The Centre for Undergraduate Research and Learning (CURL): Empowering Undergraduates
The Centre for Undergraduate Research and Learning (CURL) champions academic exploration and collaboration, empowering undergraduates as full participants in the research process. Rather than waiting until graduate school, students at CURL discover that meaningful, original scholarship can begin as soon as they have a question they are passionate about. By offering mentorship, resources, and a welcoming platform, the Centre transforms the notion of “student work” into something worthy of genuine academic celebration.
A Collective Curiosity
When asked what sets CURL apart, Dr. Christine Tsang, Chair of the Centre and a faculty member in Psychology, points to an atmosphere of collective curiosity. She describes CURL as:
“an opportunity to celebrate student work—letting them share what they’ve been doing in their courses, in collaboration with faculty, or through independent projects.”
In this environment, research is not a solitary exercise. Instead, it is a conversation—one that unfolds in conference rooms, hallways, poster sessions, and online forums. Through this ongoing exchange of ideas, students begin to see themselves not merely as learners but as originators of insights that can resonate well beyond the classroom.
Interdisciplinary at Its Core
The Centre’s ethos is grounded in the belief that every discipline has something to contribute. Students exploring topics in Economics, English Literature, Psychology, Global Studies, History, or any other field converge at CURL, discovering how their seemingly separate subjects can intersect. Dr. Michael Kottelenberg, an Economics professor and the lead of this year’s CURL conference, has observed that undergraduates are:
“the most interdisciplinary among us”
because they are constantly taking a variety of courses and synthesizing diverse perspectives. By bringing them together under one roof, CURL fosters a rich tapestry of scholarship where new connections and avenues for research can emerge.
The Annual Undergraduate Research Conference
A hallmark of the Centre’s work is its annual Undergraduate Research Conference, which has evolved to accommodate a breadth of presentation styles. Students might showcase their findings through a poster exhibition, take part in a panel discussion, or even participate in an online Instagram-based display. The variety of formats ensures that every scholar—whether an enthusiastic public speaker or a more introspective creative—can communicate their research in a way that feels most authentic and compelling.
This inclusivity reflects CURL’s overarching goal: to make research accessible to all undergraduates, regardless of their comfort level with public speaking or their familiarity with academic conventions.
Mentorship & Support
Behind every successful presentation, there is a robust network of mentorship and support. Faculty at the Centre recognize that different students need different degrees of guidance. Some thrive with multiple practice runs and slide reviews, while others flourish through independent study before sharing their final product. Dr. Tsang notes that, in either case, there is always:
“a mentor ready to read over slides, provide feedback, or just be a supportive listener.”
This individualized approach not only helps students excel academically but also reinforces the communal spirit that underpins CURL: research is a collective endeavor, enriched by many voices rather than a lone scholar toiling away in isolation.
Beyond the Campus: Real-World Engagement
Although CURL’s impact is most visible among undergraduates—who often discover newfound confidence in their abilities—it also extends beyond the campus itself. The Centre’s research projects frequently engage with local and global challenges, whether that involves analyzing local community policy gaps or investigating broader societal issues like displacement or mental health. Through these presentations, students open the door for conversation with professionals, activists, and community stakeholders, transforming academic inquiry into practical, real-world engagement. For many undergraduates, these connections become a springboard into graduate studies, volunteer initiatives, or career paths they had never previously considered.
Shaping a New Generation of Scholars
Central to CURL’s mission is the recognition that undergraduates are not simply fulfilling course requirements but creating knowledge—a shift in perspective that can be life-changing. Dr. Kottelenberg sees this transformation happen every year, as students move from being unsure about their research to confidently talking about their discoveries with peers, faculty, and outside visitors. By fostering this sense of ownership and intellectual autonomy, the Centre helps cultivate a new generation of scholars, activists, and leaders equipped with the critical thinking skills and empathetic engagement that make them “leaders with heart.”
Indeed, while CURL is housed at Huron University College, it retains a distinct focus on supporting and amplifying student-led research in a way that transcends departmental boundaries. The students’ energy, creativity, and willingness to push disciplinary limits make the Centre a site of constant renewal and innovation.
Why CURL Matters
When undergraduates see that their interests, ideas, and questions matter—and that their voices can contribute meaningfully to academic and public discourse—they begin to see themselves in a new light. It is this empowerment that lies at the heart of CURL’s enduring success. For those curious about how research can enhance an undergraduate experience, the Centre for Undergraduate Research and Learning offers a compelling vision of what is possible.
Through its mentorship programs, annual conference, and ongoing workshops, CURL provides both the space and the support needed for students to experiment, learn, and grow. It is here that they can refine their curiosities into well-crafted research questions, translate complex findings into compelling narratives, and connect with a broader community eager to engage in meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, CURL’s impact is measured not only by the projects presented each year but by the transformation it inspires—a generation of undergraduates who see research not as an afterthought but as an invitation to shape the future.