Outreach
Office of Undergraduate Research
SMART and SMART-Transfer Programs
The Office for Undergraduate Research (OUR) was established in 1999 to expand the opportunities for undergraduates at UNC-Chapel Hill to engage in innovative research, mentored scholarship, creative expression, and entrepreneurship.
The SMART program is conducted in partnership with North Carolina A & T University, the lead campus in the North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, (NC-LSAMP). The overall goals of the NC-LSAMP are to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who earn degrees in STEM disciplines, pursue graduate study, and become faculty and/or researchers in their chosen field. Please check out this update from SMART alumnus Lauren Askew!
The goal of Girls Talk Math is to encourage girls to consider careers in mathematics. The program seeks to accomplish this goal through a two week day camp during which we explore interesting mathematical concepts, learn about the rich history of women in mathematics, and create a blog and podcast series.
From Chris and Shannon Jones, "Like you, we are graduate students working every day to become better and make our small contribution to the world of science. We write about the struggles that we all face to become better researchers, better people, and live a meaningful life. We share our journey and the journey of other researchers and provide actionable steps you can take to achieve the life you want and explore careers that spark your interest."
BeAM is a network of makerspaces with tools and space to turn various materials into art, fun, and solutions for scientific and technical challenges. It's mission is "to cultivate and empower a UNC community and culture to imagine, design and create things that solve, fascinate and inspire."
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is located on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Morehead's programs include classes for adults and children, special courses for teachers, summer camps for children, afterschool programs, memberships, public viewings of astronomical events and public lectures. The UNC Science Expo is a free, family-friendly event offering more than 100 fascinating exhibits with hands-on experiments, riveting demonstrations, laboratory tours, and stage entertainment.
Computational Astronomy and Physics (CAPS) REU
The CAP REU is a full-time summer research experience including joint computing seminars and social activities, plus an individualized project working in a UNC research group. Hands-on seminars cover python and linux scripting, mathematical modeling, visualization, Monte Carlo simulation, high-performance computing, high-throughput computing, and real-time instrument control.