Our History of Undergraduate Research at Russell Sage College

Located on the Russell Sage College campus, the Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research (DCUR) opened in September 2008. Named for Dr. Kathleen Donnelly, Professor Emerita Chemistry, the DCUR aims to support the pursuits of undergraduate research at Russell Sage College in a variety of ways.

National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)

Dr. Donnelly was a major force in supporting undergraduate research and was responsible for the College’s participation in the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) from 1990 until her retirement in 2008. During that time, several dozen students travelled to NCUR to present their research.

Explore Previous NCUR Participants

In This Section

Undergraduate Research Day
Meet Our Undergraduate Researchers: hear from three of our students who will be presenting their work at Undergraduate Research Day. Learn not only about their research projects, but also how their research enhanced their Sage experience and their understanding of their chosen field.
New York Capital Honors Exchange (NYCHE)
Hear from Ekaterina Kagan, Associate Director of Honors Program, discuss how NYCHE celebrates the diversity of inquiry and the pursuit of intellectual passions that define the honors experience.

Getting Started in Undergraduate Research

The Center guides undergraduate Russell Sage students from all disciplines and years through the research process to develop curiosity, knowledge, and confidence in communicating their work.

Be.

Be curious, and discuss an interesting topic, question, or idea with your professors. Explore an opportunity.

Know.

Know the current research on the topic and explore what interests you further. 

Do.

Do your part. Extend the current research. Investigate, create, and share your work.

Research Opportunities

From showcasing your work at Undergraduate Research Day to presenting alongside Honors students from across the Capital Region at New York Capital Honors Exchange (NYCHE), the Center provides opportunities to share your scholarship and connect with the academic community.

  • National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
    NCUR is a national showcase of undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative work. Students from colleges and universities across the country come together to present their work, exchange ideas, and celebrate undergraduate achievement. Presenting at NCUR gives students the opportunity to share their work with a national audience while building confidence, professional skills, and connections with fellow researchers.
  • View Past NCUR Participants
  • The Northeast Modern Language Association (NeMLA)
    NeMLA Annual Convention offers students an opportunity to bring their research beyond the classroom and into a professional academic community. Students can present research related to literature, language, culture, film, history, and other areas of the humanities while connecting with scholars and students from across the country. It is an excellent opportunity to gain experience presenting research and to see yourself as part of a larger academic conversation.
  • National Collegiate Honors Council Conference
    The NCHC Annual Conference is a yearly celebration and national showcase of the accomplishments of the collegiate honors community. It also serves as a means for both honors students and professionals to gain valuable knowledge, connections, and resources to enhance their honors experience. 
  • Student Journal Opportunities

“I would tell her to go for it and embrace who you are. Follow the path you were made for. Start your research. It is worth it. As for giving another Sage student advice, if they are thinking about taking that first step, do not be afraid to express yourself, enjoy it, and meet new people.”

When asked ‘If you could go back to your first year and give yourself one piece of advice about getting involved in research, what would you tell yourself? What would you say to another Sage student who might be thinking about taking that first step?’

Rebecca Schnefel ’29
Childhood Education Bachelor’s

Undergraduate Student Researchers in the News

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a process of asking questions, exploring ideas, gathering information, and discovering something new. It can happen in any field: from science and health to humanities, social sciences, education, etc.

Students in any major or program can research a topic related to their studies or interests.

Reach out to Ekaterina Kagan, Professor of Spanish, Co-Director of the Honors Program at kagane@sage.edu or Sara Schuman, Director, Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research at schums2@sage.edu.

Students at any point in their college journey can participate in undergraduate research. You don’t need previous research experience, and you don’t need to be a senior.

  • Now is the time to develop a research project! 
  • Research can happen in a lab, classroom, library, community, studio, anywhere
  • Research can begin as early as your first semester of college.
  • A class project, an interesting question, or a conversation with a professor can be the beginning. 
  • Plan ahead so that you can share your research at Undergraduate Research Day at the end of the spring term.
  • Explore topics you care about
  • Build your confidence
  • Think critically and solve problems
  • Work closely with faculty who share your interests
  • Make connections with other students and professionals
  • Present your work at conferences and events
  • Prepare for graduate school, careers
  • Participate in Undergraduate Research Day    
  • Talk with your faculty about presenting at a conference.
  • Review opportunities here.
  • Learn how AI can support the research process
  • Evaluate information and AI-generated results critically
  • Learn about IRB, Citation, and ethical use of AI
  • Check sources and verify information

Got Questions? Contact Us!

We are happy to help you get involved in undergraduate research.

For general research inquiries or questions about getting started, please contact Ekaterina Kagan. For Undergraduate Research Day inquiries, please contact Sara Schuman.

Ekaterina Kagan
Ekaterina Kagan, Ph.D.
Professor of Spanish, Co-Director of the Honors Program
kagane@sage.edu
518-244-2238
Sara Schuman
Sara Schuman
Director of the Kathleen A. Donnelly Center for Undergraduate Research, General Education Core Coordinator
schums2@sage.edu
518-244-6890