We are a group of UCSC affiliated students who are devoted to an organization, START, that was officially founded in 2019, but has been coordinating SURU for the last 5 years. We as a team strive to create a space where students can get involved and grow to love research.

At its core, START (Students Transforming and Advancing Research Together) is all about supporting and encouraging student involvement in research. The group holds SURU (the Symposium for Undergraduate Research at UCSC) annually that offers students the opportunity to speak about their research, or research that they are interested in, while in a formal and friendly setting. This is a free event, available to the public. All are welcome, even if students do not present your own research, all are invited to come to learn and support their peers! There are many benefits to being a part of the symposium; here are some examples:

• Practice speaking with others about research in an academic setting

• Gain valuable feedback regarding your research from experienced researchers

• Interact with other undergraduates who are also interested in research

• Have the opportunity to win an awesome prize!

• Enjoy free refreshments and snacks

• Build, or start building, your CV

In addition, the group organizes regular meetings available to anyone interested in research and engagement. The group also organizes quarterly events such as mini-workshops and panels on research. Please fill a contact sheet or email start@ucsc.edu if you are interested!