Undergraduate Research Advisory Board

The University's undergraduate research programming is guided by the Undergraduate Research Advisory Board which is composed of faculty members and students from various academic units as well as representatives from student service offices. The mission of the Undergraduate Research Advisory Board is to promote, recognize, and advocate for undergraduate research at University of Portland. Duties also include advising on the development of undergraduate research policies and reviewing applications for the Provost’s Initiative for Undergraduate Research.

2025-2026 Board Members:

• Nelson Coates, Physics
• David De Lyser, Performing & Fine Arts
• Ruth Dittrich, Business
• Laurie Dizney, Biology
• Cara Hersh, Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement Director
• Jen McDaneld, English
• Daniel McGinty, Dundon-Berchtold Institute 
• September Nelson, Nursing
• CJ Poor, Civil Engineering
• Zachary Simmons, Psychological Sciences
• Buck Taylor, Chemistry
• Theresa Wunderlich, Student Member