your mentorship skills, this page is the place to learn about our offerings, receive timely updates, and see the real-world impact UR2PhD is having on students and mentors alike.”

By aligning its website and LinkedIn presence, UR2PhD aims to create a cohesive digital experience that engages current and prospective students, mentors, and institutional partners. Visitors to the new website can expect an intuitive interface, clear pathways to resources, and an updated design that reflects the program’s commitment to fostering diversity in computing research.

Follow the UR2PhD LinkedIn Showcase Page to stay updated on future opportunities and visit the new website at cra.org/ur2phd to explore what UR2PhD has to offer.