Become a Member of URC 

We’re not just about research; we’re about discovery, innovation, and creativity—all while having fun. Whether you’re curious about starting your own project, connecting with brilliant mentors, or just want to explore what research is all about, Undergraduate Research Club (URC) is your place at Kennesaw State University. 

Here’s what you can do as a URC member: 

  • Kickstart your research journey—learn the ropes, find a mentor, and dive into exciting projects. 
  • Share your breakthroughs—we’ll guide you on how to present your results, publish your work, and even secure funding! 

Plus, we’re always mixing things up with fun events, workshops, and opportunities to meet fellow students and faculty who are just as passionate about research as you are. Join us, and let’s make research an adventure! 

The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) is a Registered Student Organization dedicated to promoting undergraduate research and creative activity at Kennesaw State University.

Get Involved with Research Students at Kennesaw State

The Undergraduate Research Club (URC) is all about building a supportive, exciting research community where you can grow professionally and make a real impact through your projects. Open to all KSU students, URC offers regular meetings covering diverse research topics and provides the perfect platform to connect with fellow students and mentors. 

  • DATE TIME LOCATION LINK
    Monday, September  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, October  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, November  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, February  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, February  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, March  5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
    Monday, April 5:30pm-6:30pm Academic Learning Center Suite 5500 or join online through Microsoft Teams Coming Soon!
  • Our mission is to promote an environment of undergraduate research on campus, to advance and disseminate the theory and practice of research, to provide members with opportunities for professional socialization in a research environment, to promote research that benefits the community, and to foster relationships among like-minded peers who are also interested in research. URC is open to all KSU students.
  • Memes to Manuscripts is a fun, research-driven event series where students turn pop culture phenomena—like memes, albums, and more—into real research projects! Through guided sessions, you'll learn how to craft research questions, analyze data, and present your findings, all while exploring topics that excite you. 

    View the quick guide to research, developed by URC officers.

    • In the past, the Undergraduate Research Club conducted team-based research projects that were decided upon by the membership at the beginning of the academic year. Check out the past URC projects!

      Learn more about the past team-based URC research projects.

Officers and Contact Information

General inquiries can be sent to urc@kennesaw.edu

  • Photo of   Fernanda Herrera-Candanedo, Marketing Chair Undergraduate Research Club

    fherrer3@students.kennesaw.edu 

    Hello, my name is Aichel Candanedo! I am currently a senior Biology major on the Pre-med track here at KSU. I was previously a First-Year Scholar working with Dr. Cyril Okhio on “Brain Augmented Technology (BAT) and STEM-Peer Augmented Success & Support (STEM-PASS).” I presented the project at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) in the spring of 2024 and at the Spring Symposium of Student Scholars in the spring of 2024. I am entering my third year as an Undergraduate Research Peer Ambassador for the Office fo Undergraduate Research at KSU. I have always been passionate about helping others and I hope to apply all the skills I have gained from Research and mentoring into my future career as a Physician!

    Outside of school, you can catch me participating in 5k’s as I love to run, as well as studying, cooking, going to concerts, and volunteering! I love anything that pushes me to my limit and challenges me. I find it fascinating to see how far the human body can endure, and I love to learn about myself and others through growth and challenges.

    Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or just need someone to talk to!

  • Photo pf Allisa George

    ageorg63@students.kennesaw.edu 

    Hello, my name is Allisa George! I am a student at Kennesaw State University pursuing dual degrees in Biology and Public Health. I'm excited to serve as the Vice President of the Undergraduate Research Club, where I help connect students with research opportunities and faculty mentors.

    I have been involved in undergraduate research since my freshman year, and with this role I am committed to increasing awareness of the importance of Undergraduate research. My interests focus on neurodegenerative diseases and how the built environment and social determinants of health influence brain health and aging. In the future, I hope to become a physician-scientist working at the intersection of neuroscience, public health, and medicine.

    Outside of school, I enjoy watching the musical theater, and playing with my dog, Walter. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect!

  • Photo of Jasmine Nguyen

    jnguy235@students.kennesaw.edu

    Hello! My name is Jasmine Le Nguyen, but you can call me Jas for short! I am a sophomore majoring in biology with a concentration in human health for the pre-med pathway. During my freshman year at KSU, I worked under Dr. Mohammed Halim as a first-year scholar on his “Developing Next Generation Peptide Drugs for Neurodegenerative, Infectious and Cancer Diseases” project!

    I presented my research on infectious diseases at the KSU’s 2026 Spring Symposium of Student Scholars. Research is something I hold dear to my heart and what I think is the best way for students to learn. Some of my research passions include learning more about biochemistry, space, and medicine! I am always open to giving guidance and helping my peers, whether professionally or personally. Which is why as an aspiring physician I hope to one day contribute to the field of medicine through my advocation on the integration of research and patient care. 

    Outside of my scholarly pursuits, I love to stay active by playing volleyball and other sports. Some of my other hobbies include drawing, reading, watching films, and hanging out with my friends. I am always down to talk, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you need a study buddy or someone to nerd out with. I look forward to serving as your marketing officer for the Undergraduate Research Club for the 2026-2027 school year! With my work, I hope to connect with our peers and show everyone how fun research can be. Go owls! 

     

  • Photo of Chris Carrero

    ccarrero@students.kennesaw.edu 

    Hey everyone! My name is Christopher Carrero, but you can call me Chris, and I am currently a Junior at Kennesaw State University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Resources Management. I am passionate about neuroscience, leadership, and student involvement on campus. I currently serve as the President of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Association (UNA), where I help coordinate events, outreach initiatives, and opportunities that connect students with neuroscience and research.

    I'm currently involved in undergraduate research and hope to continue expanding my experience in psychology, and neuroscience throughout my time at KSU. Outside of academics, I help manage an LLC, where I assist with operations, and client coordination. I also enjoy mentoring and working with students in leadership settings. In my free time, I love playing competitive pickleball and staying active through sports.

    As a member of the Undergraduate Research Club Executive Board, I am excited to help create opportunities for students to get involved in research, build connections across disciplines, and grow both academically and professionally. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to get involved!

  • Photo of   Dr. Amy Buddie, Faculty Advisor Undergraduate Research Club

    abuddie@kennesaw.edu

    I am the Executive Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Professor of Psychology. I have served as the faculty advisor for the Undergraduate Research Club since its inception in 2011. I have been the faculty mentor for several of the club's research projects.

    If you have any questions about anything related to undergraduate research, please do not hesitate to reach out!