Digital Den: Undergraduate Research and SURCA

What does undergraduate research actually look like, and how can an online student get involved? In this episode of Digital Den, host Andria Donnenwerth explores undergraduate research and creative activity at Washington State University with Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. They discuss the many forms research can take, how students can begin exploring an idea, how to connect with faculty mentors, and how Global Campus students can participate in the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA), either virtually or in person.

Mia Darnell of Global Connections joins the conversation to talk about removing barriers to research and helping Global Campus students access opportunities such as SURCA through mentoring, preparation, travel support, and the Global Campus Research Fund.

Then Global Campus student Ellatora Wildermuth shares how her curiosity and family history grew into an independent research project she presented at SURCA, earning recognition in three award categories. She reflects on the mentors, resources, and community that helped her along the way and encourages other students to start with curiosity, ask questions, and reach out.

This episode’s Den Challenge invites students to follow one curiosity and take one step toward exploring where it might lead. Alumni, faculty, and staff are challenged to consider how they might help a student take their own next step through mentoring, volunteering, or supporting student research.

SURCA 2027 will be held on March 22, 2027.

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For questions about the Digital Den, please email global.podcast@wsu.edu.

Episode Transcript

Andria Donnenwerth: Welcome to Digital Den, where the Global Cougar community comes together to connect, learn, and belong. I’m your host, Andria Donnenwerth, director of development at WSU Global Campus. Whether you are tuning in from across the state or across the globe, you are right where you need to be.

In our last episode, we talked about finding your place at Global Campus through clubs, leadership, student government, mentoring, and other ways to connect. But finding your place at WSU can also mean discovering something you want to explore, investigate, create, or understand a little more deeply. And if the words “undergraduate research” make you think, “Hmm, that sounds impressive, but probably not something an online student like me does,” this episode is especially for you.

Today, we’re exploring undergraduate research and creative activity, including one of WSU’s signature opportunities for students to share their work: the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, better known as SURCA. We’ll learn what undergraduate research can actually look like, how Global Campus can help students access these opportunities, and meet a Global Coug who took that opportunity and ran with it. Let’s get started.

To start us off, I wanted someone who could answer a pretty fundamental question: What do we actually mean when we talk about undergraduate research?

Joining me is Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research in WSU’s Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement. He is also a scholarly associate professor in the Department of Chemistry.

Jeremy, welcome to Digital Den.

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Hi, Andria. I’m happy to be here.

Andria Donnenwerth: So, Jeremy, before we jump into SURCA, tell us a little bit about yourself and your work with undergraduate research at WSU. What led you to the work you’re doing today?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Sure. So, I mean, I’ve been at WSU and in the chemistry department, mostly, for more than 25 years. Once we got out of the pandemic, the opportunity arose for me to take over part of my job as the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. That’s one of those nice synergies with what I’d been doing for years before then, because part of my role as a scholarly associate professor, career track, was to be an academic adviser with my chemistry majors. Chemistry is one of those fields where research and getting students involved in research as undergraduates is part of their degree. Actually, there’s only one other department at WSU where it’s a requirement. So, I’ve been helping shepherd students into finding those opportunities to do research for years, and it just was sort of a natural thing for me to become the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Andria Donnenwerth: Jeremy, that’s a great journey. I’m so glad that you found a synergy with your current position and that you’ve been helping students find their research. When students hear “undergraduate research,” they might immediately picture someone working in a laboratory. What can research and creative activity actually look like across WSU? And where does SURCA fit into that?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Well, across WSU, research for my majors and a lot of STEM majors is getting into the laboratory and doing, you know, white lab coats and what you’d think of and things like that. But when I use “research,” and what I try and tell all the undergrads I interact with in this position, is research is just a big umbrella term. It’s the classical thing you think of for STEM majors, but there’s so much that goes on in other types of majors.

The next sort of biggest area, or set of majors, are students in the social sciences disciplines. So psychology, sociology, human development, criminal justice, where it’s not lab, but you’re still getting out there collecting data, analyzing data, doing the statistics, and all the classical things that you think of there. But then we can move into the humanities, English, history, and those types of areas, where you’re doing what I like to call mentored scholarship in your discipline. The thing that ties them all together is you’re working outside of the classroom, in most cases, and you’re working on problems that don’t have answers.

Basically, what we’re trying to do in all these areas is create new knowledge and push their fields forward. I think that’s where students grow the most as scholars in their fields and just start to put it all together, applying what you’re learning in the classroom to real-world problems. Now, where SURCA, which is the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, falls in is where you can present what you’ve been working on to a larger audience. That is sort of one of the most important steps in becoming a fully rounded scholar, where you have to create a story around what you’ve been doing.

Sometimes you can get the blinders on and just focus on the work you’re doing and the data analysis and everything like that and miss the larger picture, for instance. But once you have to tell it to other people, that’s where you start to make all the connections that are most important for you growing.

Andria Donnenwerth: Thank you so much, Jeremy. I really appreciate that you called out that research is for any WSU student, regardless of their degree program. Humanities, social sciences, there’s always a story to tell, as you said, a problem to solve, and then tell that story at SURCA. What a great callout for that.

So, Jeremy, can Global Campus students participate in SURCA? And what might that experience look like for an online student?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Well, absolutely. They can participate in SURCA, and, in fact, even before the pandemic, we were having Global Campus students come and present their work. What’s really great about that is that a lot of Global Campus students who are doing undergraduate research actually come to Pullman to present at SURCA. They don’t have to. We do have an option for students to present virtually.

But I think a lot of Global Campus students that I’ve seen over the years really want to make that trip and make that connection and come to Pullman because, really, presenting in person and talking about your research and what you’ve been working on, that is a thing, for lack of a better word right now, that you do professionally. So, yeah, we have a pretty consistent amount of Global students who come to Pullman and present.

Actually, they have been quite successful over the years, winning awards at the event in whatever category they’re presenting in. Mostly, it’s been social science students, especially psychology majors. The psychology department is really good about getting their students involved, even their Global students. They have been able to do very well at SURCA.

Andria Donnenwerth: Thank you so much, Jeremy. A little later on today in the episode, we’ll have Mia talk about those opportunities for participation, whether it’s in person or virtually. So thank you so much for calling that out. What about the student thinking, “Hmm, this sounds interesting, but I don’t have a project, a faculty mentor, or even a fully formed idea”? Where would they start?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: My first suggestion is always going to be whoever is facilitating their coursework in their major. That’s the place to start. The next place I would tell a student to go look is actually reach out and contact the department, the associate chair for undergraduate studies in their department. That would be the next place because they would be able to make connections. In a lot of these cases, sometimes faculty members in the department have projects that are ongoing and wouldn’t mind some extra help.

A lot of work that I’ve seen over the years is quite able to be done remotely, which is good. Also, a lot of faculty members are open to being remote mentors. If a student has, you know, an inkling of something that sounds like a good idea and a viable project, faculty are happy to help them move along on their own, what we’ll call more independent research instead of working directly on a faculty project. To a large extent, that’s actually what a lot of Global students have done in the past, from what I’ve seen.

Andria Donnenwerth: That’s great advice. So really, the first step is to reach out. Reach out to your professor, someone in your degree program, and just ask those questions. Ask if they’re working on research. Ask them about the research that you’re thinking about. What a great suggestion, Jeremy.

That’s what our students can do, but for our alumni, faculty, and staff, how can they participate, including maybe serving as SURCA judges? What experience may be needed for that?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Not a lot of experience, actually. You just need to be willing to talk with the presenters, ask good questions, and be available to evaluate their projects based on the judging rubric we use. The judging rubric is not a secret or anything like that. It’s freely available. We tell students, “Hey, take a look at the rubric. See how all the different sections of your poster and your project are fitting into it,” and everything like that. Just be able to compare and contrast. If you’re a professional and you’ve been working in the field for a while and things like that, it’s not hard to be a judge.

The only stipulation is, basically, you need to be there in person to do the judging. We don’t have virtual judging for SURCA or anything like that. But if you’re able to come to Pullman for SURCA and be a judge, we’re happy to have anyone. We basically need the same number of judges as we have posters for the event. Just to give an example, last year was probably the biggest SURCA ever. We had 235 individual posters, which actually represented the work of almost 280 students because some students work with partners on projects, group projects, and things like that. That’s a lot of bodies, but it is just such an engaging environment. There’s so much energy being there with all of these students.

I think if alumni, if remote faculty want to come back, we’ve had professionals, especially in the data sciences area, who worked for Microsoft, who worked for Boeing. They’ve come over and judged for us because they want to give back. Some of them are former WSU alumni. Some have connections with people they know who’ve been here at WSU. They loved the event and want to come back. We’re going to have some repeats this next year, I know, because they had such a great time coming and doing it.

Andria Donnenwerth: That’s great to hear. And just for everyone to know, our next SURCA is March 22, 2027. If they are interested in judging, you all will send out some emails closer to the event, and they can also check your page, which we will include a link to in this podcast as well. So, if anyone is interested in being a judge, being a part of that experience, definitely check that out.

One last question for you, Jeremy. What can students gain from undergraduate research or SURCA, even if they never plan to become actual researchers?

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: Like I said, the biggest gain is you’re working on a project that is open-ended. You’re applying the knowledge you’ve been gaining in your coursework, and perhaps, in some cases, personal experience and things like that. You’re starting to make the connections, the big connections, that sort of, what I like to say a lot of times, drives everything home. It really suddenly all starts to make sense for what you’ve been doing.

Andria Donnenwerth: That’s such a great summary of the experience that they can gain. Jeremy, thank you so much. Thank you for joining us and helping make undergraduate research feel a little less mysterious and a lot more possible.

Dr. Jeremy J. Lessman: You’re very welcome. Any of you out there listening to this, please, if you have more questions, contact our office. Andria is going to put up our email address and everything like that. We’re happy to help facilitate your journey in this process.

Andria Donnenwerth: That’s great. One thing I keep coming back to in these conversations is that creating an opportunity is only part of the equation. Students also need the support to access it. That brings us to today’s Den Difference.

Every episode, we take a moment to recognize one of the people, programs, or funds helping strengthen our community. We call this Den Difference. Today’s Den Difference is the Global Campus Research Fund. Research and creative opportunities give students the chance to explore questions that matter to them, work alongside faculty mentors, develop new skills, and share what they discover with a broader community.

The Global Campus Research Fund helps support research opportunities for Global Campus students, giving donors another way to invest in learning and discovery beyond the classroom. And supporting research isn’t only about the work itself. It’s about helping create opportunities for students to explore their ideas, develop their skills, and see where their curiosity might take them. That makes this the perfect time to bring back a familiar Digital Den voice, because supporting access to opportunities like these is something she works with professionally and something she told me she cares about personally.

Yes, folks, she’s back. Three episodes in, and I think Mia officially qualifies as a Digital Den regular. You already know Mia Darnell, our Global Connections program coordinator. Today, she’s back to help us talk about how Global Campus students can access opportunities like SURCA, including the supports that can help them get there. Mia, welcome back to Digital Den.

Mia Darnell: Thank you, Andria. I feel like I’m going to need a stamp card and earn something for being a regular.

Andria Donnenwerth: We’ll have to figure something out for sure. So, Mia, you and I have talked before about the Global Campus Research Fund and your own interest in supporting it. What is it about undergraduate research and opportunities like SURCA that makes this something you personally care about?

Mia Darnell: Thank you, Andria. For me, what inspires me most about undergraduate research is the transformation that happens when students realize they can contribute to the creation of knowledge and not just consume it. Opportunities like SURCA, or Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, give students the chance to develop their ideas, communicate what they’ve learned, and begin to see themselves as scholars, researchers, and professionals.

In my role, I have the privilege of working closely with Global Campus students, and I see an important equity challenge. Washington State University is a land-grant institution, and part of that mission is making educational opportunities accessible to students wherever they are. We often think about access for online students as access to classes, but access to the full university experience matters too. Research, mentorship, presenting scholarly work, building professional networks, those are all important parts of a university education.

Online learning has expanded access to a WSU degree, but access to research and other high-impact experiences hasn’t always kept pace. An online student might be hundreds of miles from Pullman or another WSU campus, working full time, raising a family, caring for someone, or serving in the military. So, they may not have the same opportunities to casually connect with faculty, learn about research projects, or travel to campus for an experience. Even when a student finds an opportunity like SURCA, there can be another question: Can I afford it? That’s why the Global Campus Research Fund is so meaningful to me.

My hope is that the initial support I am providing will inspire others to invest in creating pathways for students to engage in research, present their work, and participate in experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. To me, it’s really an investment in student potential. Talent is distributed everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always. Where a student lives, or what their circumstances are, shouldn’t determine whether they have the opportunity to participate in research and other transformative educational experiences.

Andria Donnenwerth: I love that idea that access has to mean more than simply having access to the classroom. It’s also about making sure students can participate in experiences that surround their education. So, Mia, let’s talk about how we help make that possible. What does Global Connections do to help Global Campus students actually access opportunities like SURCA?

Mia Darnell: A big part of what we do in Global Connections is help students navigate opportunities that may not feel accessible at first. Students on a physical campus often encounter opportunities organically. They might hear about a research project from a professor in their class, see a flyer in a building, or have a conversation with someone who says, “You should apply for this.”

Online students don’t always have the same points of connection, so we work to close those information and access gaps. We connect students with resources, faculty, mentors, and programs that align with their goals. We help them understand what’s available, what the application process looks like, and how they can position themselves as strong candidates. One of the most common questions I hear is, “I am interested, but am I qualified?” Another is, “How do I find a faculty mentor?”

That can be particularly challenging for online students because they may not have those informal interactions with faculty before or after class. Sometimes the barrier isn’t a lack of ability or interest. It’s simply not knowing how to make that connection. Students also ask, “Can I really do research if I don’t live near Pullman?” And the answer is, sometimes, absolutely.

Not every research project can be done remotely, but research can take many forms. Depending on the discipline or project, it might involve data analysis, literature reviews, community-based research, field partnerships, or other creative approaches. Then there’s also time.

Many of our students are working professionals, parents, caregivers, or military-affiliated students. They may have tremendous interest in research but wonder how they can fit it into an already full life. Helping students identify opportunities that are realistic and manageable is an important part of what we do.

Finally, there’s a sense of belonging. Some online students wonder whether they really belong in a research environment or at a university-wide event. But what we see again and again is that once students have the opportunity to participate, they realize, “I belong here.”

Another highlight I want to shout out is that we currently have a Global Connections travel grant that can reimburse up to $500 for students who attend and participate in person. That support comes from Services and Activities, or S&A, fees.

So whether the barrier is information, mentorship, time, finances, or simply confidence, our role is to help students find a pathway forward.

Andria Donnenwerth: Mia, it really sounds like Global Connections is helping students find that pathway forward, whether that means finding a mentor, exploring what their research idea could become, figuring out how to participate virtually or in person, or even helping make travel more accessible.

It’s almost like you’re saying, “You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Here are the people and resources that can help.” So, if a Global Campus student decides, “Okay, I want to do this,” what can they expect from you and Global Connections along the way?

Mia Darnell: The first thing I want students to know is you don’t have to navigate this alone. We will be here throughout the process. In fact, I will also be there in person during SURCA so that you can have staff support. If you need help with picking up your poster, and even something as simple as hanging up your poster because you might be running late toward the presentation, I will be there.

All throughout the process, you can guarantee that you will have support. When a student expresses interest in research and/or an opportunity like SURCA, we are there to help you understand what the process looks like and connect you with the people and resources that you need. That might mean identifying potential faculty mentors, exploring research opportunities, preparing a proposal or presentation, or understanding what funding is available to help make participation possible.

We’ve also partnered with SURCA to develop a skill-building program specifically for Global Campus students through a series of webinars. We help students understand what to expect and prepare for participation, whether they’re engaging virtually or coming to campus. The goal is to reduce barriers and build confidence.

Research can feel intimidating, particularly for students who are balancing careers, family responsibilities, military service, or returning to school after time away.We try to break the process into manageable steps and surround students with the support they need. What I love most is seeing what happens on the other side.

A student may begin by asking, “Am I qualified?” or “Do I really belong here?” Then, seeing them presenting their work, talking with faculty and peers, and contributing to conversations in their field, that is heartwarming for me. That’s the transformation we’re trying to create.

Through Global Connections, our travel grant, and hopefully the Global Campus Research Fund and opportunities like SURCA, we’re working to expand what it means for students to participate fully in the university experience regardless of where they’re learning. Because ultimately, access isn’t just about being able to enroll in a class. It’s about having a meaningful opportunity to engage, contribute, connect, and discover what you’re capable of. That’s why this work matters so much to me.

Andria Donnenwerth: Mia, thank you. I think what you just said really captures it. It’s not simply about giving students access to an opportunity. It’s about helping them see that they belong in that opportunity and supporting them as they discover what they are capable of. Thank you for the work you’re doing to help make that possible for our Global Campus students. And, of course, for joining us again. I think becoming a Digital Den regular is officially part of your Cougar journey now.

Mia Darnell: Yes, it’s been a great pleasure, and I really love sharing about this opportunity and being able to jump-start something that hopefully can grow and provide more opportunities, access opportunities, to our Global Campus students. Thank you, Andria. I really appreciate my time here.

Andria Donnenwerth: We’ve talked a lot today about taking that first step into research, and one of the biggest questions can be simply, “How do I find a mentor?” Fortunately, Global Connections has an opportunity designed to help students do exactly that. Which brings us to today’s Den Discovery.

Today’s Den Discovery is an opportunity for students who may be asking exactly the question we just raised: “How do I find a research mentor?” Global Connections is hosting Find Your Research Mentor, an event designed to help Global Campus students learn more about connecting with a faculty mentor and taking that next step into research. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Start with the question. Explore the opportunity. Find someone who can help you develop it. We’ll include a link to the Find Your Research Mentor event in today’s episode description.

We’ve talked about what’s possible and how to get started. Now, let’s meet a Global Coug who actually did it. We’ve heard what undergraduate research can look like. It’s time for today’s Coug Spotlight.

Today, I’m joined by Ellatora Wildermuth, a Global Campus student who took her work to SURCA and earned recognition in three award categories. But the awards aren’t where I want to begin. I want to know what happened before them. How did a Global Campus student go from learning online to developing a project, working with a mentor, presenting her work, and ultimately being recognized for it? Ellatora, welcome to Digital Den.

Ellatora Wildermuth: Hello, Andria, and thank you for having me. SURCA was an incredible experience for me, so I’m excited to chat about it and everything that came with it.

Andria Donnenwerth: We’re excited to have you, Ellatora. Before we talk about SURCA, tell us a little bit about yourself and your Global Campus journey. What brought you to WSU, and what are you studying?

Ellatora Wildermuth: I’m a returning student from 2012, majoring in Management Information Systems with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. I originally transferred to WSU from Skagit Valley College by recommendation of my ACT program director, an advanced college-level program through Cascades Job Corps.They felt I was meant for bigger things than a local community college, and Wazzu was an incredible opportunity for me. Though I had to take an extended leave, I was so happy to return, this time with a new chapter: Global Campus.

Andria Donnenwerth: And we’re so glad that you returned to WSU Global Campus for your bigger and greater things, Ellatora. How did you go from being a Global Campus student to developing a project and participating in SURCA?

Ellatora Wildermuth: Through my MIS coursework, I’ve explored topics such as history, business ethics, global impact, and sustainability. I was especially drawn to systems thinking, particularly how feedback loops and cascading effects reveal the relationships between elements and how those relationships shape our environment and even our personal interactions.

My independent research traces unrecorded relationships between the Civilian Conservation Corps and Pacific Northwest climbing communities, stemming from my own family history. My great-grandfather, Lawrence “Parry” Shorty Williams, was a mountaineer, EMT, instructor, and volunteer firefighter. The stories he passed down about working alongside CCC crews are part of what led me to this topic. His memories match what little the archives reveal: shared stewardship that was taken for granted and seldom documented.

To convey these relationships, I made a map showing the proximity and overlapping areas. I made it the centerpiece of my poster for SURCA, based on archival and GIS-supported research findings. When I returned to WSU, I was relieved to find our strong sense of community unchanged, even though I was shifting from an on-campus experience to an online one. There were still many amazing ways to connect.

I learned about SURCA through Global Connections, an online club dedicated to connecting with Global peers and expert presenters via Zoom-based events and involvement. I originally wanted to showcase my research for a class final project. However, this project turned out to be much bigger than what I could fit in a semester, but I didn’t want to let it go. It meant too much to me. I reached out to Mia Darnell to share my research, and she encouraged me to showcase it at SURCA.

For the poster, I used a scrapbook-inspired aesthetic that echoed the project themes of memory and conservation. I wanted it to feel nostalgic but also still fresh, and that balance made the final piece stand out. I was even able to showcase family heirlooms during my presentation for SURCA, the original concept list for the Tacoma Mountaineers Mountain Rescue kits designed by my great-grandfather, and actual kit memorabilia that are part of the origin of modern rescue and emergency response operations today.

Andria Donnenwerth: Wow. What an interesting topic, and how amazing that it had such a personal connection for you. When you realized it couldn’t be just a class project, that it still needed to be told, you still needed to share what you had learned, and that you chose SURCA to be able to showcase that and share everything about your grandfather. What an amazing story and personal connection that you had. So, what was that experience like? What did you take away from SURCA beyond the awards themselves?

Ellatora Wildermuth: The best thing about SURCA was definitely the people. Having this experience and sharing it with my peers was one of the most exciting and enlightening moments of my Global Campus experience. The recognition from this experience was fulfilling in three really meaningful ways.

First, this project was incredibly validating because this project is as personal as it is academic to me. The awards I won in arts, humanities, and creative activity reflect my dedication to storytelling, my compassion for community, and my ambition to amplify overlooked voices and connections.

Second, the project is now a keystone piece in my professional portfolio. No matter where this project goes next, these awards will always be part of its foundation and its future.

And third, but definitely not least, sharing my SURCA and Global Campus experiences means a lot to me as an awardee and student ambassador. I’ve been exactly where many students are now, and if my story helps give someone the sense of belonging and confidence that I feel, that’s the goal.

Andria Donnenwerth: What a great goal. Ellatora, we really appreciate you being here today and sharing your story with the rest of the Global Cougar community. For another Global Campus student listening who is curious about research but thinks, “I’m not experienced enough to do something like that,” what would you tell them?

Ellatora Wildermuth: I would say you don’t need experience, just curiosity. And you’re not alone. WSU faculty groups like the Cougar Scholars Society, the amazing librarians and resources, and communities that genuinely want you to succeed have your back. This project has only been possible because of the people and institutions who helped me get here.

I’m grateful to my mentoring professors for their guidance, Washington State University’s librarians for helping me navigate difficult records, and also to the Mountaineers historical staff, and especially my family, for getting me this far. If you’re listening and thinking, “Maybe I could try something like that,” I encourage you to try. Send the email. Ask questions. Reach out. Because when Cougs help Cougs, anything is possible.

Andria Donnenwerth: That is exactly right. Anything is possible when you are part of this Cougar community. And I love that you called out that it’s more about the curiosity that you have and not the experience. Because we are a learning institution here. We are all learning, and we have an entire Cougar community that has your back and is ready to help and support. Great callout. Ellatora, thank you so much for sharing your story here today.

Ellatora Wildermuth: Of course. I’m happy to be here for my Cougs. Thank you for having me, and Go Cougs!

Andria Donnenwerth: We started this episode asking what undergraduate research can look like. We talked about how to get started, how to find support and a mentor, and now we’ve heard from a Global Coug who turned her own curiosity into research. So, for this episode’s Den Challenge, let’s start in the same place research does: with a question. For our students, your challenge is simple: Follow one curiosity. Think about something from one of your classes, your work, your community, or even your everyday life that has made you stop and wonder: Why does that happen? How could this be better? What would happen if…? You don’t need a research proposal. You don’t need a faculty mentor yet. You don’t even need to know whether your question could become a project. Just identify one question you’re curious enough to explore. Then take one step.

Use any of the resources, opportunities, or ideas you heard about in today’s episode to start exploring where that question might lead. And if you’re listening as an alum, faculty, or staff member, there’s a Den Challenge for you too. Think about how you might help a student take their next step. That could mean learning more about volunteering as a SURCA judge or, for our faculty listeners, considering whether you could mentor a student interested in research or creative work. Research and discovery don’t happen in isolation. They grow through people willing to ask questions, share their expertise, and support someone else’s curiosity.

And if SURCA has you curious, mark your calendar now. SURCA 2027 is March 22. There’s still time to start exploring an idea, find a mentor, or discover how you might get involved. As always, you’ll find links to SURCA information, Global Connections, travel support, the Find Your Research Mentor event, and ways to support Global Campus student research in today’s episode description.

Thank you to Dr. Jeremy Lessman, Mia Darnell, and Ellatora Wildermuth for joining us today and helping us explore what’s possible beyond the online classroom. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Digital Den and share the episode with another member of the Global Cougar community. And between our regular episodes, keep an eye out for the Digital Den 10 Spot, where we give one Global Campus club about 10 minutes in the Den to tell us who they are, what they do, and how you can get connected. Research starts with questions. Maybe yours, or one you help a student pursue, is worth following.

Until next time, stay connected, keep learning, and, as always, Go Cougs!