During the URA, Elendu conducted research on restorative justice models and practices, drawing comparisons to traditional justice systems.  Her work also delved into Indigenous water laws and responsibilities, where she explored the reverence for water as a sacred entity and the vital role Indigenous women play in its protection. This immersive research experience not only deepened her understanding of the intersection between academic inquiry and real-world challenges but also enriched her overall university journey. Elendu plans to carry this knowledge into her future legal career, approaching her work thoughtfully and fairly while keeping people and their experiences at the forefront.

In the summer of 2024, Elendu worked under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Woolford, professor and head of the Department of Sociology and Criminology. Dr. Woolford is an Emeritus of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, Fullbright Scholar and former President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. His research focuses on themes of power, resistance, justice and destruction.

We spoke with Elendu about her URA experience:

What research did you conduct?
Elendu: I focused on researching restorative justice models and practices, comparing them to traditional forms of justice. Restorative justice emphasizes healing, accountability and community-based approaches, which often align with Indigenous worldviews but it’s important to note that they are not the same. Additionally, I explored Indigenous water laws and responsibilities, learning how water is viewed as a sacred entity and how Indigenous women are central to its protection. Both areas of research highlighted how traditional and Indigenous practices offer meaningful alternatives to mainstream systems.

What made you decide to apply for an URA?
Elendu: I wanted to gain hands-on research experience and learn from a professor in a way that went beyond the classroom. The URA felt like a great opportunity to dive deeper into topics I’m passionate about while building skills for my future. Additionally, it will strengthen my academic profile for applying to law schools.

Was there anything that surprised you during the research process?
Elendu: I was surprised by how much I learned from talking and connecting with people, especially Elders and knowledge holders. Attending a residential school survivor event and listening to Elder Betty Ross share her story was incredibly eye-opening. It taught me that research is not just about books and articles—it’s about listening and engaging with lived experiences.

What did you learn from the URA experience? How has it enriched your university journey?
Elendu: The URA taught me how to think critically, manage my time and communicate my ideas succinctly. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the connection between academic research and real-world issues. This experience has made my university journey feel more meaningful, and it’s shown me how research can create positive change.

How do your studies in the Faculty of Arts complement your research activities and your future career goals?
Elendu: My studies in criminology and psychology help me understand how people behave and how justice systems work. This connects to my goal of becoming a lawyer; it gives me the tools to think carefully about legal issues and how they affect people and communities. Through my research on restorative justice and Indigenous practices, I’ve learned how justice can be about healing and accountability, not just punishment. I plan to use this knowledge in the future as a lawyer to approach my work in a thoughtful and fair way, ensuring I keep people and their experiences at the forefront.

The URA is an incredible opportunity for students interested in conducting research to spend 16 full-time weeks from May to August under the mentorship of a professor of their choice. It offers many benefits: building valuable research skills, expanding your academic network and a $7,000 monetary award.

Applications for the 2025 URA are open! Visit the Undergraduate Research Awards webpage for more information on the application criteria and guidelines. There are over 50 Faculty of Arts researchers willing to take on an undergraduate student this summer.

During this immersive program, Fulugan delved into archival research across various collections in Winnipeg, honing their research skills and gaining a deeper understanding of their discipline. Not only did the experience offer academic enrichment, it also allowed them to better understand themselves, revealing their strengths and areas for growth.

In the summer of 2024, Fulugan worked under the supervision of Dr. Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, an associate professor in anthropology and co-chair of the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony. The RRRC involves returning Indigenous Ancestors and Belongings – that were taken and/or held by the university without consent – to First Nations, Inuit and Métis descendant communities. Dr. Rosenoff Gauvin’s research centers on the knowledge, practices and rights of survivors of violence, conflict and forced displacement.

We spoke with Fulugan about their URA experience:

FACULTY OF ARTS: What research did you conduct?

FULUGAN: I engaged in archival research at collections throughout Winnipeg in service to the Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony. My research was conducted to understand UM’s harmful and wrongful acquisition of human  remains and followed the public apology made by President Michael Benarroch in July 2024, which I was also able to be a part of. This apology was made to descendant Indigenous communities whose Ancestors’ remains and belongings were wrongfully accepted and stewarded by UM.

FACULTY OF ARTS: What made you decide to apply for an URA? 

FULUGAN: I was initially planning to graduate from my program after four years and immediately move on to graduate school, but I realized that trying to finish my undergrad as fast as I could wasn’t a good way of making the most out of the university experience (and would be detrimental to my mental health). I thought the URA would be a helpful experience before grad school and my would-be supervisor, Dr. Lara Rosenoff Gauvin, encouraged me to apply.

FACULTY OF ARTS: Was there anything that surprised you during the research process?  

FULUGAN: Understanding research as work! I loved all the parts of doing research but doing it within the context of a paid position was new.

FACULTY OF ARTS: What did you learn from the URA experience? How has it enriched your university journey? 

FULUGAN: I think that the URA helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses—what worked for me and what didn’t. Being able to dedicate the summer to honing in on these things while engaging in meaningful work was invaluable. For example, I had no trouble with doing the work but learning to balance my life as a student researcher and as a human being was something that I had to get used to. Since a lot of research involves just thinking things through in your head, it can be difficult to stop and take a break. I’m glad that the URA taught me the skills to navigate these kinds of problems, which I wouldn’t have known about without undertaking the experience.

FACULTY OF ARTS: What advice do you have for other students who are considering applying for an URA?

FULUGAN: You don’t necessarily need a plan set in stone; the goals of my project and what I did changed over the course of the summer. Just find something in your field that you’re interested in, approach a knowledgeable professor about research they might be doing that complements this and ask how you could get involved. Professors are people too!

FACULTY OF ARTS: How do your studies in the Faculty of Arts complement your research activities and your future career goals?  

FULUGAN: I hope to continue working with heritage in the future, and the Department of Anthropology’s rematriation is vital to addressing harm and moving forward in a good manner. I felt that I had a good idea of what to expect based on what I had learned in my courses because the professors I’ve had approach their work genuinely and are eager to help their students.

The URA is an excellent opportunity for students interested in conducting research to spend 16 weeks full-time from May to August under the mentorship of a professor of their choice. It offers many benefits: building valuable research skills, expanding your academic network and a $7,000 monetary award.

Applications for the 2025 URA are open! Visit the Undergraduate Research Awards webpage for more information on the application criteria and guidelines. There are over 50 Faculty of Arts researchers willing to take on an undergraduate student this summer.

Over 35 Faculty of Arts students who were 2024 undergraduate student research award (URA) and psychology undergraduate research experience award (PURE) competition winners and their research advisors came together for a luncheon event where they shared what the students worked on, what the supervisors had to say about the students’ amazing work and what each student learned from their experience.

“Undergraduate students play an important role in helping advance the research that takes place in our Faculty,” said Dr. Heidi Marx, Dean, Faculty of Arts. “Whether applied or fundamental, Arts research explores questions and issues that are critical to our society, and makes meaningful contributions to knowledge and our understanding of the world we live in. At the same time, the students learn valuable skills that they will be able to draw upon in both their studies and their future careers.”

“Students learn valuable skills that they will be able to draw upon in both their studies and their future careers.” – Dr. Heidi Marx, Dean

Through research work, Faculty of Arts students build skills in research methodologies and techniques, how to write about and present data, data collection and analysis, public speaking, critical thinking and technical skills such as using software or various lab techniques. The award winners shared how they worked on exciting and diverse tasks such as scouring databases, legislation, library catalogs and archives, conducting literature reviews, designing surveys, recruiting research participants and conducting interviews, analyzing data and helping to communicate research findings to the greater community by contributing to a variety of items such as articles, reports, presentations, blogs and video essays.

Marley Pauls [BA(Hons)/24], a former URA recipient, spoke to the students about why they became a student researcher and the thrill of winning first place in the oral format category at the 2023 UM Undergraduate Research Showcase (Humanities and Social Sciences category). Now a graduate student in linguistics and discourse studies at Carleton University, they shared with students how participating in research enhanced their overall undergraduate experience and led to opportunities they wouldn’t have imagined were available and possible.

At the luncheon, the students were encouraged to take what they’ve learned to the next level by applying for the UM undergraduate research showcase and for future research awards. Dr. Marx added that participating in these events “can open doors to even more skill-building opportunities for students to further their experience and learning”.

The event was a huge success. There were many smiling faces as each student received a keepsake that included a personal message from their academic supervisor. The students were reminded to feel proud of their contributions and accomplishments. In return, the students thanked their supervisors for providing the opportunity to learn and explore many unique and exciting areas of study.

2024 URA award recipient Grace Elendu, a criminology major, encourages fellow Arts undergraduate students to apply for a future URA. “University is all about taking opportunities and gaining new experiences,” Elendu shared. “Say yes to as many things as you can. You never know where that ‘yes’ could take you in the future.”

Research opportunities for students

The next UM undergraduate research showcase takes place on October 24, 2024. Learn more and apply.

Undergraduate students can apply for a 2025 URA or PURE. Visit the web for more information and to see deadlines for each award.

Watch what students had to say about their Arts undergraduate research experience:

The URA provides an exciting opportunity for students with a thirst for knowledge and aspirations of research experience to spend 16 weeks full-time from May to August immersed in their field of interest. It’s also coupled with a $7,000 monetary award. 

In the summer of 2022, Wiens worked under the supervision of Dr. Leslie Roos, assistant professor in psychology and co-principal investigator in the Hearts & Minds Lab. Along with a team of undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and academics, their research aims to evaluate and develop scalable programs that promote parent mental health and wellness and family relationships.

We spoke with Wiens about her URA experience:

FACULTY OF ARTS: WHAT RESEARCH DID YOU CONDUCT? DID YOU UNCOVER ANY IMPORTANT FINDINGS?

WIENS: Our research project name was “I’m not alone”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM) mHealth Program Forum.

We qualitatively analyzed the content of an online parenting forum that was a component of the Building Emotional Awareness and Mental Health (BEAM) program. BEAM is a 10-week program that was designed to promote mental wellness and parenting skills for mothers experiencing depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is the first to examine how mothers of young children who are part of an mHealth intervention, where mobile and wireless technologies are used to support the achievement of health objectives, engage with each other using an online forum. Most importantly, we found that programs like BEAM that utilize program forums to facilitate communication and peer support can be a way to enhance participant engagement and receive real-time feedback on program content.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE URA EXPERIENCE?

As a student, working on this award provided me with an opportunity to build relationships with faculty and graduate students in the field of psychology. Of course, I learned so much about what conducting scientific research really looks like, but I also gained valuable insights into what to expect from graduate programs and how to put together a competitive application.

Because I am interested in working in Northern communities where mental health services are often very difficult to access, I would like to investigate whether an mHealth program such as BEAM would be a viable option for increasing accessibility in these communities.

I also really enjoyed meeting other undergraduate and graduate students who have similar interests. It was great to collaborate on the project and learn some new perspectives.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTS STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR AN URA?

Working on the URA is a great way to develop and fine-tune your research interests. When I first applied, my interests were quite broad, but now I feel like I have more focus and direction in the research I would like to conduct in the future. I think one of the main reasons that my URA application was successful is because I interviewed faculty members whose research interests were relevant to my future career goals. My advice would be for students to go into it with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to learn.

HOW DO YOUR STUDIES IN THE FACULTY OF ARTS COMPLEMENT YOUR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND YOUR FUTURE CAREER GOALS?

I have taken courses in a variety of different subjects toward my Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree including psychology, sociology, linguistics and religion. The most interesting thing about studying all these subjects is that there are so many connections across disciplines that are often surprising to me, and these unexpected connections continuously deepen my understanding of the world around me.

Visit the Undergraduate Research Award webpage for full details on the program and to find a list of student research opportunities available in the Faculty of Arts for the coming year.

The third year political studies student in the Faculty of Arts was a 2021 Undergraduate Research Award (URA) recipient and worked under the supervision of Dr. Julia Smith, an assistant professor in labour studies. Together, their research shed light on the importance of strike action in advancing gender equality in the workplace.

The URA provides an exciting opportunity for students with a thirst for knowledge and aspirations of research experience to spend 16 weeks immersed in their field of interest. It’s also coupled with a $7,000 monetary award. 

Dr. Smith spoke with Guenther-Wexler about her URA experience:

SMITH: WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO APPLY FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD?

GUENTHER-WEXLER: I wanted to explore the possibility of research within the field of labour studies. I am passionate about labour activism, feminism, and Manitoban history. I wanted to study the intersection in labour relations and feminism, therefore I was very excited to learn of your research examining women who combined labour and feminist activism to address issues of gender inequality at work and in society in Manitoba in the 1970s and 1980s.

Hannah Guenther-Wexler

WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?

The experience was amazing! I furthered my understanding of the research process and I felt honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to writing the history of feminism and labour activism in Manitoba. Due to the pandemic, I conducted my research mostly online using digitized archival resources and materials borrowed from libraries, instead of doing research in-person at the archives; however, the experience was still rewarding. The research process included searching newspapers, periodicals and archival collections to create a comprehensive catalogue of activists, organizations and issues related to feminist labour organizing in the province between 1970 and 1990. Feminist newsletters and other artifacts of women’s activism are so valuable because they preserve women’s words and experiences and ensure that feminist activists and the issues that animated them will not be forgotten.

Dr. Julia Smith

DID THE SUMMER RESEARCH LEAD TO ANYTHING SPECIAL?

The summer research experience led to several incredible opportunities to highlight my research in a public format. First, my research was featured in an interview with The Manitoban. I was also able to participate in an Instagram takeover of the @umstudent account to showcase my research project and process. As well, I was able to co-write an article with you that was recently published in the journal Prairie History. 

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU LEARNED FROM THE EXPERIENCE?

The biggest thing I learned is how some of the activists who created change were ordinary people, including university students like myself. Our research included important feminist groups, such as Winnipeg Women’s Liberation (WWL), who worked to address a number of issues, including work. WWL was active in the 1970s and was created by a group of young activists, some of whom were students at the University of Manitoba. Their grassroots organizing brought attention to issues of gender inequality at work and in society. The ability for ordinary people to create change was inspirational to me.

WHAT ADVIDE TO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE CONSIDERING APPLYING FOR AN URA?

I recommend that students interview as many eligible professors as possible to learn about their research so they can decide which research project would fit best with their interests and career goals. The Undergraduate Research Award is most rewarding when you are truly passionate about the research you are conducting.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I’m looking forward to continuing to work with you this year on this research. I hope to eventually bring my new knowledge of labour relations to my future career in labour law or policy. 

Visit the Undergraduate Research Award webpage for full details on the program.

The only deviation from the norm was that there was an undergraduate research poster competition happening later in the afternoon. And she was competing in it.

The third-year kinesiology student, alongside 140 other learners (a vast majority of them Undergraduate Research Award recipients, just like Kullman) had the opportunity to explain their research to a hive collective of judges. Up for grabs: a place on a podium and a new entry in the Awards and Honours section of their curricula vitae.  

It’s really an exposing process; having virtual strangers scrutinize and analyze aspects of your research, similar to how a jeweller inspects the angular ridges of a crumb-sized diamond.

“I’m use to it,” said Kullman, 20. She was fresh off presenting the same poster at a conference in Vancouver the weekend prior.

The practice paid off. Kullman won first place overall in the social sciences/humanities category of the URA poster competition. 

This interview was condensed and edited for clarity, and was conducted in the Active Living Centre Agora on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Take us back to the award announcement. How did you feel when you heard your name and that you had just won first place in your category?

I was shocked. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I was just giddy. Really, I entered my poster into the competition for the experience. I didn’t expect to win anything out of it.

Have you won first place at anything else before?

Other than getting an Undergraduate Research Award and scholarships in the past, no. Nothing like this.

Now that you’re URA famous, how has your life changed?

I don’t know [she laughs]. A lot of the profs said ‘congratulations’ to me in the hallways and that’s been very nice. It’s just been a good way to get my name out in our faculty to get to know some new people. It’s also sparked some interest with other students. I’ve been asked about the interesting application process quite a bit.

Interesting how?

You need to find two professors you’d like to conduct research with and interview them. It’s interesting because you interview them—instead of the other way around. I’ve never had that kind of experience before. Usually when I’m applying for a job, someone else is interviewing me.

How did you hear about the URA and why did you apply?

I saw an advertisement for it in the hallway. I saw it as a good way to add to my résumé, and I was interested in seeing whether or not I’d like research. And it turns out I really do like research. The whole thing was great.

So how did you spend your undergraduate research summer?

The first couple weeks introduced me to the study I’d be working on, so I did a lot of reading and literature reviews in the area of self-compassion. I learned how to apply for grants. I spent time recruiting participants for other studies. And I did a systematic review of 21,000 abstracts. I’m actually still working on that.

21,000? My goodness.

I actually really like it. It’s therapeutic.

What was the main study about, the one you won your award for?

Here’s a scenario: Let’s say Jennifer is a woman who believes that being an exerciser means working out five-times-a-week. This is her exercise identity. Jennifer has a baby, and now things are obviously much busier. She can exercise maybe twice a week now—if she’s lucky. She feels bad because of this. 

We hypothesized that mothers who are more compassionate might be able to adapt their exercise identity and declare that being an exerciser means working out twice a week and they can accept that and maintain at least some exercise behaviour rather than giving up all together.

We found that mothers who are more self-compassionate felt better with their new exercise habits and felt less guilty about exercising less. They were able to adapt their identity and maintain their exercise behaviour after having children. 

You explained that very well.

I’ve had a lot of practice.

Did you ever think you’d be doing this kind of research at the undergrad level?

No I didn’t. And I didn’t know that I would love research as much as I did. 

What advice do you have for people interested in applying for the Undergraduate Research Award?

Give yourself enough time to apply, and give yourself enough time to read the professors’ bios and think about what you’re interested in. Don’t be afraid to explore something that you’re not familiar with. I definitely was not familiar with exercise psychology—but I ended up loving it. Take a chance. You never know until you get there.  

The URA provides an exciting opportunity for students with a thirst for knowledge and aspirations of research experience to spend 16 weeks immersed in their field of interest. It’s also coupled with a $7,000 monetary award. 

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and International, in partnership with the University of  Manitoba Student Union (UMSU) offers this exciting opportunity for up to 172 students. Ten awards will be dedicated to Indigenous students and two awards dedicated for community-based research projects.

For more information, visit the website. The application deadline is Jan. 24, 2020. 

If you’re a student, you have a great opportunity to work directly with researchers in a subject you’re curious about, as well as make some money! Why not experience research with a professor at your own university?

Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs) allow students to be mentored full-time with a professor of their choice for 16 weeks, receive a $7,000 award, and gain valuable experience in their fields of interest.

This year, the university is pleased to offer 172 URAs, up to 10 of which are dedicated to Indigenous students, and two awards are earmarked for community-based research projects. All community-based research projects must fit within disciplines supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Additional community-based research projects may be supported through the main competition, subject to final selection of successful applicants.

Last year, 100 URAs were awarded to students, and additional two awards went to students working on community-based research, for a total of 102 awards at $6,500 per student.

Simran Parmar received a URA and worked with Dr. Sherif Sherif in electrical engineering on a project to study new imaging techniques for preventing plaque buildup in human arteries.

She says: “The Undergraduate Research Award encouraged me to partake in research work and nurtured my interest in a field that complements my studies. The experience was very enriching as it allowed for the practical application of the knowledge acquired in classrooms and making connections. It also gave me exposure to important concepts and techniques that dominate modern research.”

This year, thanks to a generous donation by the University of Manitoba Student Union (UMSU) as part of the Front and Centre campaign, the U of M can offer even more awards and increase the value of each award to $7,000 per student.

Also new for this year, the URA deadline for applications has been moved to January 26, 2018.

Full-time students enrolled in 24 credit hours over the Fall/Winter terms, who have maintained a competitive GPA by the March 16, 2018, Voluntary Withdrawal date, will receive final notification of the award during the first week of April 2018.

To apply visit: umanitoba.ca/experienceresearch